The charm of "The Old Boathouse" lies in its picturesque location by the canal, offering a potential idyllic dining experience. Unfortunately, that's where the enchantment ends.

On our recent visit, we were greeted with a warning of a delay in food service only upon arrival, despite booking online. What was "a bit of a wait" translated into an agonising hour-long delay, not only for our table but for others around us. The lack of urgency and empathy for guests, including an elderly lady at a neighbouring table who was visibly uncomfortable, was disheartening to witness.

The food, when it finally arrived, was acceptable but underwhelming. The service continued to falter, with our request for something as simple as a spoon turning into a prolonged ordeal. The staff seemed disorganised and unresponsive.

Our previous experience at this gastro pub in May was similarly marked by long waits, though the proprietor at least had the courtesy to waive the cost of drinks. This time, not only were we charged in full, but the owner seemed to avoid facing us, delegating the task of presenting the bill to a younger staff member without any acknowledgment or apology for the inconvenience.

The eerily quiet ambiance on a beautiful sunny evening speaks volumes. The absence of locals might be a telling sign of consistent service issues. We even found ourselves joking about their advertised Christmas dinner, fearing that an order placed today might only be ready by then.

Despite the pleasant venue, the overall experience was marred by poor service and lack of consideration for guests. If you're drawn to the location, be prepared for a potential wait and underwhelming dining experience. As for us, with heavy hearts, we see little reason to return to "The Old Boathouse."