About

Welcome Aboard the SS Brixham Steam – Home of the Chart Room First Class Coffee Lounge

Creating a place to showcase my cherished collection of Ocean Liner memorabilia has always been a lifelong ambition. My journey began in 1970 when I embarked on a career with Cunard, joining the crew of the most iconic ship of its time, the QE2. Over five unforgettable years, I gained invaluable experience in a variety of roles, including commis waiter, bell boy, galley boy, theatre usher, runner in the radio room and bureau de change, assistant steward, and ultimately, First Class Saloon Steward.

Working aboard the QE2 was more than a job—it was a masterclass in hospitality, discipline, and life itself. From perfecting silver service to mastering fire-fighting and lifeboat drills, I learned the skills necessary to meet the highest standards of excellence. Beyond the technical training, my time on this illustrious ship introduced me to countless people from around the globe, helping me refine my social skills and appreciation for human connection—all while serving in one of the most luxurious and famous transatlantic liners of the modern era.

When my time with Cunard came to an end, I returned to my family’s thriving hospitality business. There, I applied everything I had learned aboard the QE2 to ventures ashore, managing hotels, amusement arcades, bingo clubs, casinos, restaurants, banqueting suites, and discotheques, both in the UK and abroad. The late 1980s brought a shift in my career. Armed with a fascination for electronics honed through my work with arcade games, I started a successful business installing intruder alarm systems throughout the Midlands.

However, after a forced retirement due to heart problems, my wife and I relocated to the picturesque town of Brixham in Devon. It was here that my passion for hospitality and Ocean Liner heritage was reignited. What began as a modest venture to buy and sell maritime memorabilia soon evolved into the Brixham Steam Packet Company, a business born from my lifelong love of all things Nauticallia.

The opportunity to purchase a property in the heart of Brixham provided the perfect setting to combine my two great passions: hospitality and the rich history of ocean liners. From this union came the Chart Room First Class Coffee Lounge, an Art Deco-inspired haven echoing the opulent First-Class dining rooms and veranda grills of early 20th-century luxury liners.

Today, with my wife of over 30 years by my side, we proudly operate one of Torbay's most unique and successful venues. Specialising in High Teas, Afternoon Teas, and Devon Cream Teas, the Chart Room has become a peaceful, child-free retreat where guests can enjoy freshly baked cakes, pastries, and a selection of hot and cold savoury dishes. It’s more than just a coffee lounge—it’s an experience that transports visitors to the golden age of ocean travel.

Our venue also serves as a living museum, showcasing an extensive collection of Ocean Liner memorabilia. Visitors can immerse themselves in the elegance of a bygone era while exploring these fascinating exhibits, making the Chart Room a truly one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of Brixham.

The Brixham Steam Packet Co. and Chart Room First Class Coffee Lounge are now proud cornerstones of the local community, blending hospitality, history, and my enduring passion into an unforgettable experience.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!