The Boathouse
The Boathouse things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Had a great visit to The Boathouse in Christchurch on a recent family holiday to Highcliffe. We have been passing this restaurant for absolute years, and have never been in and finally decided to visit. The food was great, we had cocktails, crab, chicken skewers, sea bass and pasta. All was lovely. The children had some great looking milkshakes! My only disappointment was that we booked to sit on the sofas on the veranda, which although lovely, was a bit difficult for my parents to bend down and eat, and with us having very noisy children with us... We requested that we be re-seated to one of the many empty benches on the decking by the outside bar. We were told we could, but that only a very small amount of the menu would be available there. I couldn't really understand why, it was literally a few feet away.
JosephJoseph
00
So, beautiful place and fab views, the service was really good and quick and sweet, we got to the restaurant around 20:00 on a Sunday evening so the place was not very busy but still vibrant. Toilet, cutlery, table all was clean and it was a comfortable atmosphere. 5 stars on the service and atmosphere and we even had perfect parking not expensive outside. Food however different story, it came to £35 per person and we ordered: Salad, pizza, sharer plate, sweet potato fries, 2 soups and coffee.. So very very expensive to say the least and it's not like we ordered steak. If the food was absolutely amazing I would have said.. oww well it good food but really and truly it wasn't worth the money, the food was beautifully presented but it wasn't so tasty. It was just ok, not more than that and certainly not worth £35 per person, the chef will do well to recognise the level of food offered, use perhaps more salt in the food a bit more sparkle become at these prices customers should be offered better quality (and taste)
Roni LevyRoni Levy
10
First time here and I have to be honest, the place didn’t seem to live up the hype when it came to the range or even the quality of the food - which was a real shame. The atmosphere was good, but the amount of people that come stumbling past you half drunk because it seems there’s one way from the front of the pub to the back, and that’s to cut through everyone eating. And let’s say it gets tedious after a while. The limited menu and even moreso limited specials board left much to be desired. The food looked really nice as the photos show, but the food was tasteless which was a real shame. They have no decent real ales either, so those that like beer are out of luck. All in all the price for the food and drink didn’t remove the fact that the food is below par. Would I recommend it? Not at the moment, but maybe the burgers or fish and chips might be nice?
Chris C317Chris C317
00
Popped in for breakfast on Bank Holiday Monday, hadn’t booked so well weren’t sure what to expect re. Table availability, we offered to sit anywhere and were, surprisingly, provided with an outdoor table to enjoy the sunshine as long as we were done within an hour as the table was needed… no problem! Very friendly staff, great atmosphere. I had a Full English and my husband had the Vegan alternative, both were very flavoursome, made with great produce and a good portion size to make us full but not overly so. The bacon was the highlight for me and the spinach & avocado for my husband. The only down side was that our coffees, which we ordered straight away, arrived after our food had arrived so we were waiting quite a bit for our caffeine fix, but the coffee was really good.
Jamie Higgs-DeyJamie Higgs-Dey
00
Went here for what was meant to be a nice & relaxing evening dinner on a Saturday night. But was clear to see that the entire of Christrchurch had decended upon Boathouse on a cold saturday in March!? Firstly got greeted by the hostess and asked to remove my hat? Never had an issue wearing casual wear in boathouse before...this is Christchruch! Restaurant was packed to the brim, very noisy and loud. Could hardly hear waitress talking let alone the company at my table. Live music began to play and restaraunt beecame even noisier. Staff were friendly and attentive but overall vibe has changed massively, not what it used to be.. (Review Updated March 2023)
BenBen
00
Bad experience at the boat house outdoor takeaway van. Ordered two Stroganoffs with bread for my partner and myself. Staff seemed polite enough. The meat in the stroganoff was like leather and in large chunks which is never a good thing, this is made even worse when it's served in a takeaway soup pot with a plastic spoon. I assume it was ox cheek, very leathery and gristly. Take a look at the photo and tell me how somebody is supposed to eat a piece of meat like that with a plastic spoon, even a dog would struggle. Bread was pretty stale too 👎🏻
Monkey BoyMonkey Boy
10
Nearby Attractions Of The Boathouse
Christchurch Priory
Norman House
Quomps Splashpark
Christchurch Priory Car Park
Red House Museum and Gardens
Buonissimo Artisan Gelato
Christchurch Library
Hatch Gallery

Christchurch Priory
4.8
(669)Click for details

Norman House
4.5
(563)Click for details

Quomps Splashpark
4.5
(369)Click for details

Christchurch Priory Car Park
4.3
(275)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Boathouse
Arcado Lounge
The Thomas Tripp
Ye Olde George Christchurch
Tuckton Tea Gardens
Meram Kitchen
Kelly's Kitchen
Cuckoos Coffee Bar
Loch & Quay
Pinocchio Restaurant Christchurch
Coast Coffee Co

Arcado Lounge
4.3
(707)Click for details

The Thomas Tripp
4.4
(682)Click for details

Ye Olde George Christchurch
4.2
(721)$$
Click for details

Tuckton Tea Gardens
4.3
(507)$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Quay Rd, Christchurch BH23 1BU, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1202 480033
Call
Website
boathouse.co.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.3K reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
Description
Child-friendly cafe/restaurant with outdoor seating, serving seafood, pizzas and afternoon tea.
attractions: Christchurch Priory, Norman House, Quomps Splashpark, Christchurch Priory Car Park, Red House Museum and Gardens, Buonissimo Artisan Gelato, Christchurch Library, Hatch Gallery, restaurants: Arcado Lounge, The Thomas Tripp, Ye Olde George Christchurch, Tuckton Tea Gardens, Meram Kitchen, Kelly's Kitchen, Cuckoos Coffee Bar, Loch & Quay, Pinocchio Restaurant Christchurch, Coast Coffee Co

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