Boat Shack Cafe in County Durham

Lovely place , changed abit over the years we had coffees , a milk shake and cakes was lovely place to sit and chat with my family. It has to be said the lass that severed us was lovely and very friendly ! her name was ash 😊 Its a place to visit!

Very expensive. £6 for two small coffees from a machine which wasn’t very nice so we ended up binning them. The staff were friendly but I doubt I’d return .

Friendly staff, good food, reasonable prices, even helped me out jump starting my car. Will definitely go back again..

Stopped off for lunch at the Boat Shack. Excellent service, good food, reasonably priced and pleasant surroundings.

We visited after a year absence and were surprised that car parking machines have been installed by the cafe themselves. So, if you want coffee and a cake, add an extra £1.50 to the already expensive cost. Our coffee came in paper cups and our muffins came in plastic tubs. I expected better! On the plus side, the staff seemed friendly and helpful but that doesn’t make me want to revisit.

What a find! Tucked away in amazing scenery with places to eat and drink to let you take in the view over the reservoir . We called in here on a ride out on the motorbikes and will definitely be back. Couple of great bacon/sausage sarnies, a nice coffee and excellent friendly service. What more could you want? The staff seemed lovely and it looked like a great place for a local short break with pods, teepees and a bar! Always amazed that people still seem to find something to whinge about. Cracking!

It’s been a while since we last visited due to covid but unfortunately it’s not the same. Everything is in takeaway cups and boxes. My hubby ordered a chicken Yorkshire pudding wrap which was smaller than it used to be and not the best trying to eat it with plastic cutlery out of a small cardboard box. I ordered a toastie which just came still in its toastie bag no plate of any kind not very appealing at all. Our grandchildren ordered milkshakes and they have changed too a chocolate overload used to come with chunks of chocolate bars and wafer tubes and crushed chocolate down the side of the holder but all it had was some chocolate sauce on it and a flake not really what you would call a chocolate overload and obviously the children noticed the difference from the last time we visited. I can understand them using takeaway holders when restrictions first eased but most cafes now have reverted back to normal using plates and proper cutlery and it really does make a difference. I’m sorry but we were all very disappointed and probably wouldn’t visit again which is a shame considering what it used to be like.

Very poor milkshakes. Squirty cream filled cups. !!! The price is astronomical and very cheap tasting it any flavour at all. The bubblegum flavour tasted of mouthwash and the chocolate was like a very cheap ice cream topping. £36 later - the manager refused a discount or refund even though I offered to pay to cover the cost. The manager was very rude also. Will not be recommending this place and I hope that others won’t be sucked into the photos of what looks like a delicious treat. Save your money and buy a tub of nesquik. !

We took lunch here this week and were impressed. We took a grilled sandwich and salad, the kids took chicken. Amazing service. We also took tea and cake once back from the stunning walk around Derwent Reservoir and this was great too. Amazing views, good staff and a laid back atmosphere.

Milkshakes are poor compared to what they used to be like but the price remains the same. They put loads of squirty cream at the top as a filler, no doubt cheaper than milk/ice cream. The milk shake comes in a plastic cup, a tiny plastic spoon and a paper straw which doesn't last long enough to do the job. Use to love the big glasses they used to use. The food I found to be overpriced. You've got to pay to park at the café which is a bit poor. There is other free parking a short walk away. I always seem to pickup on a bad vibe, the owners lack a friendly personality. It never used to be like that but during my more recent visits it feels like that. Also don't go alone if you've have dogs as you can't take them into the café to order.

Milkshake making staff were lovely! Very helpful and friendly! As were the staff on the tills. However it seems some of the staff would rather sit outside near the pods not helping on their phones ignoring customers. Such a shame considering the delightful young staff out front.

Visited with a group of friends - great location overlooking the reservoir. Good cafe and a selection of small shops

After waiting to get bc to the boat shack, and a long walk around the reservoir our food and drink choice was DISAPPOINTING to say the least. Our Latte was 3/4 cup and hot beef butty was one slice of pre-cooked beef folded into a floured bun (cold) with a tablespoon of gravy £16 all in. Got home first thing we did was stick the kettle on! And have something else to eat. Could have taken our own if we had realised what they were serving at a fraction of the cost!!

