Licensee of the Bridge Inn & Ferry in Offenham, near Evesham, Alistair Barlow, launched the service on Friday 11 September after investing some £40,000 to revive the historic crossing.
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The project was also supported by around £14,000 in grant funding from Wychavon District Council, as well as backing from the Avon Navigation Trust.
Barlow told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) reinstating the crossing had been one of his ambitions since taking over the riverside pub more than five years ago.
Historically, the pub operated a traditional hand-winch chain ferry, but the crossing has been absent for more than 30 years.
Following years of planning and overcoming what Barlow described as significant red tape, the business instead commissioned an engine-powered vessel capable of carrying up to 10 passengers.
The ferry now operates between the pub, Evesham and Valley Country Park, a retail and leisure destination that attracts around six million visitors a year.
Boosting trade
Barlow said the service would also benefit the local community by reducing the need for car journeys, with visitors previously forced to drive around five miles to access attractions on the opposite side of the river.
“Now they can hop on the ferry and be across in two minutes,” he said.
“It’s better for the environment, encourages people outdoors and is fantastic for the business because it’s bringing more trade to the pub.”
Barlow said the ferry was helping create a unique visitor experience for customers.
“Finding another way to get people to us that’s not using a car is really valuable,” he added.
“They’ve been on a boat, they’ve seen some nature, they’ve heard a bit about the history of the river and the Battle of Evesham, had a lovely roast, then they’ve been able to take the dog for a walk and they’ve had a full day out without a huge expense. Giving people that sort of experience is fantastic.”
Barlow told The MA the investment was expected to increase trade at the Bridge Inn by approximately 30% and would help attract new customers to the destination venue.
He added the project formed part of wider efforts to ensure the pub continued to stand out at a time when operators were facing growing cost pressures.
“[Pubs] have always had to find other ways to reinvent themselves or to be ahead of the curve,” he said.
“But if we’ve got a destination venue people are making the effort to come to, we’ve got to be open every day so they know you’re a reliable offer and give them other reasons to come to your venue as well.”
The ferry operates daily from midday until dusk, subject to river conditions, with crossings starting from £2 and journeys to Valley Country Park and Evesham priced at £5.
“Operating the ferry alone wouldn’t be financially viable, but because it brings people into the pub it makes commercial sense,” Barlow explained.
“If customers use the pub, their return journey is half price. That’s creating an incentive for people to come in for a drink or something to eat.”
The service has already attracted visitors who had not previously used the pub.
“We had a couple who had never used the pub before. They took the ferry, came back for a drink, looked at the menu and ended up staying for food. It’s bringing new customers to the business,” Barlow said.
The venture has also created a full-time ferry operator role, with additional front-of-house and kitchen recruitment planned as trade grows.
Incredible response
“We’ll never recoup the full cost of the boat through ferry fares, but we should be able to cover staffing and insurance costs,” Barlow continued.
“Everything else the ferry brings into the pub is an added bonus.”
Passengers have already spotted kingfishers, herons and even terrapins during trips along the river.
“The social media response has been incredible,” Barlow continued.
“It’s a shame it’s so late in the season, but for something that hasn’t been there for 30 or 40 years, I’m really pleased.”
With the pub’s deeds including rights to operate a bridge, ferry or similar crossing along the stretch of river, which is linked to the Battle of Evesham and was historically known as ‘Dead Mans Aight’, the crossing has restored a piece of local history.
Looking ahead, Barlow plans to assess demand before exploring additional landing points at locations including a nearby hotel, marina and caravan park, alongside the development of a booking app allowing customers to track and pay for journeys.
He added increased trade generated by the ferry would further support future investment at the Bridge, including plans for expanded kitchen facilities and additional accommodation.
