Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-18-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-18-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-18.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Highly rated by locals, this sophisticated independently owned riverside bistro and beer garden pushes the boat out on both atmosphere and style &#8211; and you may just recognise <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rowberrychef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Rowberry</a>, the talented chef/owner, from Clarkson&#8217;s Farm, season 4. He played a crucial role in the opening of Jeremy Clarkson&#8217;s “proper&nbsp;Cotswolds pub” -The Farmer&#8217;s Dog.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-27-1000x667.jpg" alt="View of bridge and River Avon from The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66974" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-27-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-27-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-27.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Located above a working 18th Century boathouse, you couldn’t get much closer to the water without getting wet. I can confirm, this waterside gem with its quirky&nbsp;architecture and prime spot on the River Avon is well-worth the punt. <a href="https://www.thestratfordboathouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boathouse</a> boasts some of the best views in Stratford including the Grade I listed Saxon Clopton Bridge across to the historic Tramway bridge and onto the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. By foot it&#8217;s a pleasant six-minute walk to the RSC.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-34-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Boathouse, Stratford, at dusk" class="wp-image-66969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-34-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-34-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-34-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-34.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



The Boathouse is a laid-back, cosmopolitan sort of place, with impeccable service from the staff and food. For my money, the best seats in the house are in the glass-fronted galley terrace overlooking the river. The floor to ceiling bi-fold doors open up when it&#8217;s sunny giving it a Mediterranean feel. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-7-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Interiors at The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-7-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-7-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-7-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-7-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-7-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Perfect for watching the world go by. It&#8217;s a lovely spot where you can have a proper catch-up. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Terrace-at-Stratford-Boathouse-1000x667.jpg" alt="Riverside terrace, The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-63430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Terrace-at-Stratford-Boathouse-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Terrace-at-Stratford-Boathouse-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Terrace-at-Stratford-Boathouse-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Terrace-at-Stratford-Boathouse.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The building has been lovingly refurbished using reclaimed wood, industrial light fittings and bespoke furniture, along with nods to its heritage and a nautical theme.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-32-1000x667.jpg" alt="Looking out for upcycled nautical-inspired fixtures and fittings at The Boathouse, Stratford" class="wp-image-66971" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-32-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-32-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-32-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-32.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Get&nbsp;your&nbsp;oar&nbsp;in: spot the upcycled nautical-inspired fixtures and fittings</figcaption></figure>



The piece-du-resistance is the huge riverside terrace but indoors it’s light and airy with windows aplenty and a massive zinc-topped bar.- which is superbly well-stocked with everything from a curated wine list to craft beers and cocktails.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/The-Boathouse-interior-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="The zinc-topped bar, The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66988" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/The-Boathouse-interior-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/The-Boathouse-interior-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/The-Boathouse-interior-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/The-Boathouse-interior-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There&#8217;s also a riverside beer garden &#8211; an ideal place for a pint or two in the sun.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-33-1000x667.jpg" alt="Riverside beer garden, The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66968" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-33-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-33-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-33-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/the_boathouse_-33.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



The Boathouse serves bistro-style, seasonal dishes with British and European influences using the best locally sourced ingredients. It include the popular daily changing fish specials and Barry the Butcher&#8217;s recommended cut (Moroccan pork chop, sweet potato &amp; spinach hash on the day we visited) change daily. Lazy Sunday roasts are a huge hit too.



My teenage daughter and I were made up they could squeeze us in last-minute for a pre-theatre dinner on a mid-week school night. The waitressing staff were brilliant and we arrived at the RSC in plenty of time for press night curtains up. We settled on a shared starter (£9.75) of grilled artichoke hearts with paprika straw potatoes, Manchego, roasted peppers, chilli and garlic. It was fresh and crunchy with carrots on top and full of unexpected flavour. Roll on course two!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="615" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Starter-Boathouse-edit-1000x615.jpg" alt="Grilled artichoke hearts starter, The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66949" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Starter-Boathouse-edit-1000x615.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Starter-Boathouse-edit-800x492.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Starter-Boathouse-edit-768x473.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Starter-Boathouse-edit.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



For mains I chose one of the daily Marine Cuisine specials &#8211; a melt-in-the-mouth Masala spiced swordfish, in a delicious Goan curry sauce with broccoli, coconut and sesame granola (£26) – with a zesty glass of South African Franschhoek Chenin Blanc (£7). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Fish-curry-Boathouse-1-1000x844.jpg" alt="Masal spiced swordfish, The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66985" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Fish-curry-Boathouse-1-1000x844.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Fish-curry-Boathouse-1-800x675.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Fish-curry-Boathouse-1-768x648.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Fish-curry-Boathouse-1-1536x1297.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Fish-curry-Boathouse-1-2048x1729.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



