Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse in South Oxfordshire

Just had lunch at this bistro, fantastic location on the river, food was fab and the service really friendly. Really enjoyed the whole experience

You may think that by having such a prime spot on the river they could get away with average food, but that isnt the case at all.A real surprise and in the top 3 chips I've ever eaten. Delicious salt beef baguette and chips with a pint. Very reasonabpe too and solid portion sizes.My one small criticism is that the salt beef baguette could have done with a bit more meat in but the bread was so crunchy and sauces so delcious I really didnt mind that much.

Was made to feel extremely unwelcome by the staff. Who told me it was bookings only, only to find out others were seated without bookings. When I spoke to their manager Vlad his explanation was "some people need to understand, when our staff is busy they may just say things in a hurry." I'm a turban, bearded Sikh and feel I was racially discriminated. Extremely disappointed...

Excellent service, good location, the space itself is clean and spacious. Food is ok to good. Would go back as it’s such an easy place where you relax. Staff were on point

Service on arrival was not organised as no outside table was available and we were left to hover until one was free. We did ask for a drink whilst we were waiting but nobody took our order. Once we were seated service was fine and the food was good. It was a shame that 2 ladies sat cradling 2 coffee's on a prime table while families and couples were turned away with no free tables, literally ££££'s walking to accommodate a £5 tab! Glad I'm not the owner. Nice people-watching spot but will try elsewhere in Henley next time.

My wife and I came for a light lunch and a drink on bank holiday Monday. Service was polite and friendly. The set up felt very safe and as we had booked we were able to enjoy a table outside with a view of the river. We ordered a beer and a shandy which arrived promptly. We shared three dishes (Sausage Roll, Hummus and salt beef baguette). All had a different take on a normal dish but personally I thought the hummus was to grainy, the sausage roll lacked seasoning. The salt beet with cabbage was a good combo and the chips were excellent could have done with another sauce though. All in all we got what we came for but nothing outstanding.

Lovely restaurant, we were made to feel very welcome, the lovely owner really helped us and also made our daughter feel at ease with her kindness and communication.Great fresh food, amazing service.We were sat inside but it was such a beautiful day we were given a table outside overlooking the river, just because we asked, such brilliant accommodation!I would definatly recommend & I will visit again, we live an hour away but we will be booking here again ASAP, we had such a lovely day!Kind, happy & welcoming restaurant with the best food in Henley & the best Chef in town - (thx for the reccomendation Alfie!) xx Thank you all at The Bistro at Boathouse xx

Зашли с женой на обед. Заказали столик заранее, чтобы не сидеть на улице.Приветливые и внимательные официантки. Быстро принесли воду и вино.На первое мы выбрали салатик с бурато. На основное рибай стейк и рыбу с овощами. Приготовили все нормально.На десерт мы не удержались от кофе и лимонного торта с сорбетом.

It was great to dine indoors again. The service was excellent and the Halibut was outstanding and cooked perfectly. I had the Mussels that were very plentiful and itn a light tasty sauce. Too many for one so all the table helped me finish .

Visiting Henley on Thames for our first holiday in the UK following the pandemic. This restaurant was a cracking find on TA. Booked direct with the restaurant while they were still only able to offer dining outside so we were unable to see a sample menu but the reviews were good.The staff were excellent and very friendly. The food was of a very high standard, well cooked and served with style. I would have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant to you.

What a pleasure it was to dine here. The menu was not extensive but we assumed this was due to reopening after lockdown. The service was excellent and with a smile . The fish snd chips were plentiful as was the burger. The toilets were cjean, modern and well decorated . We ate indoors but weather permitting we will return and dine outside watching the boats go past . Well done ! Lovely meal

I took my family to the boathouse for dinner during the summer break and everyone was delighted with the food and service. The waitress made a fuss of the children and my son who has a large appetite was not disappointed! My husband had the chicken wings and said they tasted exactly like the delicious food he experienced whilst living in Buffalo- he’s usually difficult to please! I had the steak which was cooked to perfection. Our desserts were amazing and excellent portion sizes enough to share much to the children’s horror! The restaurant had a lovely atmosphere and felt Covid secure. We will certainly be back to try the winter menu

Fantastic evening great food and service,I had the halibut which was light and delicate cooked perfectly, looking forward to dining indoors soon,what’s not to like great welcome and view of the Thames.