Ordered bacon burger and chips, 2 hot dogs, 1 coffee, 1 bottle of water. Could not hear waitress because of covid mask. Paid by contactless, no receipt. Credit card bill shows £29 !!! Onions on hot dogs were raw to cap it all.

Today we woke expecting to see Santa at Dobbies to find further to new restrictions in place they had cancelled. So as not to upset a small boy we remained undeterred and set off to the Boat shack early in the vain hope there might be space. However even though it was meant to start at 11:00am and was fully booked the staff were "Amazing" and said if we waited half an hour and they would fit us in beforehand. I cannot put into words how grateful we were and how super great Santa was...Thanks sooo much. Have a great Christmas and we will certainly be back in the future.

A reasonable place doing their best in difficult times. Food selection is average but the milkshakes are to die for. Rather disappointed to be charged to park (£1.50 for 2 hours) in order to dine and no rebate if eating in. Food is a little pricey but the portions are reasonable. The £9.50 “dirty” hotdog and chips more than enough to keep you full.

I'll be honest. My dirty dog meal wasn't up to much but the milkshakes were scrumptious. However I've come here in order to commend the service of the lad in the TP tent. His manner was absolutely class, so polite and friendly without being overbearing. His service has caused us to want to revisit in the future.

Visited with my sons whilst staying on the campsite. They both had milkshakes and also a burger combo and cheesy fries. Both were in heaven, my youngest said the milkshake was the nicest thing he’d ever tasted and that “they have perfected cheesy chips”. It was pouring down with rain but the indoor seating was cosy and the views were still great. The service from the young man was the perfect example of how to deal with customers (sorry I didn’t get your name!). We will definitely return.

Visited for the first time today & we loved it. We went to the reservoir first then drove round to the Boat Shack. Well organised social distancing & a porta-loo available (if required).Me & my son had the milk shakes which were amazing, my partner just had a can of Fanta & wished he’d got a shake too so we’ll definitely have to have a return visit. We didn’t eat there but there seemed to be quite a bit to choose from

The views front the Boat shack are beautiful the place is nice and tidy and the staff made us feel welcome!! We had to try the famous milkshakes which where very good!! We will return when the cafe is open again properly!!

Visited yesterday for the first time (also being our first family day out since lockdown) and we had such an amazing day. Social distancing was well respected. The view and location is breathtaking and there’s plenty to see and do nearby. We ordered some hot food, there was a wait on food but this was expected as it was an extremely busy day, the live singer was a great addition to the day who sang some all time favourites, we walked around the reservoir and then returned again for milkshakes which were what I can only describe as ‘happiness’. Most importantly, a huge well done and thank you to all of the staff including management, who dealt with the busyness and long waits amazingly, they were always smiling and helpful and even walked around to check we were happy. Thank you for an unforgettable day!

The food was nice enough but expensive for what it was and the shack itself is closed to the public, all eating is outdoors which is fair enough with coronavirus but they tried to say they weren’t allowed to open the toilets which is a load of rubbish. When you have 5 kids with you and cant even use the toilets it’s not worth going. A little further down the road is a play park and little cafe and although they don’t have the milkshakes and hot food they do have toilets that are open. Essential when you’re out and about. Poor rating based on the amenities.

Expensive and no toilets. Food was nice enough but over priced for what it was and very inconvenient that they didn’t even have the toilets available for public use stating “they weren’t allowed”Beaches and other attractions all have their toilets open so unsure who isn’t “allowing it”Wouldn’t go back or recommend.

