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Detail Pages
The Boatman, Windsor
Windsor
SL4 1QN
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Boatman
Located in a prime spot close to the castle and with a patio area running alongside the Thames, this claims to be Windsor’s only riverside pub and was certainly a popular spot on our recent Friday afternoon visit. That said, much of the patio was taken up with a large conservatory like structure which appeared to be reserved for diners, as was at least half of the outside seating area, with drinking only punters being directed off to squeeze around to the right of the conservatory.
After having such a great location, it was rather disappointing to find a very bland interior which has presumably been freshly renovated with a distinct paint aroma still in the air. Flooring was some type of smooth dark wood strip, whilst grey was certainly the predominant, if not only, colour. The large windows at the front had a small strip of stained glass running along the top and in a nod to it’s location a solitary oar hung above the door. A floor plan of the nearby castle was on one wall and the bar counter had a copper clad top, but other than that, there’s really very little to say about it. All together it had a very unappealing ambiance, but to be fair, that was perhaps in part due to the fact that there was not a single punter in there, with everyone masking the most of the outdoor seating.
The solitary beer on tap was Eton Boatman with the London Pride having run out and the third pump appearing unused. Ciders fared no better with the solitary Mortimer’s Orchard having also run out. Prices seemed very expensive, with two pints coming in at £12.70. Overall, unless you want to sit outside and enjoy the view, I can see absolutely no reason to visit this pub when there are far better options just a short stroll away.
On 8th July 2022
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1948 recommendations about 1861 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Boatman
This place certainly makes the most of its riverside setting with a huge terrace to the front and a stand alone glazed building which appeared to be set up exclusively for dining. At least half of the pub itself is geared for eating too with just the left hand end seemingly being for drinkers where two pumps offered a choice of London Pride or W&E Knight of the Garter. The W&E was a bit past its best unfortunately.
Various riverine artifacts on the walls and ceilings such as model boats, ship's wheels and fishing nets, an end wall in the dining area has a map of Windsor Castle. The bold turquoise and orange colour scheme is a bit in your face but otherwise the pub is comfortable enough.
As I was preparing to leave a woman entered and ordered a glass of red wine with a splash of coke! How utterly bizarre.
On 3rd December 2016
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Michelle Heywood left this review about The Boatman
This pub is just perfect if you have dogs - plenty of space inside where you can eat a fabulous meal with a Pino or a Pint with the dog enjoying a treat and some water by your feet....the walks around the pub - Home Park and the Brocas in Eton are great to wear them out before lunch or dinner although we don't always eat but just have a coffee depending on the time. There's an all weather terrace although we like sitting at the tables right by the river. Especially like the atmosphere with all the twinkly lights at night and the reflections from the water. The food is wonderful (I've had the liver, their burger and the chips are to die for - my favourite) and it's a real find if you like sitting by the river as you can't anywhere else in Windsor.
On 1st May 2016
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Boatman
So this one has been refurbished and re-opened but apart from a coat of aqua blue paint (which probably looks fine on a sunny day but on a dark dank November evening felt rather oppressive) and the addition of some fishing/maritime ephemera, very little else has changed in the layout. Still big on food and the place smelt like Billingsgate market. In a nod to being slightly more pubby, there was a TV showing the rugby. Two ales on; Pride and a pretty decent W&E Knight of the Garter. Staff were notably friendly. It’s an improvement, I’ll give it that.
April 2014 (as River House)
Riverside location with large and well-appointed outside seating by the Thames. Opulent interior with chandeliers, varnished wood flooring, nice bar uplights and tasteful modern touches. One for the refined, the smell of expensive perfume trumped the food whiff. Long row of hinged doors look like they are thrown open on sunny days. Chilled background muzak. Food-led place and the waiter on the opposite table seemed well-versed on the specials. One pump (local WEBREW Garter) whose availability is not always guaranteed - a week earlier it was unavailable. Anyway I finally managed to get a half this time though it wasn’t up to much. Served by a friendly barmaid, glad I got her as her male colleague was pretty clumsy. As Hondo says, probably a winner in the summer; assuming you can get a decent pint, that is… Rated 5
On 9th December 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5099 recommendations about 5082 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about The River House
A short walk from Windsor and Eton riverside train station. Bar and restaurant with a large outside terrace overlooking the river that must be a lovely setting in the summer.
On 11th June 2012
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2883 recommendations about 2820 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Philip Carter left this review about The Donkey House
Changed its name to The River House
On 17th February 2008
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 757 recommendations about 720 pubs]