My 16-year-old veggie, who&#8217;s a self-confessed fussy eater, went for butternut &amp; lentil filo wellington, with Bombay potato, tomato and mint kachumber, tamarind yoghurt (£19.50). She said it tasted as great as it looked. Smiley emoji.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="998" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Boathouse-veggie.jpg" alt="Butternut and lentil filo wellington at The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66958" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Boathouse-veggie.jpg 998w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Boathouse-veggie-798x800.jpg 798w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Boathouse-veggie-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Boathouse-veggie-768x770.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Boathouse-veggie-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px" /></figure>



The puddings sounded really tempting but owing to time we had to pass unfortunately. The teen would have gone for the dark chocolate brownie with peanut butter, chocolate sorbetto and cherries (£9) and I love a tiramisu &#8211; served here with pistachio gelato and blackberries (£7). Yummy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">OUT AND ABOUT</h2>



There’s plenty to explore in Stratford-upon-Avon. If you’re visiting between March and October we recommend leaving time to rent a boat from downstairs <a href="https://www.avon-boating.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Avon Boating</a> beforehand to really work up an appetite &#8211; or afterwards to work it off! Stratford also has beautiful riverside and canal walks. You&#8217;re within spitting distance of the <a href="https://www.rsc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Shakespeare Theatre</a> and its newly refurbished <a href="https://secure.rsc.org.uk/overview/costume-tours-2025?queueittoken=e_safetynetwaitingroom~ts_1764077202~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_71fd81c38cb8e7986762ec4c66c9359c7dbabf88efa622df2fcad41e4d6467c0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Costume Workshop</a>, <a href="https://www.butterflyfarm.co.uk/attraction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stratford Butterfly Farm</a>, <a href="https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/shakespeares-new-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shakespeare&#8217;s New Place</a>, Anne Hathaway&#8217;s Cottage and <a href="https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/shakespeares-birthplace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birthplace</a> plus the quirky <a href="https://themadmuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mad Museum</a> &#8211; all very family-friendly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/The-Royal-Shakespeare-Theatre_2015_Photo-by-Sara-Beaumont-_c_-RSC_176476-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="View of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, over the River Avon. Photo by Sara Beaumont, RSC" class="wp-image-62578" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/The-Royal-Shakespeare-Theatre_2015_Photo-by-Sara-Beaumont-_c_-RSC_176476-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/The-Royal-Shakespeare-Theatre_2015_Photo-by-Sara-Beaumont-_c_-RSC_176476-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/The-Royal-Shakespeare-Theatre_2015_Photo-by-Sara-Beaumont-_c_-RSC_176476-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/The-Royal-Shakespeare-Theatre_2015_Photo-by-Sara-Beaumont-_c_-RSC_176476-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Royal Shakespeare Theatres. Credit Sara Beaumont, RSC</figcaption></figure>



If you&#8217;re wanting even more heritage and history there&#8217;s an award-winning <a href="https://stratfordtownwalk.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking tour</a>, <a href="https://www.shakespearesschoolroom.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shakespeare&#8217;s Schoolroom &amp; Guildhall</a> and <a href="https://www.stratford-upon-avon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holy Trinity Church</a>, where the Bard is buried. <a href="https://www.bellcourtstratford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bell Court Shopping Centre</a> has a range of tenants including <a href="https://lambertfineart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lambert Fine Art</a>, artisan bakery <a href="https://morbakery.co.uk/pages/stratford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mor</a> &#8211; good for locally roasted coffee &#8211; and the <a href="https://www.bellcourtstratford.com/store/everyman-cinema/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Everyman Cinema</a> for indie films.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Salt-and-pepper-upcycled-1000x667.jpg" alt="Fishy themed salt and pepper shakers, The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon" class="wp-image-66956" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Salt-and-pepper-upcycled-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Salt-and-pepper-upcycled-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Salt-and-pepper-upcycled-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/12/Salt-and-pepper-upcycled.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Love the cool fishy themed salt and pepper shakers</figcaption></figure>



Good for: Sun-soaked riverside and waterside gems are serving up epic views, sunsets, cold drinks and serious summer vibes.&nbsp;is a grown-up place and somewhere you’ll want to push the boat out (sorry) over a top-class lunch or dinner. It’s great for leisurely catch-ups with friends, special occasions, or perhaps a romantic sunset dinner 



Not for:&nbsp;This isn’t a cheap and cheerful drop-in place – but that’s what makes it special. There isn&#8217;t a kids menu here, so perhaps not the most suitable place for fractious children. Older children and teens will enjoy riverside people-watching, especially in summer.



£££:&nbsp;Considering this is glitzy Stratford, I’d say reasonable. 



Starters £5.25-£10.50, Mains £19.50-£29 for Venison pave and Sides £4.50-£7 including padron peppers. Pudding £6-£9. Check out the Festive Party menu <a href="https://www.thestratfordboathouse.co.uk/food-drink/festive-party-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. You&#8217;ll pay £40 for three courses and £33 for a two course lunch. Get your glam on for their New Year&#8217;s Eve party, 8pm-early morning!



<a href="https://www.thestratfordboathouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boathouse</a>, Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS. Tel: 01789 414960.

Review: The Boat House, Stratford-upon-Avon

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