About This Pub
Ah, the Boathouse – it's one of those spots in Cambridge that really captures the essence of a classic pub by the water, isn't it? I have to say, what stands out most is that beautiful riverside setting; picture yourself out on the terrace with a view of the River Cam, especially on a sunny day – it's just magical and makes for a perfect escape after wandering around the university. The food's another highlight; from what I've heard from mates who've been, it's reliably good and hits the spot for a casual meal. Plus, the manager seems like a gem, always up for a chat and making sure everyone feels looked after, which adds such a nice, homely feel to the place. It's brilliant for catching live sports too, with all the screens and events they host – you'd have a cracking time there during something like the Women's Euros. On the flip side, though, service can be a bit hit or miss; some days it's spot on, but others, you might find staff a tad unresponsive or not as cheerful, which can leave you feeling a bit overlooked. And let's not forget, the menu doesn't always offer loads of choices, and a few have mentioned drinks not quite packing the punch you'd expect. All in all, it's worth a visit if you're in the area – just go in with realistic expectations, and you'll likely have a lovely time, but it's always good to keep an eye out for those little niggles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The riverside location is absolutely stunning, with a lovely outside area perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the view of the River Cam.
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The food is generally spot on – plenty of folks rave about the delicious meals, making it a great spot for a hearty lunch or dinner.
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Service can be brilliant at times, especially with the manager who's known for being warm and chatty, adding a real personal touch.
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It's got a buzzing atmosphere, ideal for catching live sports or events, and it's conveniently close to Cambridge University and the city centre.
Cons
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Service isn't always up to scratch – some experiences involve staff not being particularly smiley or responsive, which can put a dampener on things.
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The menu can feel a bit limited at times, with options like certain dishes being unavailable, leaving you wanting more variety.
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Drinks might not hit the mark, as a few have mentioned them tasting watered down, which is a shame when you're settling in for a pint.
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Things can get slow, even when it's not busy, like waiting ages for tables to be cleared or getting help when you need it.
Contact Information
14 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3AX
+441223460905
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
Monday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Tuesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Wednesday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Sunday | 12:00 - 22:30 |
Recent Reviews
Great food, although the service wasn’t amazing as no one was smiley, when asked for help with something we got ignored and no one came back to us 3 times. Amazing outside area!
Giancarlo is a great manager, ensuring every customer has all they need and spends time with them chatting in his lovely Italian way. Superb time had ere whilst visiting p. Car park at rear .
Brilliant first impression of Cambridge, excellent service, view of the river and delicious food. Thank you to The Boathouse team.
I'm giving the boathouse a one-star rating. The menu was limited, with no hunters chicken and only one mixed grill available. Despite it not being busy, service was slow, and our table wasn't cleared of previous diners' glasses for a long time. After we finished eating, our server was preoccupied and didn't clear our table promptly (as shown in the photo). The food quality was poor, worse than a Wetherspoons but significantly more expensive. My steak was terrible, appearing as though some had been removed for the mixed grill. My peppercorn sauce was forgotten and arrived late, halfway through my meal. When it did arrive, it contained a large, powdery lump. Drink prices were exorbitant. Additionally, despite numerous signs encouraging app orders, the app wasn't working. I dread to think what the experience would be like when they are actually busy.
If in Cambridge, you must stop here for lunch or dinner. This place is near the park, and the year overlooks the scenic view of the water. The food was impeccable 👌🏾 the drinks seemed a bit water down to me. The service was great. It wasn’t too busy. Convenient location. Again, the food was delicious! Their fish and chips might have been the best I had so far in England. It was perfectly cooked, the batter was crispy but not heavy and beautifully golden. My families food were also tasty. The tomato soup lacked a bit of seasoning though, but was still great. The fried squid was delicious and seasoned to perfection, did need to be more crispier, but it was perfect with the hot peppers l! I will return, it was definitely worth checking this spot out!
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