WONDERFUL river views, a building that is steeped in history, and good food and drink all combine to make an intriguing mix at The Boatman on Saltash Waterside.

The pub can certainly be said to be a part of the true, old, town - when most of the activity was directed towards the Water-side, and when the main route into Cornwall ran alongside the river, and so past the 'watering hole' itself.

The current leaseholders at the Boatman (an Inspired Pubs and Taverns inn) are Paul and Marie Ashurst, who have now been behind the bar there for two years come November 2. Paul explained that the pub was built in 1595, and is believed to be about the third oldest building in Saltash, behind Mary Newman's Cottage, and the Church of St Nicholas and St Faith.

A picture adorning the walls of the comfortable, welcoming bar with its warm wooden panels, shows that the pub used to extend across the road, an archway letting the road literally run through it. Although the part of the building nearest the water has now, of course, gone there is still an old blacksmith's shop out the back.

Another change is that the former door is now boarded up - because at very high tides the water used to constantly make an unwanted entrance.

A 'new' door is now in place, but Paul and Marie still have the sandbags at the ready for when an extra high tide is expected, as one was this week.

The Boatman has always been renowned for the quality of food it offers.

Menu

Paul and Marie have taken up that challenge readily, and have also extended the food range - but they have also increased the variety of drinks available as well.

Their menu, which uses local produce as much as possible, includes steaks, fish, vegetarian meals and much more, true traditional home cooking thanks a great deal to Marie herself, and 'specials' as well.

Those popping in for something to eat can tuck into anything from a succulent sandwich to a large three course meal.

There is a lunchtime menu, and an evening one as well - and the pub can also be booked for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries etc.

Marie and Paul offer to provide buffet food to fit their customers' tastes and pockets.

Last week the Boatman hosted a wedding reception - the happy couple sailing up the river there from the Barbican in Plymouth!

The water dominates the area, and therefore the pub - many being drawn there in the summer in order to eat and drink, and just sit and look out over the Tamar.

Marie is a member of the Caradon Pilot Gig Club and the Saltash Rowing Club.

The pub itself offers a Gig Rower's mixed grill, and for every one they sell £1 is donated to the gig club.

On November 14 they have also arranged a monthly quiz night, to raise further money for the gig club, the headquarters of which is very close.

Rowers from both clubs frequently pop in for a beer or two following hard practices on the water, while others taking advantage of the Boatman's food and drink on occasions, and meeting in its friendly atmosphere, are Salt(B)ash, and the Saltash Festival committee of which Marie is a member.

Married

Paul has lived in the area since l982, when he started working at Devonport, while Marie originates from the Isle of Wight.

They married three years ago - after a very successful meeting through a personal ads newspaper column - and between them not only run the pub but have five children, two cats (Tiger and Satin), two dogs (Nelson and Sophie) and a pair of love birds (Coco and Braveheart).

The love birds were a birthday present from Paul to Marie, and happily have their cage in the bar, looking out over the sailing boats and river activity.

As the pub is such an integral part of the Waterside it becomes involved in the many local events staged there, from regatta races to the Winkle Fair.

In fact its tug of war team has won the trophy two years in a row during the Winkle Fair, the silverware kept behind the bar.

New Year's Eve is also a fun time, with customers donning fancy dress and, according to Marie, 'everyone jamming into the bar'.

Since moving into the pub Paul and Marie have opened up a fireplace so that they can provide open fires in the winter.

They have no pool table, and no juke box, factors which their customers appreciate.

Among those relaxing in the bar on Monday lunchtime were Pat and Eddie Barrett, who only live up the road and are regular visitors, during the evenings as well.

Brother

They stressed that Paul and Marie and the staff always make them very welcome, and said they really enjoy the wonderful views, especially in the summer.

Sitting next to them was Les Thacker, and his 11-year-old dog Sam, who are also regulars.

Les crosses the river from Plymouth to drink at the Boatman.

He initially chose the pub because his brother lives the Cornish side of the Tamar, but he now makes his way there because that is where he feels at home.

Sam obviously feels the same way, as she was happy to just lie quietly at Les' feet, enjoying the odd dog biscuit here and there.

The food was much appreciated by Peter and Sheila Hitchcock of Plymouth, and visitors to the area, Ian and Jean Johnston of Wiltshire.

Sheila described the Boatman as being in a 'beautiful setting', and said that the food was extremely good, and that she had never been disappointed in a meal bought there.