A gorgeous new gastropub has come to Maidenhead with the re-opening today of The Boathouse at Boulters Lock.
This glorious riverside pub set on its own island on Maidenhead’s beautiful riverside has for the past two years been run by the award-winning independent pub company Peach. Now it has undergone a complete transformation inside and out, and been renamed in keeping with its stunning waterside location, to make it the finest dining and drinking spot for miles around.
Step inside – or land at – The Boathouse at Boulters Lock and find a stylish new split level interior and elegant al fresco spaces with commanding views over the water. A new menu of good food and drink, served by the same friendly team that has been welcoming regulars and new faces alike for the last couple of years, is on offer all day every day, from the pub’s smart new surroundings. Pub general manager Sharon Concannon takes up the story.
“Since coming to Maidenhead two years ago, we’ve been getting to know the area and of course our guests, and have been given a really warm welcome. We were immediately wowed by the pub’s amazing location – the views from all sides are just amazing – and by people’s love of the pub, but felt the inside in particular simply didn’t do it justice.
“So, after taking the building’s history and setting into account, we created a new look for the pub to make it a really special place. Using the river and nature as our inspiration, we’ve brought light and sunshine inside, opening up the pub to create lots of different spaces where anyone can come, any time of the day or evening, for a relaxed bite to eat or something to drink. In the summer, we’ll throw open the doors to the outside on the glorious new outdoor decks that offer sunny and shady spots to soak up the views. In the winter, the bright new interior will really come into its own, being warm and inviting. And we’ve really brought the pub to life, making the sun shine here every day, whatever the season,” she says.
At riverside level, there is a spacious new bar clad in warm wood with glowing lights overhead and natural slate flooring, at the heart of the new eatery. Looking out across the water are new round booth and raised banquette seats, upholstered in soft leather and vibrant print linen fabrics in waterside blues and greens, with tables for two and twelve and everything in between. The look is light and fresh, making the most of those stunning views.
Upstairs, the sunshine really comes out with bright yellows and bold blues brightening things. New, bi-fold doors painted in soft greens encase more informal spaces with comfy sofas upholstered in velvet and leather in vibrant aquas and ochres, again with bird’s eye views over the water. Lots of woven wood in lighting and accessories bring an organic feel. Outside, meanwhile, there are smart new basket weave chairs and refectory style tables – with just a short trip to the bar inside – perfect whatever the weather.
Tucked away behind the upstairs eatery is a new private dining room. It’s rich with colour and nature-inspired statement wallpapers, wooden furniture and flooring. The large table centrepiece seats 18 comfortably for glamorous gatherings, dinner parties, celebrations, meetings and events.
On offer at the new-look pub is a great selection of good quality, fresh food cooked by head chef Phil Hughes and his team. Phil uses the best ingredients he can find, from ethical producers, to create his seasonal menus and daily changing specials. Both are available every day from breakfast to dinner and everything in between, accompanied by a warm welcome from the team.
“We’ve worked hard to make our pub the best it can be, with a new look that makes it more inviting than ever all year round,” adds Sharon. ” We want to be the best, fresh riverside gastropub in Berkshire, on a unique spot on our own island, a place that’s special whenever you visit. And we want our guests to love what they find here, whether they come for Sunday lunch with the family, a birthday dinner to remember, a cocktail on the deck or simply a pint at the bar. Make sure you come and see us soon.”
Find out more here.