The Story
Originally launched over 11 years ago as 'Cake on The Cut', my business began life aboard my narrowboat (Spirit of Florence) serving homemade tea, cake, coffee, and preserves.
I’ve always had a deep love for the countryside — foraging wild ingredients, sourcing from local farmers, and experimenting in the kitchen to create something truly special from simple, honest produce. Over time (long story short!), that passion evolved into what is now Gangplank Spirits & Preserves.
Since then, I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the UK canal network, crafting and selling handmade preserves and small-batch spirits directly from the boat. Our recipes are inspired by the landscapes we pass through and made using foraged or organically grown ingredients wherever possible. It’s been a journey full of learning, laughter, and incredible people.
As demand grew, so did the business. In 2023, I officially formed the Limited Company with my best friend and son-in-law. Today, you’ll find our products not just on the boat, but at markets and festivals across the country, in our online shop, and now proudly on the shelves of a growing number of stockists.
Sam Keay - Founder
Gangplank LTD
Spirit of Florence
Sam Keay - Founder & Managing Director
Sam Keay - Founder & Managing Director
Sam Keay - Founder & Managing Director
I do mostly all of the tedious admin jobs for the business, as well as being a general dogsbody. I am the primary taster (such a terrible job) making sure everything is bursting with flavour.
I’m a bit of a nerd and love bird watching, country walks - where I usually stumble upon something delicious to take back to the kitchen and experiment with, and messing around with paint and ink. I have lived/still live onboard ‘Spirit of Florence’ for 17 years, which is proof that I’m a little nutty!
Jan Lucas - Head of Production
Sam Keay - Founder & Managing Director
Sam Keay - Founder & Managing Director
Does everything and anything!
My amazing best freind has been truly thrown in the deep end, and is swimming like a fish! A Mum to three incredible children, she loves making things and is a brilliant craftswoman. Jan does whatever I tell her to do, within reason.
We met in Tanzania, whilst working as volunteers many moons ago - where Jan married and remained for five years. She is fluent in Swahili (her English is pretty good too) and she always beats me me at Wordle and Quordle.
Mo Patel - Head of Media
Katie Miller - Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Katie Miller - Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Married to a beautiful woman - my daughter (brownie points!). With over 11 years of film & video production experience, he currently works full-time as a Senior Film Editor for GOAL, and spares any extra time he has for our business.
When he's not working, Mo likes to go for long walks with his wife and their lovable dog Mandela, travel, do yoga, and eat at top restaurants. He’s also a very patient handyman; From fixing my boat steps to building shelves in our unit - he always keeps a cool head.
Katie Miller - Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Katie Miller - Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Katie Miller - Graphic Designer and Illustrator
A fellow boater, friend and a super talented designer, Katie is responsible for all our beautiful labels, logo, and overall branding.
Contact Katie for Design and Illustration here:
