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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Boat Inn
Review
About
Fabulous family run canal side bar and restaurant offering outstanding value for money. And if you're a fan of Inspector Morse you will find lots of memorabilia here from the days when episodes Morse and more latterly Lewis were filmed at the pub and surrounding area.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 5:30 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Contribute
3.7
(703)
Excellent
307
Good
142
Average
71
Poor
87
Terrible
96
Trish W
2 contributions
May 2024 • family
17 May. Booked ahead for 7pm dinner for just 2 people. We've both worked in and managed busy pub and hotel dining. Confusingly, when we arrived the sign outside said there were only drinks available as they had a large party in. We battled on and afterwards assumed that the sign had been left out from earlier as it had gone when we came out an hour later, having come across a large family party in the garden looking like they were at the end of their celebration. That sign wouldn't have done their trade much good that evening! A young lad behind the bar gave us lunch menus which we didn't notice until seated in the garden. No attempt to offer/bring drinks at the bar despite being really quiet and other staff around. We went back in to get dinner menus and drinks, then had to go back in to order. The food came in a timely fashion but then we were told by the young waitress that we had to go back to the door to get condiments and cutlery, as we hadn't realised (been advised) that was the process. As it was so quiet it would have been nice (given a good impression) had she offered to do that for us. The food was hot and the venison pie delicious but frozen veg and a watery sauce did somewhat detract from the experience. The young barman was working hard clearing glasses from the large party. We saw no more of any waiting staff and left thinking that with a little more care and attention paid to us, we would have spent a bit more time and money there. Hey ho.
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindaholmes51
Dorchester18 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
We have been here before and we're disappointed in both the food and the service, we were told that you can't go wrong with the fish and chips and they were right! Absolutely delicious and luckily no mint in the mushy peas, just traditional good hearty food with no pretensions. Unfortunately the service was as bad as ever, the young lady who initially took our order was very pleasant but we were supposed to be served by a young man who managed to avoid our eyes whenever he came into the room even when he was 4 feet away - quite a talent really, we will definitely go again but only for the fish and chips after the previous experience 3 years ago with a mixed grill which had to be sent back then arrived totally charred and had to be refused. On that occasion the girl said she wouldn't charge us (even though we hadn't been able to eat anything) if we promised not to review her. DO GO, have the fish and chips and experience a meal that could have come from a good traditional fish and chip shop. I have to add the sticky toffee pudding was one of the best I have ever had, and I've had a few!
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Buxton
2 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Booked in advance, location and pub very nice. When choosing drinks we were told the only cask ale available was Abbot , therefore we had no choice but to order this, as we prefer real ale. The beer was insipid , flat and lifeless and we returned it and was told they had been serving it all day without complaints ! No mention of the fact that this might be the bottom of the barrel and now was the time to change it.
We were offered a replacement and had to settle for keg. Imagine our surprise when a couple at an adjacent table , ordered pints of Tribute cask ale and were told to " Hang on we are just putting the Tribute on " We were astounded and to make matters worse we were not offered any ! The food arrived promptly and we quickly discovered both fish and chip meals were way below standard . The batter was dark brown , overcooked , but wet and inedible inside also a small portion of chips , under the fish , and a few watery peas.
The young man serving asked us if the meal was O.K. ? and we told him it was not and he took the plates to show the Manager. He/She did not make an appearance or comment , but the boy returned offering us a free desert. We declined this , drank up and on paying were deducted the price of the beer. Small recompense for a ruined evening . Needless to say I cannot recommend the Boat Inn !
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miss N
9 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We were staying near by and decided to book a table at the Boat Inn for dinner for 5 ( including 3 children) and 2 dogs, we received a lovely email from Grace the owner about our dogs being welcomed. When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from all the staff including Angel the pubs dog ! The food was very yummy we all enjoyed our meals the chips were a particular favourite!! The locals were also so friendly chatting to us which made for a great evening in a pub with great service, fantastic food, and a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you for such a lovely evening we look forward to returning.
