We were part of the treasure hunt too!! So everyone who came to the open day had to come and find our boat :0). We were the letter 'S' for 'Narrow Boat Shop'. We had a nice laminated sign, with a picture of an Ice Cream boat on it. If you can't read the words at the side it said: 'There are many traders on the canal selling a diverse range of products from painted canal ware, crafts, art, cheese, jewellery, herbs, fenders, souvenirs and much more.' 
It's such a shame the weather was so bad really, it spoilt what could have been a very busy and profitable day :0(. But on the more positive side, CART plan to have these open days every couple of months so if you are a trader and due to be heading through, keep your eyes open, you might be able to be part of the next treasure hunt. :0).
Luckily, today it was Sunny :0). Yogi set up shop nice and early and we had already made a couple of sales by lunchtime. We had moved one of our notice boards to the railings opposite the Red Bull Inn Beer Garden (which is right by the lock) in an attempt to drum up a bit of business.
It seemed to work, as I recognised a few of the people from the pub garden walking down to have a look. We even had a visit from Martin, the pubs landlord. He introduced himself and explained he had come down to check us out and have a look for himself.
We have a good range of tea towels and one of them features pubs on the cut and when Yogi checked it had his pub on it. So we gave him the tea towel :0). He offered to pay but I refused saying, I would rather swap it for some ice cream when we went up there later lol
It appeared that this arrangement was most agreeable to both of us :0) (yum)
So, after a very good days trading, stock paced away, dog fed and watching EastFenders we headed up to the pub for dinner.
The sight we were greeted with on entering was brilliant!!!! Our tea towel pinned in pride of place behind the bar with a sign above it saying 'The Shop on the Cut'. Martin spotted us straight away and greeted us with 'Did you have a good day?' We said we had had a very good day, hence our being in the pub ready to spend our days takings! Lol. 'Oh good' he said 'I've been telling everyone where you are and showing them the pub on the tea towel too! '
How brilliant is that!!
We sat down to eat, I had sausage and mash, and Yogi ordered Madras curry. I warned him that that might be a bit hot for him and the land lady, (sorry, we didn't get her name) said not to worry, she would ask for it to be made milder for him. (Brownie point).
The food was brilliant, Yogi said his was splendid! (10 years we've been together, not once has my food been splendid!! Not even crumble and custard gets a splendid!!)
Then it was time for dessert (tea towel payment). OMG! I had the biggest, sickliest, yummiest piece of chocolate cheesecake with ice cream on the side :0). I am ashamed to say, it beat me, I couldn't finish it :0(. But it was delicious!
I have to plug this pub, not for the wonderful landlord and landlady for directing custom our way but
for the quality of the food and the service you get. 11/10 from us it is a lovely pub with a friendly welcoming atmosphere. We are now officially repeat customers because next time we pass, we will be calling in and strongly advise if you are nearby, you do too. I've added a link to Tripadvisor as I am not the only one who thinks highly of The Red Bull
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186378-d2459915-Reviews-Red_Bull-Stoke_on_Trent_Staffordshire_England.html
Am off to add my review after I've put the kettle on :0)
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