Visited yesterday with my friend and youngest daughter. I was really looking forward to it as many people rave about it. I can honestly say it was disgusting! I paid £11.50 for a 'burger combo' supposedly with 'loaded fries' the only thing they were loaded with was disappointment. Daughters chips were not even cooked properly. It all went in the bin. Service not good either and very slow. Don't waste your time or money driving all that way and paying a fortune for rubbish food that you have to wait a long time for. You even have to pay to park in their private car park to have the privilege of visiting here.

After reading several reviews about this place, my partner and I decided to call in for some food. We oppted to try the £10.00 burger deal, which consisted of buger, chips and a can of pop. We were very dissapointed with the quality of the food, the chips were stuck together and covered with a plastic type cheese & the burgers were basic with no flavor.At £10.00 per deal it is way over priced, in comparison to other places.Sadly will not be returning.

Great place to eat and what a view food is great and staff are so friendly and the service is spot on milk shakes are to die for

Fantastic food and exceptionally friendly staff. Never disappointed when we visit. Even when busy all the staff are smiling. Thank you for all the hard work.

Visited the boat shack with friends and family. Booked for our party of 12 and so had no problem being seated in what is always a very busy buisness. The majority ordered the yorkshire pudding roasts which we all would definetely recommend. They were fantastic. No complaints about the milkshakes. Delicious. Food and drinks were served promptly. Staff were polite and helpful. Attentive but not intrusive. Excellent value for money.

Absolutely outstanding every time. The food is amazing and the staff are absolutely amazing. Highly recommended.

Stopped here for some food on Sunday and it was amazing, even better than expected. The location itself is absolutely gorgeous being right next to the reservoir and I imagine it would be even more stunning in the summer! The staff were really friendly, the menu is smaller than most but still more than enough and all reasonably priced. We all ordered the Yorkshire wraps which were so so nice, the best ones I’ve had and I’ve had a few! I also had a milkshake which was fabulous, it was huge, delicious and presented well. I can’t wait to visit here again and try the other food and milkshakes, what a great place.

Good location for a cafe especially when walking the full circle around the reservoir. Stopped in for coffee whilst walking. Sadly the coffee was instant from a machine and still cost what you'd pay for proper coffee. The table wasn't too clean either, felt like the place needed a bit of love. Decent overall but could be better.

Visited today for the first time and just WOW family run business and never have I been anywhere that I have actually felt as if I was with family and friends. The cafe and staff was so welcoming I did not want to leave. The food was amazing and views to die for. They have a problem at the minute with parking, so you are asked if you are going for a walk or using the cafe, so please be thoughtful and if walking, park elsewhere then come back to the cafe, this allows people using the cafe immediately to get a parking space. Keep up the good work guys you are doing brilliant xxxx

Lovely friendly location for a relaxed meal with friends and family. Stunning location and views from the cafe are amazing.Visited because of rave reviews from friends and certainly wasn’t disappointed. The quality of the food was rivalled only by its presentation. Already looking forward to my next visit.

We were on a walk at Derwent Reservoir with our dog and - it being a cold, cold, day - called in at the Boat Shack for coffee and cake.The ' back room ' as they call it is where you can take your dogs, perfectly fine and like the rest of the place is fitted out in the ubiquitous pine table and chairs you'd expect.They don't ( or certainly didn't have ) any gluten free options so it was 2 x coffees and 1 x Millionaire Shortbread type slice made with Munchies. it came to a tenner... 3 pounds each for coffees and FOUR POUNDS for the Millionaire shortbread, I guess it's so named as you'd need to be one to afford it. The price was ridiculous but they know they have a captive audience.In summary the drinks and cake were okay, nothing special but certainly perfectly acceptable but given the optimistic prices we'll skip it in future. Poor value for money

Decided to try the new Friday evening menu. Booked on the recommendation of staff for a week in advance to ensure getting a table.Good parking facilities adjacent to the restaurant. We received a warm welcome in a cosy atmosphere. The menu is limited to 4 main choices covering Chicken Beef Fish and a vegetarian option. A good selection of starters were available. Wine prices good but again a bit limited choice. The service and quality of the meal was first rate, unrushed and laid back. All the staff were attentive and pleasant. Prices are reasonable especially for the well prepared meals. Definitely would recommend and will return. Excellent. Many thanks.

