Meet Charlotte and Jess, founders of Blue River Table
Blue River Table offers a unique boat experience in Falmouth like no other.
Hop aboard Tethra, the beautifully restored Cornish motor launch, and feast on local produce and sharing platters all freshly prepared on board. Whether you want a peaceful breakfast on the river or dinner with friends with the use of their fully licensed bar, Blue River Table will create a perfectly tailored experience just for you. We speak with Charlotte and Jess, founders of Blue River Table about their new exciting venture…
What inspired you to start Blue River Table?
We have both grown up around boats, travelling and working aboard them for most of our lives. We’ve known each other since we were six years old and have always wanted to work together. Especially on something that involved our lifestyle and passion for being on the water! We both love cooking, food and traditional boats. The idea of serving delicious freshly prepared food aboard a beautiful boat, whilst exploring our local area by water, brought all our passions together.
I believe you restored Tethra by yourselves – what did you find most challenging?
We were determined to launch the business this summer, which meant that we had a very tight schedule to get everything done. The boat needed a complete rebuild. From hull planking, new decks and wheelhouse, to fitting a new interior, engine and systems (plus so much more) – there was so much to do. Many decisions were made to create the space and layout that we wanted for the business. It was quite a challenge doing all of this in the time we had. But with many long days and support from our friends and the community, we managed to launch the business this summer.
What is the history of Tethra?
Tethra is a 36 foot traditional Cornish fishing boat. She was originally built in Looe in 1971 by Curtis and Pape to long line for mackerel (possibly even shark) around the local area. She worked up until the late 80s and eventually made her way to Chichester where we came to find her.
What’s your favourite thing about Falmouth’s harbour?
We are very privileged to live and work around one of the most beautiful waterways of the world. We love the diversity of the landscape, as well as the boats in Falmouth and the surrounding areas. With Falmouth’s rich maritime history, it’s nice to feel a part of that whilst working with Tethra.
What’s your favourite memorable dining experience?
Charlotte: Whist sailing to the Caribbean, we had had Christmas dinner in the mid-Atlantic surrounded by nothing but ocean. It was definitely an experience I will always remember.
Jess: My best dining experiences have always been when travelling and going somewhere new. It’s been a way to experience the culture, the different recipes and flavours.
What kind of food can we expect on board Tethra?
You can expect our chestnut banquet table piled high with a feast of local produce and sharing platters – all freshly prepared on board. As we try and use local ingredients where possible our menus may vary seasonally. Expect goodies such as local seafood (the marinated whole baked fish with a salsa verde is one of our favourites), fresh salads depending on what’s in season, baked savoury tarts with varying toppings, homemade dips and always something sweet to finish.
What is your favourite Cornish delicacy?
I’m not sure if we could pick just one! We love Cornish cheeses, all the fresh seafood, and as we drink a lot of it, definitely the coffee.
Where do you get your inspiration for your food offering?
We take inspiration from much of the travelling we have done combined with using local ingredients. We include dishes that will work well with the shared platter dining experience: fresh and colourful with a Mediterranean influence.
Do you cater to all foodie lovers out there? (for example, vegans, vegetarians, allergy-prone)
We are flexible with our menus. We like to chat with our customers, so the best thing to do would be to give us a ring and we can discuss options.
And finally, what’s your favourite ‘off-the-beaten-track’ place to take your guests to?
We are spoilt for choice here! One of our best-loved spots is going up the Truro river…it’s always so calm and peaceful. As you follow the river up you can really take in the local landscape. There’s so many options to stop and anchor and with its lush tree lined banks, Ruin Creek is one of our favourite places to stop for dinner.