Together with my wife and our 8 year old we had an afternoon in Henley and spent a fantastic couple of hours on the decking at Bistro at the Boathouse.From the welcome to the food and service it was a fabulous way to start the weekend.Great Guiness on draft and wonderful food.Highly recommended and will be back again soon

Been many times indoors but lunch on Friday was outside by the river. Wonderful setting for a relaxing lunch. Food and service are always excellent

Great location by the river. Great food. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. Best place we have eaten at in Henley on Thames

The worst coffee and the bistro breakfast bap was extremely disappointing.. crispy over cooked egg is something you don’t expect

For my 70th birthday, I decided I wanted a meal to top all meals. I also wanted to drink some of the many treasures in my cellar. BuUt with COVID, I was not prepared to dine with others. So we organised to have the entire restaurant to ourselves, supply the wine, and have Shaun cook to match the wine. Wow.First the menu:1. Nibbles (on the deck)2. Foi Gras3. Summer truffle agnolotti4. Poached Cornish Plaice5. Duck6. Ile Flottante7. PBJ - with "Mr Lee's Peanut Butter Ice Cream"The wine list was equally as spectacular1. 1975 Bollinger RD - was great on the deck - the year I came to the UK2. 1789 Cama De Lobos madeira - a taste of history - the French Revolution3. 1985 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay4. 1976 Ch Petrus5. 1961 Ch Latour6. 1976 Niersteiner Oelberg TBA Dr A Senfter - purchased from the maker in 19787. 1950 Quinta Do Noval - the year of my birth.The meal and wines were a celebration of my life and travels. Each dish was amazing and amongst the best cooking I've ever experienced. I had a vision when I started to plan this meal. I cannot thank Shaun and Gemma enough for more than living up to even my wildest expectations..TL;DR: the finest meal of my short time on this planet.

Enjoyed a lovely Saturday brunch, wonderful atmosphere and excellent service. Food was delicious. I rather splendid way to kick off the weekend, thank you. I'm only sad I don't live nearer so I can visit more often!

We're heard good things about the food and the setting at the Boathouse, so we were interested to try it when our friends suggested a casual catch up on a Friday lunchtime. As it's not exactly local for us we were looking forward to doing something a bit different in these Covid restricted times. No question that the setting is great, right on the river at the western side of the bridge. But the decor didn't match. Ceiling tiles looked straight out of a 60's office and it was all a little.....dated. However, that doesn't matter if the food's good. It wasn't bad... but it was ordinary at best. Actually, my salmon starter was pretty good but the others agreed that ordinary was the best description. The low point was chips with a burger that were overdone to the point of being inedible, but overall the dreaded 'ordinary' is the best I can do. Not what we expected from a 'celeb' chef. Or maybe Shawn Dickens doesn't live there any more, now that it is 'The Bistro at the Boathouse? Wine was good but way overpriced, even for Henley and service was also OK given Covid rules. So, we had a nice time, but that was thanks to the company and the setting rather than the venue. I wish I could be more positive as our restaurants need all the customers and support they can get, but you need to try much harder than they did at the Boathouse. I'd take a lot of persuading to go back I'm afraid.

A really top class meal from this amazing husband and wife duo. Having taken the huge and brave step to move away from ‘fine dining’ Shaun has found his niche.This is the ‘bistro’ type dining that is so rare these days and done perfectly. A town such as Henley needs this. Great service, good quality food, decent prices. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. The ‘beefeater’ and ‘McDonald’s‘ reviewers really need to take a look at themselves, this is good value hard to beat. It’s beginning to be difficult to get a table, a great sign!! Keep it up team!

Booked in advance of a weekend in Henley because of limited covers everywhere for social distancing.Upon reading the menu we were initially a little deflated. It read as a bit of a pub menu however the food that arrived was elevated to another level. Salmon and Ham hock as starters hake and chips and venison (pie) as mains and a couple of puddings. A great meal and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend a visit.