Awesome, friendly family run. The food, service and atmosphere is just great. Everything I have eaten there has been knockout. The cakes and treats are something else and you are made to feel right at home.

I have heard a lot of people talking about this place , so we decided to go and see for ourselves.

Everyone must visit this place at least once in their lifetime. Friendly staff, awesome milkshakes, fantastic views and the kids love the animals. Nice little glancing pods available to hire too. Brilliant day put with the kids

Absolutely lovely place the food was amazing and the staff are so helpful and friendly 100% recommended !!!!!

Stunning views, stunning food...fantastic staff..well worth a visit. .and the wife says the wines great.!

This was our 3rd or 4th visit to this cafe attached to Derwent Reservoir and will definitely keep it on our list of places to eat when in the area.

Lovely location and nice milkshakes but the the queues are ridiculous, I know you get queues everywhere but the service was very very slow, staff just talking away to themselves. Wasn't what I was expecting at all, I heard someone in front being told over an hours wait for food when it wasn't even busy! This place could be so much more.

Lunch following a nice walk along the Derwent Reservoir to the dam and back. Pretty busy but managed to get a table outside in the sunshine for the 6 of us plus 3 dogs about 2pm. Decent menu for adults and kids, we went for a mix of cheese scones, burgers, panini's and a kids meal followed by some cakes and shakes.

Just on our way home from a lovely overnight stay in our Campervan at the Boat Shack /Derwent View Campsite. What a find!!!! Lovely clean site with everything we needed or could have wanted!!

After doing the “Bug Hunt” around the Derwent Reservoir, 7 of us called into the new Boat Shack” for a treat. Great service from friendly staff, and reasonable prices too. We will definitely be back!!! We loved feeding the ducks and llamas to 😀

Amazing service, amazing milkshakes and the view is awesome. very friendly and helpful staff. We will be back for more

Don’t live far away but didn’t realise this was here - discovered via Google Maps! First of all need to complement the team; excellent friendly service throughout. The place itself is lovely with a slightly American theme of burgers and shakes etc. with a full bar too. Glamping on site which I’m very tempted to return to!

so we went to derwent reservoir today for a walk and parked at Pow Hill. had a loveley walk to the Dam and back and decided to pop into the cafe which we noticed on the way in to the car park

Expensive crap coffee, out of one of those instant all in one machines, made with artificial milk it seems. Why don’t you buy decent beans, use real milk and get some good barista training. You are missing a trick!

Stopped off at the Boat Shack for a snack after a long walk along the Derwent Reservoir. Nice outdoor sitting area to soak up the incredible view. The service was friendly and impeccable. The latte was very nice but the carrot cake was incredible! Worth going back just for that.

What a welcome stop after a good walk alongside the Derwent Reservoir, plenty of free parking, plus a loyalty box if you want to park nearer to the cafe

We called here for a quick stop for a refreshment. We enjoyed a nice ice cream but look forward to staying in the Moho next time.

Came here for desserts after our Sunday lunch and was not disappointed.

Lovely place, really friendly and helpful staff. Excellent atmosphere and fabulous food. Milkshakes are amazing! Highly recommended 5*

We were recommended to try the milkshakes at the cafe but arrived hungry. Ended up having a late lunch. Food was well prepared and tasty. The milkshake was outstanding!

We had a great time on Sunday, the weather was great, the location was great, the food was great, the staff were............great !!! Definitely recommend the Freak Shakes, the pizza chips and the tacos. We were lucky there was a very good singer on over the Easter holiday who we enjoyed very much. Go ! Go ! Go !

Overpacked cafe with long queues for everything. Only one toilet for over 30 tables. Certainly won't be going back

Good range of meals catering for both children and adults. Fantastic pastries/cakes and those hugely decorated shakes - forget about your waistline - just enjoy.

