Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant in Oxford

We were served by strange, unfriendly, rattled staff who seemed intent on being miserable, athletically removing and replacing cutlery, reprimanding us and serving oddly delicious, yet tough Sunday roast. No matter, our trip to Oxford was thoroughly enjoyable but this place was a big disappointment.

We live in London, but our daughter is at university in Oxford so we drove up to see her and decided to eat here for a Sunday roast. Restuarant and views are lovely and the food is a good standard, but I wouldn't say excellent. The staff are great and the atmosphere also very good however when it comes to the price, we found it quite astonishing. Coming from London, I expect prices to be high but it cost over £200 for three of us to eat a meal and only one of us had a Sunday roast. The other two had gnocchi and cod. If they got their prices right i'd go back but at the current rates charged unfortunately I wont be going back.

Fabulous. Lovely friendly staff, especially the manager who was lively and informative. The food was very good all round, so pleased I could get a gluten free waffle which was yummy. Thank you to the manager and his lads singing a rousing happy birthday (all in tune) to our 95 year old aunt who was thrilled and made her day. We look forward to visiting again soon. Thank very much

From the minute you arrive nothing is too much Customer service second to none Food out of this world Customer service 5* Such a friendly inviting vibe

I'm the singer with a wedding band called The Hound Dogs - we played at Cherwell Boathouse last month and I felt I had to leave a review. All of the staff without exception were incredibly friendly and helpful - Joe even found my earlplugs which I left behind and posted them back to me. The food was also superb. If you're thinking of having a party or wedding at this venue, you can be assured that all your vendors will be at the top of their game as they've been treated with respect and warmth by the staff - and that you and your guests will enjoy the same! I'd add, it's also a beautiful venue by the river and the room looked magical in the evening.

We had a wedding at Cherwell Boathouse last week ( lower boathouse) and we would like to thank the entire team for their magnificent service. They have been absolutely amazing and extremely helpful and supportive in every sense. We would love to especially thank Trish, who looked after us throughout, and Joe who did an amazing job on co-ordinating everything on the day. It was a truly special and unforgettable occasion and our friends and family were very impressed with the venue, organisation and delicious food. Last but not least, was the wonderful chauffeured punt trip we had whilst waiting for our guests to arrive. We would strongly recommend this venue to anyone looking to plan a wedding. Thank you again! S & M

Superb in every way. We really enjoyed our delicious lunch.

Positives: lovely location and ambience, warm and efficient welcome and service. Negatives: food no more than average. The main course (Lamb Henry) was an unbalanced dish: the lamb was tender and well cooked, but being (as normal for shank - although this was not specified on the menu) rather fat, would have required a stronger sauce and rather more vegetables than what we found on the plate (a spoonful of mashed potatoes and few pieces of greens). By then, it was too late to order a side dish. In any case, I believe that a dish should be served complete. The desert (Blueberry Eclair) was ok, but no more than that. Another minor gripe: we were proposed and accepted an aperitif; but on receiving the bill we felt that £14 for a small glass of sparkling rosé was a bit steep. All in all, it wasn't exactly the lovely experience that we expected. Pity. Final note: as always, I fail to understand the meaning of the "discretionary" (but in fact compulsory) 10% service charge; but, at least, in this case it was mentioned on the menu available on the web site, so no complaint here.

Perfect setting overlooking the Cherwell and spent the afternoon eating divine food and wine, watching punts going along the river with varying success. Can’t think of a better place in the summer. Quintessential England. Easily matches / exceeds any top London restaurant experience in my opinion for food,setting and service. When you’ve finished you can hire a punt from the boathouse to round off the afternoon. Must do if you are in Oxford.

A wonderful institution. The restaurant is located near the river, which emphasizes the incredible atmosphere of the restaurant in the evening. Delicious food, the chicken breast is tasty and juicy. Service - pleasant waiters.

What an amazing evening. We had the Italian taster menu which was delicious, paired with lovely wines , and as ever all the staff were warm friendly and welcoming. And such a delight to be seated outside on a warm summer's evening listening to charming Italian music. It was magical. Cherwell remains our favourite restaurant by far.

All good! Nothing else to say. It's just a great place you wouldn't want to miss!

