A boating company that’s been on the Norfolk Broads for more than 120 years is launching a "floating B&B" experience to keep the business running though winter.
Broom Boats, based in Brundall, is introducing the initiative which will let guests enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping on the water, plus home-cooked food in the morning.
The new set-up will see the firm’s holiday cruisers moored at the White Heron pub - which the company bought last year – with breakfast served there each morning.
Holiday and commercial director Ryan Day said the new venture would allow them to make use of the boats during the off-season, rather than putting them into storage.
He said: "After what can only be described as a difficult year, we have been looking at how we can offer something new and exciting, diversifying our products to create new guest experiences.
“Usually, the boats just sit there in winter, but this is going to allow us to keep running the business all year round, which will obviously be a big boost.”
Established in 1898, the boat company is no stranger to reinventing itself.
Originally launched as a boat maker “for gentlemen”, it started hiring out its fleet to holidaymakers in 1912.
In recent years the business has added myriad modern luxuries to its boats – including WiFi, dishwashers, and even Netflix.
And last year the company added a whole new dimension to the business by purchasing the pub formerly known as The Yare and renaming it The White Heron.
Despite tricky circumstances, Mr Day said things were going well.
“Every pub in the country faces the same challenges – a decrease in customers with disposable income, the cost of everything from beer to food to staffing going up.
“We’re a community pub so our priority has been to balance things the right way.
“We stock a range of beers – not just the expensive stuff – and keep our menu affordable.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here