Went for a drive to Derwent Reservoir and decided to visit the cafe to see what they did. OMG it is our newest bestest place to have lunch. It was very busy but the range of food they did was amazing and reasonable prices. They also sell alcohol. It's a win from me. Shame our sons weren't with us as the freak shakes were out of this world. Highly recommend this place.

The Boat Shack is a wonderful destination beside the Derwent reservoir.

Stumbled on this little gem following a walk round Derwent Reservoir. Inside was very busy & I’m not surprised, the food was amazing, staff chatty & friendly and I can’t wait to come back to try the Yorkshire pudding wrap which was quite clearly a popular choice. We sat outside with the dog & he was fed from the doggy menu while my daughter sampled a delight from the milkshake menu. Highly recommended !!!

Amazing location, great vibe inside, excellent service, really friendly staff and fab food and drinks! Everyone that appreciates all of the above - go visit!! 😁

Great place, friendly staff, attention to detail. Food really good value. Wish I'd known about this place sooner

This was my second visit to the Boat Shack Cafe with my sister, we just had drinks on both occasions but will try food next time as it looked really good, the staff were very friendly and efficient, definitely no bad points that we could see.

Great place and amazing staff really made our weekend. Great food and drink. Dog friendly and kid friendly

Called in today for a Yorkshire pudding wrap and a couple of drinks. The food was excellent, staff are always welcoming and it’s a lovely place to go because of the stunning views also.

We have just returned from the North east Bongo meet after having the most fantastic weekend. The staff went above and beyond to make our weekend special. The food and the legendary milkshakes went down a treat. We all cant wait to return in the not too distant future.

Another weekend staying at Derwent View as part of our Bongo Owners North East Meet, Paul, Marry, Sam and staff can't do enough for you, gorgeous surroundings, food and drinks, milkshakes to die for, they definitely all helped to make our weekend extra special roll on the next one, dog friendly, family friendly, great facilities x

We stayed as a big group of vans, around 20 vans in total, their customer service is top notch, they didn’t serve after 4pm but accommodated us all till late on and keeping the chef back for us, nothing was too much trouble, the place itself is ran like clockwork, the staff were just brilliant and worked their socks off, the food was great, both myself and my 11 year old were impressed, and the hot chocolate...... amazing!!! If anyone had anything negative to say about this place I would be gobsmacked, this is my 3rd stay here and they will be many more, thank you all for making us feel very welcome and all your hard work xx

We stayed at derwentview glamping over the weekend and ate in The Boat Shack 3 times! We weren’t disappointed at all. The food and milkshakes were amazing and the staff so friendly. The service was really quick too, after reading reviews we expected to wait a while. Couldn’t recommend enough and can’t wait to return!

Went today 2 families to see what the milkshakes were like! Fantastic! A meal and artwork all in 1 glass. Bit on the pricey side but great for a treat! All came away happy and will definitely be back.

Although it was busy, the milkshakes were well worth the wait!

visited the boat shack with a party of 10. food was excellent and milkshakes amazing. staff were really friendly and helpful. cant wait to return.

Such a lovely place to go, beautiful food & amazing milkshakes, and lovely staff! would recommend to anyone. Can’t wait for my next visit!

A lovely little cafe, with a friendly atmosphere, The cafe is famous for there Milkshakes, clean toilets-plenty of parking. Eat indoor or outdoor. A nice place to relax after walking along The different walk routes.

Came here after reading such good reviews and was really disappointed.

Called in for a sandwich /snack and coffee we were the only customers in the cafe (4 of us in total) there was three staff standing behind the counter talking between themselves. I asked for bacon sandwiches and the girl at the counter turned to her colleague who pulled an iPhone out of her pocket to check the time to be advised "we don't do breakfast items after 11am" it was 11:08am. Obviously didn't want the trade and as there was a very limited choice for other items we decided to go somewhere else. Handed back menus to girls at counter with noone asking if we wanted anything else or any other acknowledgement, it was as though we were invisible. We popped to another cafe close by and spent just shy of £40 there and we got our bacon sandwich. Can't recommend the cafe but the location and views are nice.