The area is beautiful and reservations are required to get a table on the river The food is very attentive to all requirements

Lovely venue for a quality meal out

Friendly waiters and waitresses who let me stay even after I finished my food to read for a bit. Food was really good as well, with beautiful views of the river.

After a lovely punt up and down the river we enjoyed a wonderful lunch outside on the terrace. Super service, unhurried and very welcoming. We shall return!

This place is quite a long walk from town, in the northern suburbs, but definitely worth the hike. Very quiet and charming just on the side of the canal. l love it when you look at the menu and you are torn because everything sounds delicious, fresh and healthy. And it actually is! And on top elegantly cooked. The friendly French host introduced us to wine pairings and we discovered this rose from Kent, we are now fans of. The eclectic ambience music mix adds to the charm, and makes the atmosphere cozy and comfortable! One of the highlights of the trip

I had quite expectations of visiting this place. They park space is tiny and was full (weekday dinner), had to look for a space outside to park which had restrictions of the amount of hours to park. The place is nice, with good view and option for panting. The main dishes are small, I ordered the lamb option, very tasty. The best dish for me was the Waterloo cheese ordered, well presented and tasty. Coffee was not the highlight, none of us were happy with the coffee after the dessert, opportunity to improve here.

The meal is decent and tastes good with a nice view. we had the longhorn ribeye and the lamb. The dishes are well furnace control.;It is a great place for weddings and family and friends gathering.Keep up the Good Work! If there are more keto friendly menu options available it will be perfect.

What a find! We shared one of three dining spaces, looking out onto the river at families hiring punts, couples enjoying their espresso martini or capuccino. The menu was extensive. We enjoyed the Sunday roast lunch and monkfish curry which were both delicious. There was a large choice of beverages with recommendation if needed. We turned up in our cycling gear expecting a brew and wow! Instead we enjoyed amazing fine dining cuisine, with really friendly and amusing staff and atmosphere. Thank you, we will be back!

Excellent restaurant - the food is delicious & the river setting really memorable & special.

Superb location right on the river so attracts plenty of people, especially on sunny days. It's well spread out as a venue, so you won't be under peoples' feet when you visit. There's a decent range of local beers too. You can also rent out a punt to make your visit even more memorable.

Amazing staff, food and experience!

Lovely restaurant located by the Cherwell punt rental, we enjoyed our Sunday roast after our punt on a sunny day.

Lovely place with great food and service. Had several gluten free options.

A fascinating rather offbeat location by the river, I was there as part of a group booking. Service and food were good. Parking is a problem as most patrons need to park on-street maybe five or ten minutes walk away, which is probably not good if it's raining and your wife is in a long dress. We were lucky, it was warm and dry.

Great place at the river Cherwell.

We stopped by one evening just to sit on the river and enjoy a bottle of Cava. Service was excellent and we were very well looked after. We watched the world go by and enjoyed our evening.

Really excellent food - I cannot recommend it enough. The service and atmosphere are also great and they are happy to accommodate additional requests. I cannot wait to eat here again :)

Beautiful ambience, wonderful staff

The Boathouse is VERY Oxford. A brilliant riverside location with punts, kayaks, ducks and well-heeled diners in abundance. A bit surprised that Inspector Morse did not put in an appearance. Food is delicious and beautifully presented although portions are rather small. Service is fine but a bit over-insistent. My wife and I both had 3 courses with two drinks each and were asked twice if we wanted anything more. Budget for around £50 per person for the full works. Which is not too bad by Oxford standards.

Lovely location on the river and beautiful for an event. I'm giving a low score on service as my wine was cleared away while I was dancing during a wedding celebration!!

Have been here a few times for events. Always had a good time. The location is fantastic.

A delicious meal enjoyed by the whole family. A 6 to 72 age group. The starters were very tasty and the main courses were delicious and beautifully presented. The orange and cranberry separate density glass of juice fascinated and was enjoyed by the 6 yr old. The marinaded/pickled fennel under the sea bream was too strong, the flavour of the fennel was lost unfortunately. Definitely worth a visit and the location could not be better

Incredible place to privet events! The personal is AAA

First time here. Went with my son & his girlfriend who had been before. I had octopus to start and lamb main both of which were excellent. To finish we all shared a cheese board. For me the food was a bit fancier than I would normally choose but I was more than happy with the quantity & quality. At about £50 a head for drinks, 4 starters & mains & a cheese board overall I'd say great value as well.

