Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Harden's survey result
Summary
With its “idyllic setting on banks of river Cherwell, with trees and ducks and peace and quiet”, this restaurant in a working boathouse for punts is a true Oxford institution after 55 years in operation. By all accounts, “the food is a little hit-and-miss” – “but the wine list is great, with knowledgeable serving staff”. It’s at its best on a “sunny summer’s day” – but if weather forces everyone to squeeze inside, “it can be very noisy”.
Summary
“A table by the river on a summer day is idyllic” at this magical Oxford institution, where “lovely food is served in a romantic setting alongside the River Cherwell in a location where punts are still built and operated”. Run by two generations of the Verdin family for the past 55 years, it invariably has “great staff and a nice ambience” – although “food is not the main objective, but it’s still very good – we tend to visit for the wine-tasting nights” (the list is very good here).
Summary
“An idyllic setting on the River Cherwell” – “right on the water, watching comings and goings and the odd person going overboard on their rowing boats” – guarantees a memorable occasion at this “beautiful Oxford institution”, incorporated into a boathouse (run by the Verdin family since 1968). The food has always risked playing second fiddle here, and even though fans praise its “simple but perfect cooking”, there were a number of “very average” reports this year (“I have had worse, but prefer better”) or gripes about an excessive level of pricing. Some compensation can be found in “the best wine list in Oxford”… or “you can always hire a punt”.
Summary
“Casual in appearance, precise in cooking, enthusiastic in service – what a relief to find that despite everything, the Boathouse remains itself!” An Oxford institution and still in operation as a punt-hire business, this unusual venue has been owned and run since 1968 by the Verdin family, who get the best out of its “lovely setting by the river on a fairy-lit terrace”. It’s also known for its “great wine list, with lots of affordable options”.
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Have you eaten at Cherwell Boathouse?
Owner's description
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.75 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Oxford’s classiest dining establishment has come a long way in recent years and just seems to get better every time. The food always impresses, the wine list is deep and the location/ atmosphere is hard to beat. Not cheap but well worth it. "
Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑8:45 pm |