Ideal location but so unorganised, they are unable to manage busy period. A 90 minute wait to get a milkshake is unacceptable. Such a shame.

We stumbled upon this little cafe at the end of a short walk from a picnic site near Derwent. How delightful! Staff were friendly; the resident Ducks approachable; the coffee and tea delicious and the location near the reservoir shore was such a boon. There was a hell of a back-end on show too but can’t elucidate further.

Just got a Camper Van, Had our First Visit to Derwent View at Pow Hill Edmundbyers.

What a great place to visit with the little ones . Famous milkshakes to die for. And wonderful views of the reservoir. Nice walks and posh glamping. Gorgeous food and drinks served . Even Sunday lunches .

We visited recently it was extremely busy to busy for the amount of staff. Children had kids meals but neither of them liked them. Milkshakes looked lovely but we didn’t have time for them after we waited 55 minutes for children’s meals. Would try it again but not in the school holidays were th not many staff.

Perfect location on a sunny day however i wouldn't want to during a busy period... Burger was nice enough but nothing amazing considering there is much better elsewhere for the price. Milkshakes are well worth a try and look amazing but again a bit steeply priced for what they are. Long queues to order food isn't the best look especially for the poor folks sat inside, more staff and a bigger kitchen required!

Visited for the 1st time yesterday. Had a Sunday dinner at a table overlooking the reservoir. Fantastic view. Our chicken dinners were okay but not cheap at £8:95 each. Staff really friendly. There's picnic tables outside and and area of glamping pods opposite. They were selling the last of the lunches at about 1:30pm when we arrived so get there early maybe.

This is a great spot, lovely decor with polite staff. But but but, no coordination and slow because of it.

Very nice and in a great location! Food and service is excellent, will definitely return soon! Campsite is excellent with stunning views all around and good for walks and wildlife!

Great service and food, we had a burger and a chicken burger both served with fries, side salad and coleslaw, will definitely visit again

Came actoss this little gem after walking around the reservoir, we decided on a panini and a milkshake the only thing I can say is WOW the food was absolutely beautiful and the mlkshake to die for, this will definitely be one of our regular places to visit in the near future, staff 10/10 food 10/10 location 10/10 xx

Been here a few times and it just keeps getting better... I love the views and the staff are very attentive to every customer.. fresh food! Great service what’s not to like 5***

first i have to defend the owners of this cafe, by referring to the above reviews, i was actually in the cafe on the day the back room looked liked the pictures above, and it was explained to me, when i walked in that they were very sorry the room was unorganised, but they actually were preparing for a peaky blinders event that night, which I was actually attending, and by the way it was first class. I have first hand experience of the hot chocolate and milk shakes they make and they are the most tasty drinks I have tasted anywhere, They are the most lovely people I have ever met and I'm sure if the reviewer, had went to the effort of explaining there feelings, the owners would have done there utmost to rectify the problems, instead of coming on here and giving nasty reviews, this is a brand new business and does not need awful reviews like this.

After a recommendation i decided to visit this little cafe, and I was not disappointed, from the minute you arrive, you are made to feel so welcome, the views are amazing,the staff so friendly and the food, which was a sunday lunch was not a disappointment. fresh and homemade just how we like it. They were so busy but still had time for a chat and there was a short wait for the lunch but looking at the views who wouldnt mind waiting. will definately be back to sample one of the fabulous looking hot chocolates or milk shakes.

First visit to the boat shack following a recommendation.

The location is stunning and the staff are lovely bit seriously missing the mark. We're sat in the back room that looks like it's used for storage. We waited ages for two bowls of nachos which were tiny the chilli was lovely though you get no sour cream or anything. The cheesy nachos were literallt a bag or doritos with melted cheese on. There was nothing else really left despite it being 230 on a Saturday. The hot chocs looked mazing but tastes of nothing just cheap and watery but at 5.5,0 a go it's not good enough. The staff were so great though such a shame the food and quality were dreadful