We had Sunday lunch here last week and I can’t recommend it enough. Their Sunday roasts are as good as I have had anywhere and really good value on top! Shawn Dickins at the boathouse, their previous restaurant on this site was always our favourite place to eat outside of London and I would be lying if I said we were not totally gutted when they changed to a bistro, I now have to admit I am just as happy with this new set up and menu.Finally, This evening we had a takeaway pie(served with mash, kale , red cabbage and to die for gravy) from here and once again we were not disappointed , it was fab and tasted as good at home as if it had been served at the table.Thoroughly recommend both eat in and their takeaways!

Last minute booking after visiting Hughenden and we both really enjoyed our meal at this attractive and clean bistro overlooking the river at Henley, a short walk away from the bridge. The waitress was totally welcoming, charming and efficiency event though sadly I had to say no to the delicious chips and onion rings that accompanied my choice of meal (due to diet reasons). Would make a special trip one day to return here very well prepared food and wide menu choice to cater for all tastes

We are always made to feel welcome at this place which was a Michelin Star wannabe in its previous guise. The food was certainly good enough in our view. The bistro offering is still very good with delicious food with interesting presentation in addition to the more standard fare such as beef burger - which is excellent by the way. Highly recommended.

Had dinner here on a recommendation and we weren’t disappointed. Everything was perfect from service to food to ambience and also the tedious but necessary Covid measures which were well handled. Fish was beautifully fresh & the Venison amazing. We will definitely be back next time we are here. Thank you!

The food was reasonable and the ambience pleasant. However, the cost of drinks was extortionate. £30 for an indifferent bottle of Sauvignon (the cheapest on) the wine list). Brandy £12 per glass. We are not inclined to return.

Firstly i would like to say what a warm and friendly welcome,followed by a fantastic meal,the professionalism and reputation of the Chef and his team really shone through.Thank you Boathouse for a great evening see you again soon.

Meet with girl friends and was disappointed with the food! Firstly we were all looking forward to Toast beef but it was cut off the menu due to the chef not satisfied with the with the quality... which is understandable. Had roast pork which firstly came out cold and then the replacement cane and it was dry and tough as my boot! My friend then ordered a crumble which was soggy and no crunch crumble topping to be seen!!! Made some complaints but gave up complaining as I didn’t want to make a scene. Service was ok but food very inconsistent.

Delicious breakfast at the Boathouse again! So happy the restaurant has been able to adapt in these tough times and I for one will continue to support. The team are alway willing to help and cater for any special requests when possible, food is always perfect. Keep that motivation guys, regardless of those who try to knock you down!! I’ll see you next week to check out your Pies.

The claim made by chef patron that he worked with Raymond Blanc and Thomas Keller, attracted us to this restaurant for a romantic meal. We were welcomed into the restaurant by attentive, friendly and helpful staff. The setting was lovely and intimate. Laying claim to such a grand culinary heritage placed in my mind a certain standard. However, sadly, the menu lacked any soul or depth. The food was nondescript and did not show any culinary ability. We chose the Camembert starter. For mains, my partner had the Asian chicken breast with rice and I had the chicken burger. The food, unfortunately was very ordinary. No flashes of skill or innovation. I hate writing negative reviews but I expected far more. This was basic pub grub done not very well and not deserving of the price tag attached to it. To leave on a positive, the front of house team were wonderful. As we left I could see the two chefs with their heads down working hard in the kitchen.

It was a soggy Tuesday evening and my husband and I decided on a whim due to receiving some dreadful news to get a babysitter and push out into the dreary night for dinner. Thank god we did as from the minute we arrived at the Bistro, our spirits were lifted. The food was incredible, perfectly cooked, delightful tastes and the staff incredibly knowledgeable about the wine that accompanies it. The attention to detail and customer service make you feel fabulous, wonderful and special. What a treat to have not just great food but great service in a setting which just equals perfection. You will not regret.

