Harden's survey result
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”.
Summary
The “gorgeous setting by the river” is one perfect ingredient for a “romantic lunch” in the heart of north Oxford at this veteran fixture – a working boathouse, with punts gliding past on the Cherwell – and its “super wine list” is another. The “mainly good” food and “friendly service” also make a contribution, if sometimes in a supporting role.
Summary
The “gorgeous setting by the river” is one perfect ingredient for a “romantic lunch” in the heart of north Oxford at this veteran fixture – a working boathouse, with punts gliding past on the Cherwell – and its “super wine list” is another. The “mainly good” food and “friendly service” also make a contribution, if sometimes in a supporting role.
Summary
A legend for its “wonderful wine list” since the 1960s – this “delightful and unique” north Oxford venue is “a reliable old favourite” set in a working boathouse on a tributary of the Thames – so you can work up an appetite with an afternoon of punting. The solidly rated food doesn’t aim to set the world on fire, but is “good value and well-cooked – something that is quite hard to find in this overpriced city”. Top Tip: “The occasional set dinners with chosen wines are a highlight”.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Cherwell Boathouse?
Owner's description
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £25.00 | £31.25 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £9.10 | £23.10 | £6.00 | £6.25 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.75 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We had a very average meal here, the service was not anything to write home about... however a lovely location right on the water watching those come and go and the odd person going overboard on their rowing boats. I have had worse meals... but prefer better"
"Great Valentines Day tasting menu with wine pairings. Imaginative food."
Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