Lovely location. Over priced food, more art than sustenance. Supercilious waiter

I ended up with food poisoning after eating here.

The staff are fantastic 😊 and the food is out of this world 🌍

We had a lovely meal, location was unique, very welcoming and service was great.

Pleasurable place by a beautiful river with great staff and honest food. For Oxford insiders.

Beautiful venue for a wedding reception on a summers day

Came here again this week to host a couple friend. Had their spring tasting menu with win pairing. Wonderful experience and love the food! A big shout out to the bar manager. Two of us don’t drink alcohol. He made a special mocktail pairing for us to all the dishes and they were wonderful! A wonder dining experience in Oxford. Very creative dishes, super friendly waiters & waitresses and cosy and atmospheric environment ❤️❤️ Came for dinner for 3 on a winter Saturday. Still recommend booking ahead. We booked 2 days ahead - the main restaurant was no longer available for dinner, but observatory was still available. Observatory is in a glass room, but it’s not cold at all, as there’s a radiator for each table. Sometimes we had to turn it off, as it got to a bit too warm. The food was amazing!! Each dish was presented in a visual appealing way and with a creative twist. For example, I was trying to find the coffee mousse among the three objects for a little bit. The taste is amazing! Would recommend adding the sides of broccoli and new potatoes, as the portion is not on a big side. The service was great. We were not sure which wine to take. The waitress was patient to explain the difference and brought some portion for us to taste. The price is fair. We each had a 3-course and a drink. The bill came out as £45 per person. Will surely visit again!

イタリアでもよく聞く話ですが、良いレストランは得てして街の中心部ではなく郊外にあったりするそうです。イタリアもイギリスも、酒気帯び運転の基準が日本より緩いので、車で来てちょっとお酒飲んでも許されるという事情もあるかと。 このレストランもオックスフォードの郊外にあり、目の 前に川が流れていて、雰囲気が良いです。料理もどれも美味しく、「イギリス料理はまずい」という既成概念は当てはまりませんでした。ウェイターさんが飲ませ上手で、ついついビールにワインにグラッパに、飲み過ぎてしまいました。

Everything was well cooked and well presented, but it completely lacked any “wow” factor. Not bland, exactly, because perfectly seasoned. However, it was just “nice” … while being really rather boring. Disappointing. Also, the extra seating area where we ate is pretty unpleasant. Unattractive, shabby, too cold without the individual table heater, too warm overhead with the heater (while feet and legs are still cold).

Had a lovely afternoon by the river. Thank you.

Very good food. Very friendly service. Great wine list with expert advice.

Had the tasting course paired with wine it was delicious well worth the money . The service was excellent it was hubby's birthday they bought out a coffee martini with a candle on it which was lovely. The bread was beautiful each course was full of flavour cannot wait to return when around Oxford again.

Had the tasting course paired with wine it was delicious well worth the money . The service was excellent all staff were welcoming pleasant it was hubby's birthday they bought out a coffee martini with a candle on it which was lovely. The bread was beautiful each course was full of flavour cannot wait to return when around Oxford again. Beautiful views of the river

We were impressed by the quality of the food. Service was also impeccable.

Lovely staff , great restaurant and great food ! Loved the starters, very elegant look and great taste! The main course presentation didn’t look as elegant as the starter but they tasted amazing !

