Review: The Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar

On a recent visit to The Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar at De Vere Cotswold Water Park, I was welcome by its unique charm and atmosphere. Their updated menu now includes delightful Italian-inspired dishes alongside the pub classics everyone enjoys.

The restaurant is large and spacious, with decor perfectly in tune with its name – a real boat hangs upside down from the ceiling, which, along with vintage-style wallpaper with fish, sets the tone for a dining experience that feels both rustic and refined. The wooden tables and chairs made me feel like I’d stepped into a captain’s paradise, ready to embark on a delicious journey.

We settled in and made the most of the final sunny days by sitting at their outdoor deck, we luckily didn’t need them, but the area is complete with heat fixtures for when the temperatures cool down. Placing our order at the bar, we choose a starter each: the Calamari and the Beef Brisket Arancini. To accompany them, we picked out a couple of drinks from their cocktail menu – a Pineapple Daiquiri and a Paloma. They arrived quickly and were wonderfully refreshing, a great start to our meal.

The starters didn’t disappoint either. The Calamari was beautifully crispy on the outside with a hot, elastic centre. It was served with a zesty garlic aioli and a wedge of lemon, which added a tasty tang when squeezed over the dish. The Beef Brisket Arancini was presented in a charming mini deep fryer pot, the arancini was well-cooked and paired with a rich horseradish dip.

As the sun continued to shine while we overlooked the beautiful South Cerney lake, our mains were brought over. Served by friendly staff, we received our main dishes of Heritage Tomato & Bocconcini 12-inch Stone-Baked Pizza and the OBH Double Burger. The vegetarian pizza was a fresh, cheesy dish with juicy pieces of heritage tomatoes in shades of red, orange and yellow generously scattered across the base. Melting into the crust were creamy pieces of bocconcini, complementing the tartness of the tomatoes. The burger featured two juicy beef patties separated by melted mozzarella and layered with crispy pancetta that added a savoury crunch. The vibrant tomato relish brought a touch of sweetness with acidity and the chunky chips were golden and fluffy, providing the ideal comforting side.

From the decor to the food presentation, The Old Boathouse makes for a memorable dining experience. It’s a place that combines comfort and style. To visit at lunch, like I did, or enjoy their dinner menu, both with Italian-inspired food, BOOK HERE!