A new exhibition has been opened at Foxton Locks, showcasing what it was like to work and live along the canal in the 19th century. The Boilerhouse displays a range of exhibits, including an interactive game where visitors can stoke the boiler to create optimal conditions for the Inclined Plane, an enticing theatre and an app available from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store that brings the boats back to life. (‘Foxton Discovery’ £3.99 in app purchase to unlock the full virtual experience.)
Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions comments: “The development of The BoilerHouse at Foxton Locks has created a major new visitor experience in Leicestershire, providing people with a virtual window into the sights of the Victorian waterways and the unique Inclined Plane boat lift at Foxton.”
All technology from the exhibit was delivered in partnership with Holovis and was designed at the company’s Innovation Campus in Lutterworth. A lot of hard work was put in to transform what was previously the Foxton Canal museum. The Boilerhouse displays similar things in new and innovative ways making it the perfect addition to what was already a fantastic place to visit.
Learn more in an article in the Loughborough Echo here.
If you’re visiting The Boilerhouse, why not pop in to The Foxton Locks Inn for dinner? See our current menu here.
The Boilerhouse at Foxton Locks. Image from goleicestershire.com
Our Christmas menu starts on the 25th November this year, and we also have lots of festive events lined up. You can now also enjoy the picturesque views from our brand new terrace; perfect for a candlelit evening for two, exclusive hire for your private party, or as the setting for our festive entertainment evenings. Offering beautiful winter scenes whilst keeping you cosy, The Terrace is sure to be a popular Christmas venue.
Special event evenings on The Terrace at The Foxton Locks Inn – all include a sit down 3 course menu and a glass of bubbly on arrival…
£25.00 per person
Frank Sinatra Night – Thursday 4th | Thursday 11th
Book a table on The Terrace, sit back and enjoy Leicestershire’s very own Frank Sinatra impersonator up close and personal
Disco Party Night with HFM – Friday 12th (Saturday 20th – sold out!)
Live music on The Terrace – Thursday 18th
THE MENU
Cream of butternut squash soup, sage oil (v)
Potted chicken liver parfait, thyme butter, red currant compote, toasted brioche
* *
Local roast turkey & traditional accompaniments
Wild mushroom & nut roast Wellington, port & rosemary jus (v) Roasted salmon, stewed puy lentils, grain mustard & butter sauce, sautéed potatoes
* *
Christmas pudding, brandy sauce
Chocolate & orange mousse
Any of the above events can be available for exclusive hire for 40 or more guests for corporate bookings.
To make your reservation, email us at info@restaurantfoxtonlocks.co.uk, or call 0116 279 1515
Foxton Locks has been named as one of the ‘30 great spots on the canals’ by The Times newspaper. Foxton Locks, which is on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal, featured in the newspaper’s travel section earlier this month (2nd November).
The locks were singled out for having the country’s largest flight of staircase locks with the Foxton Canal Museum and inclined plane both receiving a mention.
The Foxton Locks Inn was also named by the newspaper and was cited as one of the best places to eat, recommended for its casseroles and pies in particular.
The owner of Foxton Locks Inn, Stephanie Hamblin, was delighted that the area was singled out:
“Foxton Locks really is the perfect location to sit and watch the canal boats pass. The view is beautiful at all times of year, and is truly unique.”
Stephanie was also pleased that the inn was recommended by the newspaper:
“The great summer weather has given us our best year ever. Whilst our food and service definitely brings us regular custom, it is the beauty of the area that draws people to us. We try to build on that by creating a good atmosphere and experience for our customers.”
Foxton Locks Inn’s sister restaurant, The Waterfront at Union Wharf in Market Harborough was also commended by The Times newspaper group earlier in the year when it was praised as a great place to go for Sunday Brunch in The Sunday Times’ list of the Best Places to Live in Britain.
Foxton Locks Inn is situated at the base of the Foxton Locks inclined plane, an historical staircase of locks created to speed up the transportation of goods in the 19th century. Whilst the locks still function, the area is now a popular tourist destination, with Foxton Boat Services providing 25 minute trips to view the remains of the plane.
A great review from Karen who had her 40th birthday party in the Boat House:
I wanted to drop you a line to say thank-you to the Foxton Locks Inn/Old Boathouse team for a fantastic night on Saturday. From start to finish it went like clockwork and lots of the guests complimented the venue. Will and Holly couldn’t have been more helpful and the food was excellent
Book The Boathouse for your own event View More
If you go down to Foxton Locks over August Bank Holiday your sure of a big surprise! Over the weekend 24th of August you can follow the Teddy Trail, giving discounts and offers at the museum, coffee shop, Foxton Locks Inn and on boat trips.
To benefit from this great day out at Foxton Locks just bring your teddy (or similiar favourite cuddly toy).
Offers on the day include;
At The Foxton Locks Inn
Free soft drink for any child with a teddy bear when an accompanying adult buys a drink or meal
At the Coffee Shop
Half price soft scoop ice crea,, for any child with a teddy bear
Boat Trip
Free ride on vagabond for one teddy and child when accompanied by a paying adult
At the museum
Buy one get one free adult ticket, when accompanied by a child with their Teddy
The Foxton Locks Inn is one of two local restaurants that are launching a new hi-tech loyalty programme for their customers this month (June). The scheme, which is free to join, enables card holders to gain savings on food and drinks purchases made on future visits.
Canalside eateries The Foxton Locks Inn at Foxton Locks and the Waterfront Restaurant at Union Wharf in Market Harborough launched the scheme to reward their regular diners as well as to encourage new visitors.
Anyone visiting either establishment can ask for a free loyalty card which enables the holder to an additional £1 for every £10 they spend on food and drinks. Similar in design to a credit card, it is swiped on each visit to earn points which can then be set against their bill on future visits. There is no time limit on spending the reward balance.
Both establishments are run by sisters Stephanie Hamblin and Sandy Tandy. Sandy, who manages The Waterfront, explains that they were looking for a way to thanks their regular diners for their custom and the loyalty card seemed like a great way to do so.
“We have a significant contingent of customers who dine with us regularly, and we felt that offering a loyalty card would enable us to reward them for their valued support,” she comments. “We hope that they will enjoy the substantial savings that the scheme offers. Whilst there are already quite a few reward cards around, we feel that ours is one of the more generous schemes in the area.”
Both The Waterfront, which was recently recommended by The Sunday Times, and Foxton Locks Inn are open seven days a week during the summer months. Both restaurants also have outside seating and waterside views, making them a popular choice when the weather is fine.
