Fish & Eels Pub - Hoddesdonan Historic Stop on the Lee Navigation

Location on the Lee Navigation

The Fish & Eels is situated on the River Lee Navigation at Hoddesdon, a key stretch of waterway that forms part of the wider River Lea system connecting Hertfordshire to London.

The Fish & Eels Pub in Hoddesdon is a well-known and characterful waterside pub located directly on the Lee Navigation. With its long association with the river and surrounding waterways, it has become a popular stop for canal boat users, river cruisers, walkers, and anglers exploring this historic navigation.

Set alongside the water, the pub offers a relaxed and welcoming environment, making it an ideal place to pause during a cruise or enjoy a break from the towpath.

Why the location appeals to boaters:

• Directly adjacent to the navigation
• Easy access from visitor moorings nearby
• Convenient stopping point between Broxbourne and Cheshunt
• Peaceful riverside setting despite being close to town amenities

The Lee Navigation – A Historic Waterway

The Lee Navigation has been an important commercial and transport route since the early 17th century. It was developed to make the River Lea reliably navigable, supporting trade into London and supplying grain, timber, and other goods.

Today, it is primarily used for leisure boating and outdoor recreation, with well-maintained locks, straight reaches, and a steady flow that makes it popular with powered craft and narrowboats alike.

A Pub with Waterside Character

The Fish & Eels has long-standing links to the river, reflected in its name and atmosphere. Traditionally associated with fishing communities and river trade, the pub retains a strong sense of place.

What visitors can expect:

• Traditional pub interior with riverside charm
• Outdoor seating overlooking the water
• A relaxed environment popular with boaters
• A welcoming stop for muddy boots and cruising crews

Popular with Canal Boat Users

For canal and river boat users, the Fish & Eels is a natural stopping point on the Lee Navigation.

Why boaters choose to stop here:

• Close proximity to the towpath and moorings
• Easy access without long walks from the boat
• A social atmosphere shared with fellow waterway users
• Good place to pause during longer cruising days

The pub fits perfectly into a cruising itinerary along the Lee, offering refreshment and rest without leaving the waterway.

Walking, Fishing, and the Local Area

The area around Hoddesdon is popular with:

• Towpath walkers and cyclists
• Anglers making use of the productive waters
• Wildlife watchers spotting waterfowl and riverside birds

The Fish & Eels acts as a social hub for those enjoying the Lee Navigation, whether arriving by boat or on foot.

Why the Fish & Eels Is Worth a Visit

• Waterside pub directly on the Lee Navigation
• Convenient stop for canal boat users
• Historic connection to river life and trade
• Outdoor seating with views of the water
• Easy access from Hoddesdon and nearby moorings

Conclusion

The Fish & Eels Pub in Hoddesdon remains a classic riverside destination on the Lee Navigation. Combining historic character with a prime waterside location, it continues to attract canal boat users, walkers, and locals alike. Whether stopping briefly during a cruise or settling in to enjoy the riverside atmosphere, it is a rewarding and well-placed stop on this historic navigation.