The Boathouse is a riverside pub and restaurant situated on Newbridge Road in Bath, UK. It offers individually designed guest accommodations, a large raised deck with scenic river views, and a garden leading down to the water. The establishment serves hearty food made from high-quality local ingredients and offers a range of real ales and a carefully selected wine list.
What each source says
- Google 4.1 2,028
- Tripadvisor 3.0 804
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Beautiful Riverside Location The Boathouse boasts a stunning setting on the River Avon, providing picturesque views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas, enhancing the dining experience. It's a great place to relax and watch boats go by.
- Convenient Location near Park & Ride Located near the Newbridge Park & Ride, The Boathouse offers easy access to Bath city center while providing ample parking. This makes it ideal for visitors exploring the area.
- Dog-Friendly Atmosphere The Boathouse welcomes dogs, making it a convenient choice for pet owners. Many reviewers appreciate being able to bring their dogs along to enjoy a meal or drinks.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Many reviewers praise the staff for being welcoming, helpful, and efficient, contributing to a positive and enjoyable visit. They are frequently mentioned for going the extra mile.
- Recently Renovated with a Cozy Atmosphere The recent renovations have created a lovely and comfortable ambiance. The presence of a real fire adds to the cozy atmosphere, making it an inviting place to dine, especially during colder months.
Criticised
- Can be Noisy Some reviewers report that the restaurant can get noisy, especially when crowded with younger people, making it difficult to have a conversation. Soft furnishings are limited, contributing to the noise level.
- Dog-Related Disturbances While dog-friendly, some customers have mentioned issues with barking and uncontrolled dogs. This could disrupt the dining experience for those sensitive to noise or not fond of animals.
- Inconsistent Food Quality Some reviewers have reported issues with the food, including tough meat, unavailable menu items, and long wait times. This inconsistency may lead to a disappointing dining experience.
- Potential for Overcrowding The Boathouse can get overcrowded, especially during peak times like Sunday lunch, which may lead to a less comfortable dining experience. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
- Service Can Be Slow Several reviews mention slow service, particularly when the restaurant is busy. This can lead to extended wait times for food and drinks, impacting overall satisfaction.
The longer read
The Boathouse receives high praise for its scenic location on the River Avon, offering lovely views and a calming atmosphere, especially from the conservatory and outdoor areas. Many reviewers appreciate its proximity to the Newbridge Park & Ride, making it convenient for visiting Bath. The staff is consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and attentive, with several reviewers specifically mentioning individual staff members by name and praising their service. The atmosphere is generally considered cozy and inviting, with some mentioning a real fire adding to the ambiance. The Boathouse is also noted as being dog-friendly, although some reviewers have raised concerns about barking dogs affecting the dining experience. The food receives mixed reviews, with many praising the quality and presentation of dishes, describing it as good, delicious, and well-presented pub fare. Some specific dishes like the Sunday roast, cinnamon cheesecake, and beef shin receive positive mentions. However, some reviewers have reported issues with food availability, long wait times, and occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as tough beef or leathery roast potatoes. A few reviewers have mentioned that the prices for food and drinks are somewhat expensive. Several reviewers have stayed overnight and found the rooms to be clean, comfortable, and well-presented, with nice touches like complimentary refreshments and balconies overlooking the river. Some reviewers noted that some aspects were getting a bit tired. The Boathouse is a popular spot for various occasions, including family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and casual lunches. Its welcoming atmosphere, scenic location, and generally positive service make it a favored choice for many. A few reviewers mentioned that it can get crowded, especially on Sundays. The recent renovation under Hall & Woodhouse is viewed positively, with some reviewers noting a significant improvement in food and service compared to previous ownership. A few reviewers mentioned issues such as dirty tables or payment restrictions (card only), but these appear to be isolated incidents.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1225 482584
- Website
- boathouse-bath.co.uk
| Mon | 8:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 8:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.8 against a median of 4.6 across the 39 places to eat we hold for Bath, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular or recommended dishes at The Boathouse in Bath?
- How would you describe the atmosphere and location of The Boathouse in Bath for diners?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation at The Boathouse, and when are the busiest times to visit?
- Does The Boathouse in Bath offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menu choices?
- Does The Boathouse provide views of the river or outdoor seating for guests to enjoy?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.