The Duchess Cruises, a luxury floating restaurant and wine bar, has officially launched at Kings Bromley Waterside & Marina near Lichfield, bringing an intimate dining experience to the Trent & Mersey Canal network. The venue, located less than an hour from Birmingham, is the brainchild of Lorraine Thomas, an experienced baker and hospitality professional with over 25 years of customer service expertise.
Exclusive Dining for 12 Guests
Designed to cater for just 12 guests at a time, The Duchess narrowboat offers a more exclusive and refined cruising experience than traditional canal trips. The menu includes brunch, elegant afternoon teas, cocktail and canapé evenings, and private hire events. All food is homemade and hand-crafted by Lorraine, featuring pâtisserie-inspired treats, hand-crafted desserts, and savoury indulgences.
Following a full renovation, the narrowboat has been returned to the water and will be officially unveiled at an opening event in the coming weeks. Lorraine said, “The idea behind The Duchess was to create an experience people genuinely remember - not just somewhere to eat or drink. We wanted it to feel intimate, luxurious and welcoming from the moment people step onboard.”
A Unique Hospitality Venture
Lorraine, who loves catering for people and the tranquility of canal life, said the venture had been a longer and more difficult journey than planned but seeing the vision become a reality is incredibly rewarding. “There’s something magical about being on the water. Life slows down a little and people properly switch off,” she added.
The Duchess Cruises aims to attract couples, friends, and families for birthday parties, baby showers, hen celebrations, business outings, and other unique experiences in Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Lorraine noted, “The launch also reflects growing demand for experience-led hospitality and social occasions, with more people seeking memorable days out rather than traditional nights out.”
Soft Launch and Future Plans
A soft launch event for friends and family will precede the official opening, helping the team fine-tune the experience. Lorraine stated, “We want guests to step onboard and instantly feel excited, comfortable and looked after.” The venture targets those who prefer afternoon events over late-night parties, aligning with current trends in social dining.
