Boat House Restaurant

Poppy 'Duffy' from Nefyn (Llŷn Peninsula) gleaned fame from her arietta about Warwick Avenue. ‘When I get to Warwick Avenue’ she advises ‘I'll tell you baby, that we're through’. It strikes me that considerable thought must have gone into her dumping ground. Better then a remote SMS, the elegant, filmic Warwick Avenue area would offer Duffy’s victim plenty of rest and recuperation. The estranged could be pensive within plentiful ornate, rambling pubs including Gordon Ramsay's gentrified 'Warrington', contribute tears into Little Venice’s waterways, fill the hollow void at various appetising eateries and then meet ‘someone new’ at the Colonnade Hotel’s chic cocktail bar.

Why do I mention the 5” Welsh blonde? Am I a fan? -I am not sure. But forget famous residents, including the inventor of the radio, Israel’s first Prime Minister and Robert Browning. All I know is that Duffy’s lyrics relentlessly gyrated in my brain for the four hours I spent in W9. And now you can have them too.

A short walk from the tube took us to The Boathouse, a riverside restaurant, recently relaunched. Whilst waiting to 'board', I overheard a phone conversation. They were full, but why not try The Ivy? The only similarity I gleaned was Eggs Benedict. With the exception of the young lady with a Louis Vuitton mobile phone sized handbag, people probably come here to see (the view) rather then be seen. Alluvial allure?

After glasses of lemon-lickingly acerbic Pecorino from Colle dei Venti and Terra di Vulcano Falanghina which had more girth (both '06), a slightly overdressed, succulent Steak Tartare came. It was presented with three separate pyres of tightly diced onion, parsley and pickles, then topped with a quail’s egg yoke. My companion had lightly smoky chargrill-striped Quail (interesting synergy) with a splurge of Thyme Honey, rich, meaty Lardons and unnecessary, ugly Grapefruit segments. They looked like anemic leeches.

Juicy, well prepared Onglet, the ‘butcher's steak’, came, classically with Beurre Shallotte, fresh Frites and a little token watercress which looked wiltingly sad. The subtle, salty flavour of a side order of Samphire had been bludgeoned by garlic. A glass of strong, rustic bistro red, Cotes du Ventoux, 'Terres de Truffes' ('05) provided a little tannic backbone.

The report of the Greaselessly Roasted Sea Bream coiled in Basil & Pine Nut Pesto was favourable, glued to the plate by Cauliflower Purée.

A shared trio of alligator mouthed Roasted Turkish Figs with Lavender Honey and Vanilla Pannacotta was the highlight. The pretty but intrusive lavender flowers fragrantly forced me to imagine I was eating old lady drawer liners. The buds had the permeating power of potassium permanganate dropped into a pool.

Throughout, a timer with an alarm clock ring intermittently summoned someone in the open plan kitchen. Perhaps Chef was taking forty winks? I said it had been a good meal to the waiter, to which he replied “I know”. Humour vs. humility (!)

As we left, a heroic French Dame arrived with an entourage, known by name to the staff. There was something familiar in her perfume. Something by Yardley, perhaps...Lavender?
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Douglas Blyde
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, July 07, 2008

This restaurant has been around for some time over 15 years I think!. However the place has had a "new" opening in the last year and they have refurbed with a fantastic deck out over the canal.Its stunning on a sunny day and just as pleasent when its lashing down with rain as was the case last week. I took some friends for dinner after really enjoying a lunch here a week or so before.

The food is fantastic and the service relaxed and flowing. I had Char-Grilled Quail as a starter which was "melt in the mouth" perfect and Seared salmon for my main course .Cooked so that it was still a little pink and sitting on a bed of marsh samphire (something I had never tasted before) It was sublime.My guests enjoyed Foie Gras and Pork Belly aswell as a rather naughty white chocolate cheesecake I opted for the creme brulee which was a nothing short of magnificent. We paid about £40 per head but this included two very nice bottles of wine and coffee, so great value. I will be returning as soon as I can. My friends were delighted as the chef Rob was happy to share his Cheesecake recipe with them. All in all one of the best restaurants in town. Thanks Boat House
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Ms S Watkins
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 26, 2008

By reputation The Boat House Restaurant in Little Venice is a great canalside lunchtime venue, particularly when the sun is shining and the ducks are showing off their chicks.