This place is terrible, visited for Lunch based on the Chef passed history........on arrival the place was dead, here we go.........frozen bread rolls, reheated so they are like saw dust and stale in taste, then the waiter try to tell me that they are freshly baked every morning, who you trying to kid? Starter pea and ham soup, Terrible, tasted not fresh at all, loads of salt and sugar to mask the reheated old soup favour, couldn't even eat it, returned. Main was a breaded pork concoction with a fried egg and butter sauce with green beans, this was the icing on the cake, the chef didn't even cut the fat rind off the pork chop before he/she breaded it, again tasted frozen and not fresh, soggy breading no crunch, taste was just like microwaved food and chewy, normally would expect the fried egg on top of the chop to be runny, it was like a boiled egg rock hard yolk, and the waiter asked if id like it cooked a little more......come on get a grip and understand the food you are serving. I paid in full and gave a tip, I felt sorry for this place, there was no way the man himself was there overseeing this sorry excuse for a restaurant, really sad, won't be returning.

We very much enjoyed a mid-week, evening meal at the Boathouse. There was a friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere notwithstanding the socially distanced tables and we were superbly attended by Vlad and Daniela.The beetroot salad and salmon starters set the scene for the main event. We both chose the pithiver of venison and it did not disappoint! The pastry was absolutely sublime, with the interior packed with meat that was perfectly accompanied by a beautifully rich gravy. The flavourful red cabbage provided a tasty balance to the richness of the meat. Our choice of wine was allowed to breathe and was served at the perfect temperature.The cheese selection was very generous, accompanied by freshly baked crackers and the dark chocolate & raspberry dessert fulfilled it's promise.After three generous courses, we completed our evening with a glass of Armagnac, served over a glass of hot water. Nice touch!Thank you to Shaun and the staff for a memorable evening.

Good early business dinner. Food and service great. I had not been for a while and it was good to see the high standard was maintained. Tables well spaced. Wines by the glass very good. Will have to go more often.

We visited the bistro for a quick lunch before our boat trip. The staff were so polite and friendly, the food and service was amazing. We were only sorry we had to rush for our boat trip!!

Our visit began with a problem with a local car park which Vlad helped resolve. This set the tone for the outstanding service offered by this lovely riverside restaurant. Starters were excellent. The server claimed the chicken wings were "the best"; our son concurs. My heritage tomato and burrata salad was sublime. Mains continued the excellence, with a melt-in-the-mouth piece of brill imaginatively matched with cucumber and haricots and a lovely dish of celeriac risotto. However, the show stealer was the chocolate dessert, served with a creamy sorbet bursting with raspberry flavour.Good choice of wines.Finally, I should commend the Covid precautions, with ample sanitiser, tracing, visors, gloves and masks worn by the staff. A top choice amongst Henley's very good restaurants.

Table booked for 7pm. When we arrived only one other couple dining so we were a little concerned but we needn’t have worried, within 30 minutes another eight tables had been filled.The ambience and atmosphere was excellent. Great service was received together with very well presented and beautifully cooked food. My wife had the hake, which I tasted and have to say very good. I had the chicken followed by crumble desert.

Had dinner on the terrace last night and my only question was why on earth have I left it so long? Food was excellent, we were looked after by Vlad and hos wife who were brilliant hosts. Restrictions respected but didn't feel abnormal, he made us a few too many of his Romanian shots, but we couldn't have felt more looked after. Every aspect exceptional.

We went to Bistro at the Boathouse last night for a family birthday. The meal was so so delicious, we have the most amazing Chicken wings (like no other) and the best steak i have had in years (kicks Goucho A**).The service was impeccable and they were so accommodating and charming. This is a true Henley gem (coming from a Henley local) and is 100% worth a visit. Try and get in early to have a drink on the terrace, watching the world go by, in the most idyllic riverside location. Just go you won’t be disappointed - we can wait to try the breakfast next time. Thank you Bistro, it’s places like yours that should thrive, when normality resumes. Best of Luck.

Perfect place for a lazy weekend brunch while watching the bustling river front. Super kid-friendly, delicious food - and very friendly service - special shout out to Daniella who really looked after us. We’ll be back!

After reviewing the Bistro Boathouse we decided this was a great place to accommodate both adults and children for our anniversary celebration.We were certainly not disappointed, the service by Daniella was excellent, we ate from the set menu, the 12 hour braised beef just melted in your mouth, amazing value 2 courses £19 and 3 courses £23.I am not sure which restaurant the people who previously reviewed negatively ate in but believe me this is an excellent restaurant, with an amazing setting so relaxing by the river. we have booked again already.