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna R
Oxfordshire36 contributions
Jun 2024 • friends
We went for lunch as a group of friends all travelling independently and even though it was busy we all managed to park ok. We sat out in the lovely garden and had a drink while we selected from the menu. There isn’t a huge choice of food and the focus is on pub favourites, but all the food was delicious, with generous portions. I would definitely recommend the fish and chips, which was excellent.
The pub had a very nice, relaxed atmosphere, the staff were very accommodating and the beer was great too. It’s a dog friendly pub and there are plenty of water bowls available in the garden should your dog need one.
Written June 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niall
Oldham41 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We went on a Saturday night in the last week of July. We were staying in nearby hotel and ate there on Friday night but were rather underwhelmed so we decided to find somewhere else. Pub was busy but we managed to squeeze into a parking spot. We were offered a table for six to ourselves in the dining area but instead plumped for a smaller table near the bar. This is what we would call a proper pub with locals drinking at the bar and a lovely atmosphere. It was really busy with a number of people off barges from the nearby canal and a couple of (well behaved) dogs, including one owned by the pub. We ordered drinks and I ordered a steak and ale pie and my partner ordered liver and bacon. Food took a while to arrive but when it did it was definitely worth the wait, my pie was delicious and came with proper (not frozen) chips. I also asked for some extra gravy which appeared almost immediately. My partner loved the liver and bacon too. Neither of us had room for a pudding so we had another drink and just soaked up the atmosphere. Great service, great food and a great atmosphere, if we're in the area again we'll definitely be back.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graciela Leiton
Thank you very much Niall! Hopefully we can welcome you soon.
Kind regards, Grace.
Written August 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Letitia S
Oxfordshire68 contributions
Sep 2023 • friends
Four of us went for Sunday carvery. I don't eat meat so I had something else. When the others came back with their carvery I had food envy! The veg looked fab. Fresh and not at all overcooked or wilted from being under heat lamps. Red cabbage ( which is my favourite) lovely broccoli and Cauliflower. And a tasty cheese sause which was separate so you could have it or not , my husband was very happy as he loves cauliflower but hates cheese. Everyone said their meat was delicious, and the beef looked great, nice and pink and juicy. I pinched a couple of stuffing balls and they were yummy! Good service and a fabulous friendly atmosphere. 👍😋
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose H
Oxford1 contribution
Jul 2023 • family
Visited the Boat at Thrupp on Saturday for a meal. One of the best meals I had in a long time. Two of us had the steak which was a reasonable price for the 10oz size. We had the chunky chips and opted for the peppercorn sauce. The whole meal was delicious. The desserts were amazing also. The staff were very welcoming and very friendly. There was a table of 13 and the place was very busy. The staff apologised for the delay and explained why. It was refreshing not to be rushed or asked every 5 minutes if everything was okay. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. I will definitely go again for a meal as we were made so welcome and the food was delicious. Well worth a visit.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graciela Leiton
Thank you very much Rose! 😊 We'll be looking forward to seeing you soon.
Kind regards, Grace and the team
Written July 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lou Ann
Oxfordshire10 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
I will start by saying the young man who served us was very pleasant and friendly. However everything else went downhill rapidly as this has to be one of the worst meals we have experienced in our 60 plus years. As a starter my husband had the Bubble and Squeak Tower and I had Chorizo and Scampi. The fried egg on the Tower was hard unlike the promised runny yolk stated on the menu and the whole dish was very clarty to the point that my husband couldn't eat all of it. Whilst my scampi was nice, I expected small pieces of chorizo but was greeted with large thick round slices which were very difficult to cut. Needless to say most of the chorizo was left. As a main we both ordered sausage and mash. What a disaster! The presentation reminded me of the greasy spoon days ie a lump of mash topped by 3 sausages swimming in thin greasy looking gravy with parsnip skins termed as crisps. Again a good portion of our meals were left uneaten. Even the wine was not very good and usually I love Rioja. My husband did say the beer was good so all was not quite lost.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve_of_N21
London3643 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
After spending a very enjoyable Friday morning walking the nearby Oxford canal on a fine day, we planned to utilise the Boat Inn for lunch before moving off to Blenheim Palace.
