Boathouse Cafe Review
Jane McGowan enjoys a relaxed lunch at this idyllic riverside retreat
Address: Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3XJ England
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Guildford, The Boathouse Cafe enjoys a beautiful riverside location, offering diners stunning views of the River Wey. Whether you're seated indoors or out on the patio, the calming environs create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. It's a charming spot, especially on sunny days, where you can enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the cafe.
There is a warm and inviting atmosphere, with rustic, nautical-themed decor that complements its riverside setting. It feels cosy and welcoming, whether you’re visiting for a casual brunch, a quick coffee, or a leisurely afternoon meal. It is family-friendly too!
Mains
A varied menu is offered with options ranging from light snacks to more substantial meals. Their breakfast and brunch options are particularly popular, with dishes including avocado toast, eggs benedict, as well as a traditional English breakfast. The lunch menu features fresh salads, and sandwiches, as well as a selection of hearty mains.
On my visit I opted for the Primavera Tagliatelle and it was absolutely delicious. The fresh pasta was cooked to perfection, while the sauce of garlic, olive oil, spinach and asparagus was pure perfection. The dish came out piping hot and also had a bit of a kick, which I wasn’t quite expecting, but nevertheless enjoyed. Priced at £15, it was a substantial portion.
My guest plumped for the Poke Bowl - which was again a generous mix of stir-fried peppers, spring onion, bean sprouts, sweet chilli, rice noodles, coriander & ginger dressing, all for £13. The vivid colours and flavours made this dish pop, and I was assured it tasted just as good as it looked. My friend opted for the vegetarian option, but you can also add chicken, Tofu or smoked salmon if you wish.
Desert
Although our main courses were substantial, there was just about enough room for dessert. I plumped for the Vanilla Cheesecake which is accompanied by a raspberry coulis and raspberry crisp. Again a substantial, yet not over-facing portion, of a dessert which perfectly melded the smoothness of the cheesecake with sharpness of the raspberry and the sweetness of the grated white chocolate.
My guest chose the Apple Tart - a traditional favourite that was topped with a portion of vanilla ice cream. The lightness of the melt-in-the-mouth pastry perfectly held the fruit filling, combining just the right blend of sweet and sharp. Puddings are priced at around £8 and again, the portion size was pleasantly generous without being over-facing.
Our verdict
The food is fresh and flavourful with a menu created by Rafal Milarski and all the dishes were presented well. The quality of ingredients is evident, and the cafe places a focus on locally sourced, seasonal produce. The menu is comprehensive and there is a great choice of ‘boards’ to share, as well as sandwiches and nibbles. Their coffee and cakes are also worth mentioning, as they make for a perfect afternoon treat.
The prices are very reasonable, given the prime location and quality of food. You’re paying not only for the food but for the overall riverside experience. While it may be slightly pricier than some local cafes, it offers good value for money, particularly when you take the scenic view and ambience into account.
Interestingly, The Boathouse Café is part of the wider Soulspace concept - a members-only co-working setting which also offers meeting rooms, venue hire, events and community spaces. We were invited to take a peek and I would advise anyone looking for such a venue to get in touch with the team, as the chic professional working environment - not to mention the fabulous food at the adjoining Boathouse Café - would certainly make for a great day at the office.
The Boathouse Café is open Tuesday-Sunday daytime with evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For details visit: theboathousecafeguildford.co.uk
