Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Harden's survey result
Summary
“One of Oxford’s classiest dining establishments” – “the location and atmosphere are hard to beat” at this beautifully situated destination on the banks of the river Cherwell – a working boathouse for punts, which has been in operation for over five decades – and which unsurprisingly is “lovely by the water in summer” and “very cheery” inside too: so “very much a place to head for” for many an occasion. It has long been known for its “deep wine list”, but the straightforward food too “has come a long way in recent years and just seems to get better every time” – “not cheap but well worth it”.
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”.
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Have you eaten at Cherwell Boathouse?
Owner's description
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