From the moment you step into the serene environment of the Cherwell Boathouse, you're transported into the very heart of Oxford's idyllic charm. Nestled along the picturesque banks of the River Cherwell, this hidden gem offers not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the beauty and tradition of Oxford. The boathouse, with its rich history and quintessentially British setting, presents a perfect blend of nature and gastronomy. Whether you're here to enjoy a leisurely punt along the river or to savor the culinary delights at the restaurant, the Cherwell Boathouse does not merely meet expectations—it exceeds them. Dining at the boathouse is a journey through a menu that celebrates the best of British cuisine, with each dish prepared to perfection using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. The ambiance, with views overlooking the tranquil waters, complements the exquisite food, making every meal a memorable one. What truly sets the Cherwell Boathouse apart is not just its stunning location or the quality of its food, but the warmth and professionalism of its staff. From the moment you arrive, you're treated with a level of hospitality that makes you feel both valued and special. For those looking to immerse themselves in Oxford's tradition, the boathouse also offers punting—a must-do activity that allows you to experience the city from a unique and enchanting perspective. Whether you're a novice or an experienced punter, gliding along the Cherwell is an experience that captures the essence of Oxford. In conclusion, the Cherwell Boathouse is more than just a restaurant or a boating haven—it's a cornerstone of Oxford's cultural and culinary landscape. It stands as a testament to the timeless charm of the city, offering a sanctuary where food, nature, and tradition come together in perfect harmony. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to experience the soul of Oxford, the Cherwell Boathouse is an experience that should not be missed. My visit was on Saturday, 16th March, at 1 pm with a companion was nothing short of remarkable. Do yourself a favor and upon your visit, mention Darren’s recommendation to speak with Arnold. Request that Arnold crafts you a Negroni; the concoction is simply unparalleled. Also, take a moment to view my photograph for a glimpse into this 5-star venue. Without a doubt, highly recommended.

Went with friends on a day when they had an event in the marquee part. They didn’t seem to have extra waiting staff so the ones they did have were running round barely able to cope. And the food was cold. The owners need to decide what they want to do. If this was my first time there I wouldn’t go again. As it is, I hope the experience was a one off.

We had the tasting menu with matching wines. Excellent value and a great opportunity to sample two of the starters and two of the main courses, as well as a cheese course and dessert. Standout highlights were the Skrei Cod and the Guinea Fowl Breast. Great service with cheerful, knowledgeable and very friendly waiters. Highly recommend!

Excellent Saturday night date dinner. Lamb was cooked to perfection. Service perfect.

The Cherwell Boat House provided the perfect setting for our International Women's Day celebration. From succulent cod to tender lamb and tasty sea bass, the cuisine exceeded our expectations. The waiters were attentive and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Our evening was filled with fun, laughter, and delicious cuisine, making it a memorable experience. Highly recommended for any special occasion or casual dining.

Exceptional and beautiful place

It's nice to have a 'go to' place for an enjoyable meal in Oxford. First brought there by friends, I return regularly and have fun introducing others to the Cherwell Boathouse. As one of my fellow diners said this time: this is exactly what going to a restaurant should be about. A wonderful menu (everyone enjoyed the dishes they chose) and the added bonus of charming staff, a great view and good atmosphere.

Impromptu celebration did not disappoint! We discovered that the restaurant was doing a seafood menu for the 29th February, and since this marked 4 years since I proposed to my boyfriend, we thought we would try out this restaurant for the first time. It was fantastic! The first 4 courses went without a hitch. Plates of impeccably constructed seafood; two oysters with Kim chi to start, then a prawn tartare with crustacean emulsion. Both courses paired with very acceptable wines. The next two courses comprised of red mullet with with BBQ brocollini and chimichurri - sensational - and skrei cod with mussels and smoked onion broth - absolutely sublime. Again paired with respectable wines. However the cheese was underwhelming. It was a cheddar served too cold with an unremarkable tomato chutney, which did not even gain a mention on the menu! It was served with a red wine - a bit too thin to do the cheese any justice. The dessert was a lemon baklava - to which I was particularly looking forward. It was delicious. Unfortunately it was paired with a Gerwurstramminer that was just not up to the job. How I longed for a decent Sauternes. The decaf coffee was delicious. The service was very attentive and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Everyone was served together - very slick. I would heartily recommend - can't wait to go again.

Good servings of delicious food. Perhaps a bit pushy with selling the expensive wines.

Lovely little place, went in for a first date for a cup of tea and sat by the water. Glad to find this place, will be returning soon 😊 The service was lovely and friendly, great atmosphere.

Wonderful venue, I have eaten here before and this experience confirms that. It WAS the quietest week of the year, but staff and food always excellent

Fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and impeccable presentation.

