The Samuel Barlow Bar and Restaurant at Alvecote Marina is a unique canalside drinking and dining venue offering panoramic first floor views across Alvecote Marina and the Coventry Canal

We have locally sourced bar food available 7 days a week, balcony overlooking the canal and a marinaside beer garden let alone a constantly revolving choice of real ale. - Come and see for yourself!
Samuel Barlow can be found by bridge 59 of the Coventry Canal on Robeys Lane in Alvecote, near Tamworth, Staffs - here. Call 01827 898 175 for further details.

Samuel Barlow was born in 1847. He was the son of a canal boatman and after marrying in 1867 set himself up as an owner boatman carrying coal from the local mines. Three years later he was able to move to Glascote near Tamworth. Here he was able to acquire larger premises and was in the centre of a developing coalfield. Many of his relations began to work for him and soon there were 10 boats in the fleet carrying coal long distance from the Tamworth pits. In 1890 Samuel Barlow built a new house in Glascote with offices and stabling adjoining. Samuel died suddenly in 1894, leaving his wife and two sons to carry on the business. The coal carrying trade seemed to flourish. Barlows bought up other boats and built a number of day boats for the local trade. The fleet numbered almost fifty boats by 1914 and specialised in contracts requiring regular deliveries of coal. Expansion continued upto the time of the first World War. To fund further development the firm became a limited company in 1916. Samuel Barlow (Tamworth) Ltd had other distant relations as directors as well as some local backers. John Barlow, Samuel's son, was the General Manager. He sold most of his shareholding in 1919 as a result of a disagreement with other directors who were giving business to other companies . Head offices were also moved to the centre of Birmingham. By continuing the policy of buying up used boats and small companies, the business developed steadily. With the building of several day boats, there were almost 70 craft by 1930.

Our ground floor restaurant and function room is available for your use for either a sit down meal or a buffet style event.
Previously we have held many themed parties including Murder Mystery and Casino nights.
For help with arranging such a night we would suggest you visit our party planning partners Purple Orchid Events.
Due to the independant nature of all functions please call for further information or drop in to see us.

Served 12-4pm with a choice of roasts. Parties of 10 or more may request use of a private dining area. Pre-booking on 01827 898 175

A regular selection of real ale is always available. Also available on tap are Carling Extra Cold, Fosters Super Chilled, Stella Artois, Strongbow, Marstons Smooth and Guiness as well as a full range of bottled beers and wines.