I had the most wonderful lunch at this charming bistro today. The staff were friendly and welcoming and Covid restrictions were obviously present, but in no way intrusive. The food was absolutely delicious and very reasonable - £19 for 2 courses. Highly recommended.

We decided to go to Henley from our home in the Cotswolds mainly for a change of scenery. We chose the Boathouse for lunch for it’s location and having looked at the website which described the chef/owners experience and background. Our starter of beetroot and goats cheese other a special dressing was superb and our main course of brill was delicious and imaginative. The staff were extremely friendly and efficient. Our first visit but not our last.

The food and service was what you would expect from McDonald’d. My husband booked this as a surprise for my 40th birthday, I have never had such awful service. I wrote an email to the owner Shaun, and the response I received back was just astonishing. I will not be going back! Maybe my expectations were just to much for this restaurant, I have received better food and customer service at fast food restaurants. AVOID THIS RESTAURANT!!!

The food was no different to the food served in the harvester, the only difference was the boathouse was over priced. The service was extremely poor. I personally think the management need a good shake up. I will not be going back. Waste of money. The staff were rude. I just found the place very unwelcoming.

We had a fantastic family meal (2 adults and an 8 year old) at the Bistro at the Boathouse on 17th August. The staff were very welcoming and looked after us very well. The restaurant felt nicely spread out and safe.The food was amazing! We all had different starters, mains and dessert and could not fault a thing. It was all so tasty and looked very appetising. Highly recommend by us all.

Run of the mill bistroWe used to love the experience when it was a rip class restaurant. We booked knowing it was now pitched as a Bistro but the menu does not match the price and it has lost any feeling of being special.Not going back in a rush - there are better around.

This Bistro has changed from what was an amazing restaurant. Same owner and team but now it is a glorified burger joint. Inflated prices for food that doesn't match the price tag. Service very poor, forgot our drinks order, forgot my step mothers allergies. No finesse in the services and food was bland and VERY disappointing. Save your money and go to Burger King instead.

I was craving some BBQ ribs and must say I had an amazing meal! BBQ sauce is excellent. Ribs are off-the-bone tender. Ordered some burrata salad on the side as well that was delicious! Great food and super friendly staff. Highly recommend this place.

Lovely clean and friendly. During lockdown so we were only able to sit outside but had a salad - delicious and some iced coffees with amazing froth. Loved it here. If only the restaurant had been allowed to open. We will be back.

We’ve had a couple of the takeaway Sunday lunches during lockdown. They were fabulous, very big and varied portions and full of flavour. Good value too, around £20 for two courses. Very easy to order and efficient pick-up arrangements. The packaging meant that they survived a 10+ minute drive home intact and remained at a good temperature. Great that the packaging is recyclable too. Will be visiting the restaurant when things are more normal.

We were 3 couples for a Saturday night dinner .We each had 2 courses with drinks at bar before and food with all dishes fish and meat were very good .Prices are relatively high for quality but ok .Only drawback to otherwise perfect evening was being asked 4 times if we wanted sweet courses after giving us menus ?This we all found unsettling after we told staff it was too soon after main courses had finished and we wanted to rest before deciding.We were left with the impression that staff wanted us to leave so could close up .Price was about 115£ per couple

Had supper with friends last week. Lovely food and good service. Lacking a bit of atmosphere but that wouldn’t put me off in the future.

Wow, we had an absolutely incredible lunch here and came back for breakfast the next morning, which was equally brilliant. Super customer service and a real focus on quality ingredients.... they even bake their own bread which was amazing.....Cant believe the 1 star review above.... are you sure it was this place?!!!! Well done!

Sunday lunch with Storm Dennis raging and the Thames menacingly close. Not many diners, so atmosphere not good - hardly the restaurant's fault!We chose the Sunday roast beef lunch. Starters crab and smoked salmon tasty and had plate appeal. Main course disappointing. Roast potatoes too well roasted, but main problem was the beef. It looked so good, but both of us were unable to cut it or chew it, even with the steak knives we asked for. Yorkshire pudding and other veg's fine. Not a big choice of desserts but the rhubarb crumble was good. Diner at the adjoining table also complained about the beef quality, but his partner who did not take the beef gushed over her meal. Service was excellent. Price was bit of a shock - £100 for 2 which included 2 glasses of Rioja. Worth another visit.