Delicious food. Service generally good, if slightly abrupt at times from some of the staff. Would return

Service and atmosphere was good. Lovely setting. Falafel was good but the partridge and roast were not well seasoned. Roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding were old and dry. Gravy was on the watery side. Overall, a bit flat given the price.

As usual a very good meal. Excellent service and very good recommendation of wine to accompany the main course.

Lovely meal here 8th Jan with my wife. We booked a table in the conservatory. Very cold outside but lovely and warm inside. Pre-dinner cocktail with olives, then main & pudding/cheese and a wonderful bottle of Rioja for £45 (good value for a restaurant). My wife had bass and I had guinea fowl. Both delicious and service excellent & attentive. Would recommend!

Can't comment on food as used only for punt hire. Superb stretch of river with things to see/explore both North and South. Endlessly superior to the other more central options.

The experience was good overall. The drinks and service were amazing, but the food was not as good as expected. I was there for a work Christmas dinner and my colleagues have mentioned that the food was better the year before. I hope they improve it for a better experience in the future.

A fantastic meal to celebrate a birthday on a Saturday lunchtime with close family. Great food, helpful staff and excellent drinks menu.

I went the august with my family. The menu is not very comfortable for children and not very opened. I like the arancini for dessert. The location is great and romantic.

Great French modern cusine, quality service, and a lovely atmosphere

Today we were supposed to go punting but the booking company mucked up, this restaurant was nearby and we explained the situation to them to see if they knew about it, but they were independent. They felt sorry for us and even though they were closed they made us a lovely coffee and cup of tea, put on the heaters and made us feel special. They didn’t even charge us, what a wonderful hospitality. I must say the food smelled amazing shame it was too easy to eat! Thanks so so much

Amazing hospitality and fantastic service! They came to our rescue when we had a mix up with our punting trip, and were left in the cold outside. They were very kind, gave us a free tea and coffee, heaters and wouldn't let us pay.

The staff and place are lovely, however the food was very underwhelming. We chose the pigeon as a starter and it was not cooked properly, served with an average poached egg and a cabbage puree, the overall texture was off and it felt like something was missing on the plate (blackberry and sorrel were mentioned on the menu?). The mains were very small, I ordered the partridge breast and it was overcooked and dry. I got the petit fours for dessert and it's the smallest madeleine i've seen in my life, and the chocolate fudge was rock hard. It's a shame because we were really looking forward to it but we left very disappointed (and still hungry).

Perfect location even on a cold autumn lunchtime Excellent food Stunning wine list Superb service Would definitely revisit Highly recommend

This is a great restaurant. The menu is diverse and everything that I tried so far is a hit...

Ordered Plaice ballotine and this is the best Plaice and maybe overall fish I have ever tasted. The starter and dessert were also perfect.

We go here fairly regularly and it's always great. The food is creative with interesting flavour combos and quality ingredients that you'd expect at a significantly more expensive restaurant than it is. Fantastic wine list, great and helpful staff. While it's not cheap, it really is good value for money. It's no more expensive than your typical oxfordshire gastropub, but the food quality is in a different league. For example: in the same day I had lunch at the bear and ragged staff where plaice was ~£22, followed by dinner at the Boathouse where plaice was also ~£22 but so much nicer and more creative.

We go here fairly regularly and it's always great. The food is creative with interesting flavour combos and quality ingredients that you'd expect at a significantly more expensive restaurant than it is. Fantastic wine list, great and helpful staff. While it's not cheap, it really is good value for money. It's no more expensive than your typical oxfordshire gastropub, but the food quality is in a different league. For example: in the same day I had lunch at the bear and ragged staff where plaice was ~£22, followed by dinner at the Boathouse where plaice was also ~£22 but so much nicer and more creative.

Found this restaurant online while staying nearby and took a chance hoping they could accommodate us- the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly and made us feel so welcome despite the fact we hadn’t pre booked. We sat at a lovely table by the window and even though dark was still lovely to look out and see the boats and water. We both had the beef and lentils and it was just delicious- side orders of broccoli and potatoes were huge too! The banoffee pie was the best my husband has had anywhere! The man in charge was hilarious and had us laughing the whole time- the atmosphere was just lovely and laid back and we had a wonderful time. Only wish we were staying in Oxford longer as we could have gone back. Thank you to all the staff for making us so welcome. Highly recommended.

