The Samuel Barlow Bar and Restaurant at Alvecote Marina is a unique canalside drinking and dining venue at Alvecote Marina on the Coventry Canal

We overlook the canal and have 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.

The village of Alvecote is to be found on Robeys lane off the B5000 between Glascote and Polesworth just 2 miles from the A5/M42 junction. Alvecote Marina can be found where Robeys Lane crosses the canal. The postcode is B78 1AS.

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.