Although a change in format from the fine dining days the food and service remain 5* and far superior to you average Bistro.

This restaurant is so frustrating in the sense that it could be soooo much better with little effort/work/money spent on the interior! Even tho the interior has been recently changed, quite clearly the owners have seen the change as not so important, perhaps they value their food too highly? A little more spend and the interior could be much more atmospheric and more inviting. A little colour and texture really wouldn't cost much, oh and some good lampshades. On the other hand, the food is really really very good! Not much can better it around that's not michelin star. But is it enough? A great shame! We will be going back but perhaps not so frequently.

Some of the dishes were very good but my husbands “salt beef hash” presentation was well below par and the taste even worse. The chicken burger was well received by our adult children but I expect more from this restaurant than a good burger! The igloos on the veranda are a lovely place for a drink

We both enjoyed the first courses, and my husband enjoyed his main course.......but I ordered a Pork schnitzel, having live in Austria and Germany thought that I would have one again, what a disaster. A huge piece of pork, not pounded thin, with a breadcrumb topping, but the pork was so dry i couldn’t eat it.

This was a return visit for us as we wanted a really nice dinner in pleasant surroundings with music but without the dancing to bring in the new decade. There was good contact before the event to check menu requirements and the good thing was there was no asking of "what have you ordered" it just came -simple, but a nice touch. We both enjoyed the selection and will be back again as the food quality is still excellent and the service attentive without being unnecessarily fussy. In our opinion, still the best food in Henley

Some of the best food we have eaten, beautifully cooked and presented and a good menu choice. Nice atmosphere and excellent service. A good mix of traditional and unusual and something for everyone.

This was our first visit and with this chef's pedigree were were expecting much more. We were disappointed at the quality of food, served lukewarm on cold plates.

All 9 of us absolutely loved our New Years day luncheon. Food was absolutely divine, staff were so friendly... nothing was a too much trouble for them. We had three 5 year olds with us and they too were very happy... great kids menu. When the kids got down from the table while the adults had coffee and delicious pud, we didn't feel uncomfortable about letting the children play. This was our first visit as we are not from this area but we absolutely want to return. And we highly recommend the roast dinner... OH MY GOSH!!! Also excellent value for money!! Super walk along the Thames after lunch and a chance for the kids to play at the brilliant kiddies play areas just around the corner. Top-notch... thank you Bistro at The Boathouse!!!

A wonderful lunch of great English classic meals but with that wonderful sprinkling of Shaun Dickens magic. Really reasonably priced for the quality of the food and the restaurant has recently been refurbished and was lovely. They also serve coffees there, so is the perfect place to stop with a river view. Great kids menu and friendly staff. The mac cheese is amazing and the burgers were a big hit with the kids.

Lovely relaxed and friendly atmosphere, matched by the great flavours and presentation of the food and unobtrusive service.

The food is as good if not better. Great value for money and more. Thank you for another wonderful meal.

Below average menu choice and quality. Service is non existent and I had to go to the bar to order another glass of wine. Empty plates were left on the table for over 15 minutes, just not acceptable. Pity as the location is wonderful. Get rid of the front of house and replace him with someone who knows what Customer Service is all about.

Hands down the best food in Henley. I’ve had a few of great meals here recently (including a long lunch in an igloo which was magical with the kids!) and love the new menu and vibe. The food, while more low key now, has lost none of its deliciousness (in fact it could be even better?), the service is outstanding and it’s got a lovely relaxed, buzzy vibe. Best Sunday roast too!

Have just spent a superb evening at Bistro at The Boathouse and have to say everything was perfect from start to finish. We started the evening with drinks in one of the riverside pods then enjoyed the 3 course Christmas dinner in the restaurant. The food was excellent and everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed every course. Even the roast turkey was delicious and imaginatively presented! The Christmas menu was very good value for money and a great opportunity for us to try out the Bistro for the first time - we will most definitely be returning!

We visited Bistro at the Boathouse with friends and to say we were impressed is an understatement. On arrival, we were welcomed so warmly and had drinks in the pods before being show to our table.