Recently visited the Boathouse for an event. It’s one of the nice places in Oxford with a very good wine list and decent food. On this occasion was not impressed by the main course which was quite ordinary. Service is good Meal for 2 can be easily £120 with a glass of wine ( if you have 3 courses ) Verdict 4/5 because of ordinary main courses Will come and try again someday

An elegant dining experience in pleasant surroundings. Staff were attentive and friendly. The only disappointment was an underwhelming cheese course, more bread and crackers than cheese and not the quality of cheeses I have enjoyed there in the past.

I disagree with some of the comments about small portions. If you want a blowout The Cherwell Boathouse isn’t for you, but if you want very good food offering sensible portion sizes served in a lovely setting with very well-priced wines, you can’t go wrong...

Great location. Nice vibe and excellent food. Wine list is exceptional and well priced. Staff are friendly and attentive. Worth a visit.

Brilliant food and service, clearly a place to go for your big birthdays! Lots of candles being blown out at the end of meals.

We had my wife’s birthday here and it was fantastic!! We were made to feel very welcome and the service was absolutely perfect 10/10.

We had such a fantastic wedding day! Trish and Jonny were so helpful and friendly. The food was delicious and there was so much choice. The venue was great for a wedding, the marquee is lovely and the lower boathouse looked beautiful with all the fairy lights. It was so pretty near the river and we even surprised our guests by arriving on a punt!

Kleines Gasthaus am Cherwell River. Sehr gutes Essen und Parkplatz. Man kann auch Boote ausleihen.

Very good food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Boathouse is beautifully situated by the river and the ambience is excellent. We've been to this excellent restaurant several times and always had a great meal, but we've never been for Sunday lunch before. Now we've been, we will definitely go back - it was excellent. I had: - Leg of lamb (served pink), served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower cheese, roasted red onion, sweet potato purée. - Nutty Caramel, banana cake, yabba dabba doo ice cream Both delicious. Couldn't fault it. Thanks Boathouse!

The Cherwell Boathouse restaurant is beautifully situated by the river and the ambience is excellent. We've been to the restaurant on many occasions and always had a great meal, but we've never been for Sunday lunch before. Now we've been, we will definitely go back...

Good food, good choice for a Sunday roast.

We had our wedding reception here and it was superb. The staff were exceptional - nothing was too much trouble, they knew exactly what they were doing and were incredibly professional and relaxed. Food and drink was great, atmosphere even better. And you can’t beat the setting. Cannot recommend highly enough for an event. Thank you Joe, Trish, Grant and team

Amazing venue and service for our daughters wedding - you all worked so hard to make it so special including punting the happy couple to meet their guests - Thank you Joe & team

It’s such a lovely place to go to eat and thus went for my daughters pre university dinner. The food was quite average, for the price, shame really! Anyway I also suffered for the money! Up three times in the night, I’ll spare the detail!...

Best European cuisine and "Gourmet-like" restaurant in Oxford. All of that with really fair prices and a great service! Sadly, the restaurant was really empty when we dined there on a weekday evening. That really hurt the vibe of the dinner, also since the atmosphere in the restaurant area feels a little cold. The yellow walls and the lighting on the ceiling (which should be more dimmed) does not create a very intimate atmosphere, so its probably nicer to visit the Boathouse during the day for lunch or in the summer. If the restaurant would be full, it would also have just been a more lively experience. Besides, there could be more/proper non-alcoholic cocktail options. Everything else was perfect.

I love going here! It’s an oxford must! However the food was not in the best place last night! Basically all the dishes we got we’re average and I was up Three times during the night with stomach upset! Hence the one star! Shame!

Such a great lunch here. Our waiter Alex was legendary in attending to our every request. Couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. Highly recommend taking a gondola down the canal.

Unfortunately went while two weddings happening, food tasted and looked like something from 1990. Great wine menu, but even when you spend money on a nice bottle of wine, no correct glassware given and not even decanted! Even the waiter said it needed to breath then slapped it in a cheap glass and walked away, not even the cork left to inspect Food unimaginative and old school, staff untrained and cheesy. Amazing view though.