A CANAL-side pub with a full-length narrowboat inside has opened on the new Wichelstowe development.

The first watering hole for the Canalside development, a joint-partnership between developers and Swindon Borough Council, opened its doors to the public yesterday.

Despite yellow weather warnings from the Met Office and sub-zero temperatures the Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe pub still managed to bring in a healthy number of customers for the day.

Swindon Borough Councillor for the Ridgeway Gary Sumner was amazed by the pub’s canal-themed interior and attention to detail, including the canal boat, named the Lady Rose, protruding from the front entrance, and an old lock gate brought down from Manchester used for one of the pedestrian entrances to the car park.

“I had my first meal there last week at the soft opening and I’m going down there today for my birthday,” he said.

“There’s a boat sticking out the front, it’s got booths where you can order all your food and drink on an ipad, and pour yourself a choice of the lagers and ciders, it’s absolutely amazing,” he added.

“They have absolutely pushed the boat out - no pun intended.

“It’s the most unique experience I think I’ve had at the pub for a while.

“When the weather is better you’re literally on the canal. I know it’s going to a success.”

Karl Drew, the general manager of the new pub, told the Adver the snow hadn’t put customers off coming.

“It’s gone really well,” he said, “we’ve had about 40 people in so far, we’ve had a good response from everyone.

“People can self-serve their own beer inside the boat, it’s a little bit of fun.”

The purpose-built canal boat can seat a party of 20 people or can be sectioned off into three separate booths.

The pub, on Peglars Way, Wichelstowe, is the latest of amenities to open for residents new the area, including a Co-operative shop and a Wichelstowe Dental Care.