Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Harden's survey result
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”.
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.
For 33 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 | £28.50 | £35.75 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £8.90 | £24.80 | £7.25 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.75 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
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‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑8:45 pm |
