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Boat House, Bath

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user reviews of the Boat House, Bath

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

A good sized Banks� pub in a great location on the River Avon just outside of Bath. To make the most of it�s surroundings there is a beer garden off to one side as well as a terrace at the front of the pub, and it�s possible to wander right down to the water.

Inside it�s got a contemporary feel to it and has clearly had a recent refurbishment. It is perhaps lacking much in the way of any real character, but it�s a pleasant enough space and is obviously intended to appeal to families as much as dedicated drinkers. On a recent midweek lunchtime visit there were a couple of mums with their toddlers on the comfy sofa�s in front the fireplace, but fortunately these were well behaved and no trouble at all.

The flooring is all wood, a mixture of parquet and larger, polished dark boards. The main part of the pub offers good views across the river with large windows along one side, and has cream paintwork on the walls with dark wood panelling below. A number of black and white pictures are dotted around, many showing old scenes from the river. Besides the wood panelling on the walls, a number of pillars were clad in pale beige painted wood. There was a slightly odd looking extension jutting out on to the terrace, and this shares a dual aspect fireplace with the main bar. This housed a wood burning stove, and the barman struggled back in with a fresh basket of logs whilst we were there. In one corner is floor to ceiling shelving filled with books, and a few high tables and chairs along one wall. There was a basket full of bags of crisps, and a few jars of nuts on the end of the bar.

Elsewhere is a smaller room having a slightly more formal feel with pale, patterned wallpaper and this too had another fireplace and wood burning stove. The food menu was a mixture of your more traditional pub dishes such as gammon, fish & chips, burgers, etc., as well as several more adventurous dishes. Prices started at around the �8 for mains and went up to about �15 depending on what you had. We chose from the cheaper end of the menu and found food to be decent enough and generous portions. Staff all seemed pleasant and helpful, even noticing that our table was wobbly and wedging some beer mats underneath.

Beers on tap were Rev. James, Skinner�s Best, Butcombe and Gem. Ciders were Stowford Press and Addlestones.
Blackthorn - 2 Feb 2012 18:46
Undergoing a refurb., and due to reopen in time for Summer.
The_Final_Arbiter - 31 Mar 2011 13:15
Food very poor indeed-decor falling to bits-some outside seating was actually dangerous to sit on as it was about to collapse. Only still going because of its lovely riverside location-will not be returning.
hammers101 - 17 Jun 2010 22:31
This pub is such a diappointment and waste of time and money; hair in olives, raw "roasted" garlic and peppers. Waited 40 mins for a cold starter and had to chase it to get served at all. The vegetarian dishes came with no veggies and the waitress explined that as they are veggie they don't need more veggies or something to that effect, whilst explaining to me what a moussaka is a I clearly looked dim! Also there was an offer on which we didn't qualify for as it was only on specific, well hidden meals (on the specials board but not on teh menue (I think - didn;t read the small print)! V expensive too. :((
kirbiest - 27 May 2009 20:22
The Boathouse was built in the eighties and replaced one of my favourite eating places as a young gourmet.
A tatty old caravan that sold the most delicious sausage sandwiches and of course the traditional large mug of strong tea (Albeit a slightly chipped one). Dare I say come back all is forgiven!
The woodwork of the 20+ year construction is now looking very much the worse for wear. A fine sunny day overlooking the river might just compensate for this now sad eyesore. Unfortunately, the interior and the general cleanliness leaves much to be desired. The food just reached an acceptable standard and would have scored a higher mark had it not been for the stickiness of the tables. Parking was very easy but perhaps this is an indication of an indictment by the masses that this is not the cr�me de la cr�me
of Bath pub grub. On the other hand the staff were very pleasant and happy

Drywillie - 21 Aug 2008 22:31
I'd have to say that the pub seems to have improved since the previous reviews were written. A very nice place to sit out by the river on a sunday evening. Brains beer not brilliant but they often have a guest beer as well. Food is nice and the carvery has a good reputation. Shame that parts of the building seem to be collapsing around them - the outside balcony upstairs would make a lovely place to sit and drink if it wasnt barriered off for being unsafe!
pubscouter - 16 Apr 2008 10:50
Well there are no locals because there are no locals- its located next to the Park & Ride, a river and the dual carriageway! Has good food, carvery on sundays but otherwise quite expensive. Apparently almost closed down as they left rotting food in the kitchen for weeks and the health and safety people came round. So for that ewwww factor, 3/10
lg06111985 - 13 Jul 2006 22:18
Yet another faceless chain pub with no music, no atmosphere, no locals and no community spirit. A beautiful location, but spoilt by (No) Brains. Could do better.
MCC - 11 Nov 2005 22:42

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