Enjoyed lunch here - the set menu , which I thought was excellent value. It was a very chilly day but the restaurant was warm both in its temperature and in the welcome we received. Service was excellent and the food was both well presented and delicious. If I lived locally I would be here every week!

I was sad to hear the restaurant changed from fine dining to a bistro so thought there’s only one way to find out if it would still be worth a visit and after today’s amazing food and service I have to say I’m far from disappointed. We reserved an igloo on the deck for breakfast which was warm, cosy and tastefully decorated. I opted for smashed avocado which was delicious, generous portion and eggs poached to perfection. The greatest thing for me is I can now share the experience with my whole family and visit more frequently as the menu is affordable, suited to everyone’s taste, of high quality and a relaxed atmosphere.

Fabulous food great atmosphere. Definitely will return. Buttermilk chicken fabulous and pork belly in chowder amazing, just go there!

All a bit disappointing......The fried chicken tasted rather burnt and dry......the whole dish rather tasteless. However, it was also very dark in the restaurant so it was difficult to see what you were eating......I didn't mention the problem with the meal because we were being treated to the evening by our friends who were celebrating their wedding anniversary.....and I didnt want to embarrass them.

We had been looking forward to dining here for quite a while. Sadly we were a little disappointed. The menu was nothing special, and neither was the service (apart from the guy behind the bar who was excellent in terms of welcome and customer service). Very underwhelmed.

We visited the newly relaunched Bistro at The Boathouse for lunch and received a very warm welcome from Vlad - it was a charming place to eat and the food was very good. Despite it being a gloomy November day the restaurant was beautifully and tastefully decorated for the festive season - and outside the igloos looked a very cosy place in which to eat. This is definitely a place for all seasons as it’s situation on the river lends itself to eating in or out. Look forward to returning.

The switch from “fine dining” to a more casual affair is most welcome...

First visit since the relaunch and loved it ( as did my 3 year old!) Had a fantastic roast lunch, and a great good value childrens menu, with impeccable service! Lovely atmosphere - well done on the relaunch ! Ps. Try the ham hock croquettes

Gemma and Shaun hosted our wedding meal on Saturday and blew us (and our guests!) away with the food quality and impeccable service. Organising our event was a dream in Gemma’s capable hands and the menu Shaun devised was outstanding. We can’t thank them enough and would highly recommend for any party/function, alongside their usual dining.

My wife and I visited the Bistro having frequented Sean Dickens previously. They have given the place a more chilled revamp and the food selection is catering for all types. Meat, fish , vegetarian and gluten free. Wines were reasonably priced and by the glad it somehow worked out slightly cheaper. Wonderful place, great staff and great selections. Thanks to all involved.

My sister and I tried out an igloo on the deck for our first visit to the new version of the Boathouse. It was great fun - nice and warm inside. As a regular visitor to the restaurant before the change, I was intrigued to see what the new concept would be like. And it was great! We chose the set lunch menu, but added some oysters beforehand and they were truly some of the most delicious We had ever eaten. We followed up with the sea bream, which was served with white beans in a rich tomato sauce and treated ourselves to a side of hand cut chips, which were an absolute delight - crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. We each chose a different desert and shared. The crème brûlée was particularly divine. A great addition to the Henley dining scene, in my view. It is a special enough place to merit a visit on a special occasion, but also a great place to go if you just want a really tasty meal.

My family and I had lunch here yesterday as we wanted to see what the new bistro menu was like, fans of the previous chapter in Shaun Dickens’ journey, we were so impressed with the changes, the menu is still of the same quality and very hard to choose from (we had to share as we couldn’t decide) but more bistro-esque as promised We had the Burrata and Buttermilk fried chicken with ranch dressing, it was divine! The interior is less formal and now more sumptuous and relaxed, the service is still spot on and our children loved their menu options and we felt very welcomed with them. Overall a fantastic revision of an already wonderful restaurant; they also have igloos on the deck overlooking the river for the winter season; arguably the best spot in Henley to dine, bravo, wonderful experience

My family and I had lunch here yesterday as we wanted to see what the new bistro menu was like, fans of the previous chapter in Shaun Dickens’ journey, we were so impressed with the changes, the menu is still of the same quality and very hard to choose from (we had to share as we couldn’t decide) but more bistro-esque as promised We had the Burrata and Buttermilk fried chicken with ranch dressing, it was divine! The interior is less formal and now more sumptuous and relaxed, the service is still spot on and our children loved their menu options and we felt very welcomed with them. Overall a fantastic revision of an already wonderful restaurant; they also have igloos on the deck overlooking the river for the winter season; arguably the best spot in Henley to dine, bravo, wonderful experience.