Although we didn't have Sunday sun or ducks, we were more than compensated by the charm of the staff and the peacefulness of the waterside location.

Lunch was beautifully presented . Our shrimp and watercress starters were fresh and flavoursome, main course of classic steaks nicely charred but pink as requested and mouth-watering pud of white chocolate cheesecake naughty enough to be sure we'll return for another delicious meal some time very soon.
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Mary Holley
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, June 24, 2008

We were pleasantly suprised at the ambiance, decor, food and service, of this most well kept secret in Maida Vale. Our waiter was informative and friendly. He attended to our table in a barely visable way. Great service! The occasional canal boat, or string of ducks floating past, adds to the charm. A definate a place for a special occasion.
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Vale
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, June 01, 2008

The Boathouse is not only the jewel of Little Venice but possibly one of london's hidden jewels. The food servie and atmosphere are all above par.They have managed to take a handful of classics and deliver them without a hitch.

I will be returning time and time again.
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Food For Thought
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 12, 2008

I visited this restaurant last Wednesday as had read favourable reviews on this site. With this in mind, my friend and I decided to try it out. I'd like to be able to comment on the food and ambience but, alas, I was ejected before ordering. I consider myself a patient man and, having worked in the restaurant trade , am conscious of the teething problems that can befall a new place. I would have had no issue with that.

However, the surly welcome afforded us, our having to beg the manager for a drink whilst we waited for our table and the '15 minute wait' growing closer to 30 minutes with no explanation given all combined to make this one of my least pleasurable evenings of recent months.

To cap it all, we were thrown out of the restaurant as I had the 'audacity' to firmly but politely challenge the level of service.
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Patrick Craig - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Monday, May 12, 2008

I love the boat House, this is a place whenever we go when we want to treat ourselves and we know that we will never be disappointed. I recommend it to everyone, excellent service, delicious food, and good portions!
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Hande
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 03, 2008

My Wife and I went to the Boat House on a recommendation and we certainly weren't disappointed with what we found. Great atmosphere, excellent food, a good choice in wine and attentive staff. There is also an excellent choice of vegetarian dishes.

The Pumpkin, Parmesan and Chestnut Soup starter was full of flavour and just what was called for on a winters evening, while my wife had a salad of warm goat's cheese, beetroot and walnuts. This was followed by a main course of Skate 'Grenobloise' served with lemon and caper butter, the first time I had tried this fish and it certainly wont be my last. The Tagliatelle with Wild Mushrooms , parmesan and truffle oil was also full of flavour and there was plenty to satisfy the person with the biggest appetite.

Dessert was Creme Brulee ad Sticky toffee pudding served with 'Peat Monster Whisky' sauce which both rounded off one of the best meals we have ever had in a London restaurant..

The South African Cabernet Sauvignon was the perfect wine to go with the meal which was preceeded by a Cosmopolitan Cocktail which every visitor to The Boat House should try.

The cost of the meal was a very reasonable £80 for two, including drinks and represented excellent value for money.

The location of the Boat House in Little Venice is the best bit and we will be visiting again in the summer so we can take in the boats on the canal on a summer evening while enjoying the great food on offer.

We highly recommend anyone to try the Boat House at your earliest opportunity.
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Jeff Carter
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, January 26, 2008

It's not obvious, even as you walk down the street but well worth the trip.

Relaxed atmosphere but with high quality food and service.

The setting is superb, especially on a bright day, but the worsed of weather would not detract from the experiance.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, December 07, 2007

No it's not closed for refurbishment now, it's re-opened and it's excellent. It's now called Boat House. Not the easiest place to find unless you know about it, it's tucked away behind a red door and extends along the bank of the canal. The boat business is Jason's. We've been in during the week, on Saturday evenings and (our favourite) on sunny Sundays for a canalside brunch. From 8 to 80+, everyone we've taken there has enjoyed the place. This is not an inexpensive restaurant however, they use top notch ingredients (seared foie gras, tuna carpaccio, linguine with the king-est prawns you ever saw, coffee brulee and much, much more). I could go on (and on) about the food but I won't, just start going there again. Staff are friendly and professional and if you're feeling adventurous you can do the boat trip too!
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Gillian
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, June 12, 2007