The Lock-Keeper Blog

Celebrating National French Toast Day? Here's our ultimate guide to everything you need to know about this moreish breakfast favourite

This Italian chocolate cake is easy to make and just as easily devoured! Originating from Capri, torta caprese is known for its cocoa and almond flavour.

Know the difference between a Kir and a Kir Royale cocktail? Let us tickle your tastebuds with everything you need to know about the making of the elegant Kir Royale...

Back with another fabulous Thanksgiving treat, Chef Dennis from AskChefDennis.Com shares his Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake Recipe

This festive season, why not sample this delicious French cocktail - aptly named after the country's glamorous capital...

A great choice for show-stopping canapés or a wonderful homemade gift for your loved ones, these gorgeous Gruyère de Comté and poppy seed lollipops are sure to be a festive...

If you find yourself with some extra turkey this Christmas, this super easy Asian turkey salad recipe will be a refreshing way to spruce up your leftovers! 

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Chef Olivia Gibbons from hotel barge Shannon Princess shares her mussels with Guinness recipe.

Learn about some of the traditional Scottish drinks you can taste on your Highlands cruise with our handy guide to some of their lesser-known tipples...

Now working as the chef aboard luxury hotel barge, Anjodi, chef Dave Lawrence shares a special recipe from his time aboard the Spirit of Scotland - an authentic Cullen Skink

From the kitchen of luxury barge hotel, Enchanté, Chef Sylvain Moretto shares his recipe for mini apple tart tatins - a twist on a French culinary classic.

From the galley of the Shannon Princess, chef Olivia Gibbons shares her recipe for a delicious barge-made country butter...

In search of some authentic Italian cooking? Why not try your hand at making La Bella Vita chef Andrea's ricotta capellacci with Parma ham crisps and parmesan - a true...

Chef Hannah Dunleavy from our flagship barge, Renaissance, shares her classic Coq au Vin recipe

Cuisine plays a huge role in our cruises, so here's an introduction to our master chefs, serving an array of world-class delights on board every barge...

Our very own Chef Arnis from La Belle Epoque, shares three of his signature recipes including his popular Beef Bourguignon

To celebrate National French Bread Day in the United States, here's our foolproof Crusty French Bread recipe - best enjoyed straight out of the oven...

Sit back and relax with an indulgent pot of French Chocolate Mousse - easy to prepare, but not as easy to share!

Our very own Chef Andrea from luxury hotel barge La Bella Vita, shares his recipe for a crispy Venetian squid...

Celebrate National Cake Day with a traditional taste of France, using our recipe for golden spongey Madeleines

A wonderfully delectable dessert from the very capable hands on Chef Andrea - and a family recipe to boot!

A quick & easy, salty, sweet Italian treat! Delicious stuff as always, from our go to Italian Chef Andrea

Courtesy of our HR & Accounts Manager Isabelle, we have a delightful French Festive Dessert Recipe for you, to have survived for three generations it must be good!

An innovative Venetian treat of grilled octopus, roasted pumpkin and artichoke.

Tor those of you, who are celebrating this Thursday, allow us to help you out a little in the kitchen with a delicious Sausage Stuffing recipe, courtesy of our very...

This particular recipe has been created by Andrea Chin, the talented Italian chef who prepares wonderful regional Italian cuisine on board La Bella Vita.

The second Saturday of June marks the official celebration of Queen Elizabeth II birthday. It is an ideal occasion on which to bake that most quintessentially English cake, the...

This time of year is when many vegetables are harvested at their best having benefitted from the summer warmth. A great seasonal dish is Ratatouille Nicoise, a popular dish with...

Beef bourguignon is a well-known, traditional French recipe. It is a stew prepared with beef braised in red wine, traditionally red Burgundy, and beef broth, generally flavoured with garlic, onions...

Here’s a recipe for a delicious dessert – Tipsy Laird – a Scottish version of the classic sherry trifle which is often served on special occasions like Christmas or New...

If there is one dish that is immediately identified as being Scottish, it is haggis. Contrary to an old yarn, haggis is not a wild animal indigenous to Scotland.

Feast your eyes on this chocolate Guinness cake recipe recommended by the master chef aboard hotel barge Shannon Princess.

This soup is perfect for Autumn, served piping hot! When you combine several pounds of fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and a fair amount of garlic you know it’s got to...

Christmas is fast approaching, so here is a different recipe for turkey stuffing from one of our barge chefs using some fine ingredients from various regions of France.

Here is a recipe for Cullen Skink, a very tasty soup which is also often served on Burns’ Night. This soup has its roots in Cullen, a small town on...

Here we look at Roquefort, a wonderful blue sheep’s milk cheese, produced in southern France. It is served most often on our hotel barges on the Canal du Midi.