Well that was the plan until we entered the pub via the front door at 12.30pm , not that long after opening time, only to find the queue to be served stretching out of the bar, round the corner and virtually out into the garden. Now I know the hospitality industry is still struggling with staffing issues post Covid, but there’s understaffed for a well predicted fine Friday lunchtime and then there’s woefully understaffed.
Can’t comment on the food and beer as we decided to cut our losses and carry on down the tow path to the Jolly Boatman as I calculated that we would be there before we got anywhere near the bar here. Fortunately for once I had a decision vindicated and we found the landlady of the Jolly Boatman doing a very good impression of someone who knows how to run a waterside food lead pub on a fine weather Friday lunchtime.
Now maybe the Boat Inn does do fine food and have well kept ales, but any establishment that cannot be run properly enough for me to find out gets one star from be by default.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tigger1987
Oxford254 contributions
Sep 2022 • family
Last minute decision to attend. Mananged to reserve a table. Friendly on phone. Arrived to a warm welcome from two young members of staff.
Service was a good pace and the young man that served us did so with a smile, was professional, and extremely friendly and helpful. Food was good. Do not expect five star restaurant food. This is traditional pub grub. Portion sizes are very good for what you are paying and it was tasty.
Few cobwebs and decor feels a bit dated l but otherwise we really enjoyed the evening and would recommend. Can't comment on toilets or any garden area as these weren't used.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VivienSpencer
Heswall38 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
We received a very warm welcome from staff and locals alike. Everyone was very friendly. Having moored up about 100 yards away we popped in for a drink but ended up staying for a meal too. The portions were generous and the food was tasty. Thanks to Jack for looking after us. We shall return next time we are in the area. 👍🏼
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotelspy
Manchester452 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Beware the portions are big, we made a mistake in ordering the nachos to share as a starter because neither of us could finish our main course, much to the pleasure of Angel the greyhound who finished off my wife’s steak (by invitation they didn’t help themselves).
The pub was very busy, it seems everyone wanted dinner between 7 and 8, although the host apologised for the delay with both our courses we thought the pacing between starter and main was fine.
The pub featured in a Morse episode in 1989 and there are some pictures.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uglybird3613
Stoke-on-Trent881 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
Booked online and no confirmation like we normally get. Rang to check the booking. Told cant see the booking online unless you are the manager. Asked can we book a table and told they too busy. We checked the booking as we didnt want to not turn up and them have an empty table. Manager got back to us and said they had a problem with system and to come down. When we got there there was one other family just leaving. No one else in all night! Service poor considering only us there. Food was shocking. Told ran out of one of the pies and as choosing a different one a lady came out of the kitchen waving a frozen one saying she had found it. Veg were hard, chips lovely but the pies were so hard. Could hardly cut through them and could hear the knives clank on the plate when it went through. Inside was good but pastry shell like a buller. Did complain and told they would see what they could do with the bill as they could hear how tough it was. When bill came nothing even knocked off. To top it all it was freezing in there we have been before and taken friends who then took their friends and family as was so nice but now we wont go back and have spoken to the people we took before and said dont bother again. Total waste of money tonight. Been better off in wetherspoons.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Cooper
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
This place couldn’t be better. The husband and wife team have got everything right. From the menu to the service it brilliant.
We met the landlord on a walk by the canal and he couldn’t have been more friendly, letting my daughter 6, pet his beautiful greyhound called Angel.
After our walk we went into the pub and we’re welcomed by the man we’d just met by the canal.
We were sat down at the table by his equally friendly wife who couldn’t have done more to help us.
There were 6 of us, 4 adults and 2 kids. We all found something great to eat from the menu, most of us choosing from the extensive pie menu. The kids menu was great too. My daughter wanted beef burger and sausages but could only choose one of them, so they suggested a sausage sandwich in a burger bun. Perfect. She was really happy.
Food came out quickly, hot and all at the same time. It was excellent.
Dessert was just as good, individual black cherry pie was off the scale.
Go there.
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace L
Thank you so much for your kind words! Looking forward to seeing you soon, Grace, Garret and Angel!
Written February 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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