The Boat, Berkhamsted — Restaurant in Dacorum

We called ahead on a bright Sunday afternoon to ask if we could book a table. We were advised we could do so for indoors but outside was first come, first served so we opted for a table inside as we were driving up so wanted a guaranteed spot.

When we arrived, we noticed a number of empty tables with parasols in the garden and asked if we could swap to one of these. The woman letting us in advised we couldn't have a table with a parasol as these were tables for six, so our only outside choice was in direct (35°C) sunlight. I wouldn't have had a problem with this but when you have three empty tables with parasols this seems extremely poor customer service - let it be noted that during our 90 min visit, only one of the three free covered tables was taken - by a group of three!! We stayed for our booking as we'd travelled some distance but I have to say it left a sour taste.

It's also worth noticing that The Boat pursues an aggressive table turning policy of 2 hours per booking. Whilst there, two men sharing a table opposite us were asked to vacate having apparently outstayed their welcome. Once again, there were a number of tables both in the garden and outside the pub empty so this seemed a pointless exercise - they actually lost money as one of the men was at the bar about to buy another drink as his friend was told their time was up. The man politely remonstrated, offering to move inside should any new patrons arrive wanting the garden seat but this was declined.

Overall, the food was decent - standard Fullers fare, but given the way the place is managed and the attitude towards customers I saw today I would probably choose an alternative venue in the future. For such an idyllic location, the fact there were so many empty outdoor tables on a warm Sunday suggests that others too are taking their business elsewhere.

I do understand, particularly within the new era of socially distanced drinking there are certain systems which may be introduced to ensure fairness and a good turnover of customers, surely these should be used when the situation is appropriate rather than when the pub is nowhere near capacity. Very...

If other business people want to see how it should be done, they should go for a drink and something to eat here.

You don't need fancy decorations, cheap offers, special events, fancy menu's......just great food and staff just like the ones here.

Return Visit - 13th Aug 2017

We decided to call in here again during our canal walk last Sunday, to see how it looked after the revamp. I was somewhat disappointed.

The London Pride beer that I had did not taste good. Not sure why, it was clear and cool, but maybe it was just one of 'those' pints, or maybe the pipes weren't clean. The Paper Mill in Apsley have always served great pints of Pride, so maybe lessons could be learnt.

It was busy, but we managed to find a table down the far end of the canal front seating area. The access to it was not safe in my eyes. The railing supports protruded into the walkway and I am sure that weary walkers could easily trip over them. Surely the rear seating could be removed, and the tables moved forwards against the railings, having room for more chairs and a clear walkway.....just a thought.

There were dirty glasses and empty bottles, but at least we had a seat after our long walk. The family next to us had ordered food and requested smaller plates. They were told that some would be fetched as they were in short supply and being cleaned. When I was served the barman had to go round the back and find a glass to clean for my wife's drink. When we were sat, the problem was obvious...well to me. Food was being brought out to the tables, but the waiting staff, never cleared the tables before their return journey. We sat at our table for an hour and the previous occupiers glasses/bottles remained there. It did not encourage us to return our glasses back to the bar, as we would do normally.

The place was pleasant enough and in such a beautiful setting. The bar staff were also friendly and attentive.

Could be so...

Called In here today for a drink and saw the fabulous looking sandwiches being brought out so after a long wander around the town and along the canal we decided to return and have lunch.There are no words to describe how utterly disappointed we were!The sandwiches we had seen looked like they were made from lovely fresh bread -ours didn't resemble anything we had seen--ours were made with stale sliced bread! When our plates were taken and we were asked if everything was ok I expressed our disappointment and the lovely young lad went off to report our disappointment. He returned and apologised and offered us a free drink-which we accepted-but no explanation and what made matters even worse was watching all the lovely sandwiches being served after ours! Would be nice to know what happened Beautiful pub and location always love coming here and first time we've...