Got the email to say that Shaun Dickens at the Boathouse was now Bistro at the Boathouse. Didn't pre-look at menu just in case but turned up on night 2. Place was pleasantly filled, looked after very well by Gemma, Vlad & Daniela. Yes menu was different but varied, prices good, wine very good. There is no comparison with the old restaurant but we think the new concept will work. We will be back-keep us on the mailing list!

My daughter took me here for my birthday it was a wonderful treat service is 5 star and the food 5 star........I would only suggest that they change the menu as we went there in August and the menu was the same....but nevertheless would highly recommend it..well done

Congratulations to Shaun & Gemma your new concept, menu are fabulous , we all had such a great night last night - the best destination in Henley!

The restaurant, almost understated (it can easily be missed from the street) offers a nice view on the river. The service was charming and attentive. The food was incredible, imaginative, tasty and perfectly presented. We loved in particular the lamb belly served on a bed of crushed peas with charred baby gem and jersey royals. Shaun Dickens on the Boathouse definitely deserves a Michelin star.

I booked a meal at Shaun Dickens for myself and 37 colleagues. We had a lovely evening, the team dealt with our large group extremely well and the food was amazing.The restaurant had a lovely atmosphere and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Can't fault the experience at all.

Popped in for lunch and pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is on the river , as it was raining the outside area was closed. The two course lunch was £28 , we got some really nice bread given to us, and also some pae soup , chef compliments. The starter of a salmon tartar with beetroot was amazing, different coloured beets, beautifully presented like a work of art. The main course was lamb belly, crispy and soft. We were too full to have dessert and also as we were working didn't have any alcohol. Michelin standard food, nice location and friendly service.

Dinner tonight at Shaun Dickens in Henley on Thames. What a gem, what a surprise, though with a score of 6 in the Good Food Guide it shouldn’t really have been a surprise. Dickens has worked with some seriously good chefs, notably Raymond Blanc of the Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (Michelin 2 star) and with Thomas Keller at his 3 star Per Se in New York - and the pedigree shows.

When entering the restaurant we were greeted by a waiter that did not smile or seem happy at all. He seemed to be quite moody throughout the night. We ordered our food but were not given a drinks menu so had to ask for it. He probably gave us less than 5 minutes to look at the drinks menu and came and stood by our table when we were still deciding what to drink. Felt abit rushed and uncomfortable.

Riverside venues are winners and with a talented chef at the helm, this has to rank very highly on the local scene. I don't always favour the menu choices, but when I do, then Shaun D rarely disappoints. We have had some spectacularly good dishes here, although it is not consistent enough for me to make it a regular haunt. Service is reliable and the wine list is concise.

We’ve been here a few times this year and have always been very happy with excellent food, attentive service and a lovely location overlooking the river. Finally got around to leaving a review. Highly recommended.

I could give numerous comments on the great qualities of this delightful place to dine, however just make sure you go there and try it, you won’t be disappointed.

Outstanding. The highest quality food I have had at the price point. I am surprised that this restaurant is not more widely known about.

Wish we'd visited sooner. Henley needed a top class restaurant on the river & Shaun Dickens has provided just that. We received a warm welcome from 'front of house' Gemma who is also Shaun's wife, both unsurprisingly trained at Quatre S'aisons by Raymond Blanc. The menu was not extensive but it was high class, beautifully presented & lovingly served. Our meal was the best we've experienced in the area & we'll definitely return.

Fantastic food and fantastic wine. Would highly recommend. The best place in Henley on Thames by far....

Supported by the weather our visit to the top restaurant in southern England was amazing. The service was exceptional and the food was even better. Shaun, you should be very proud of your product. It is outstanding and supported by a great wine cellar. I shall return again and again and again. Thank you.

On top of the stunning setting and wonderful welcome and service from Gemma and the front of house team, this was the most delicious Sunday lunch.