The Boathouse Restaurant & Shop
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Quick info
About The Boathouse Restaurant & Shop
The Boathouse Restaurant & Shop is a cafe in Dumfries, set on the historic Quayside at Glencaple on the banks of the River Nith. Its windows face the river estuary, with views stretching toward Criffel. The menu runs from breakfast and brunch to lunch with seasonal specials, and afternoon tea brings freshly baked scones and cakes. The fish platter combines a smoked haddock fish cake, cod goujons, smoked salmon and mackerel pâté, while truffle Parmesan fries come as a side. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options are available for guests with different dietary needs. On site, a small gift shop sells trinkets, mementos and snacks, and a little farm shop sits alongside it.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish board platter, mackerel pâté, breakfast and river Nith views.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish board platter, mackerel pâté, breakfast and river Nith views.
Customer Review Summary
Breakfast draws the most return visits, with reviewers calling it delicious and excellent, and the river views across the Nith estuary come up almost as often. The fish board is the named favourite, described as a generous platter with smoked haddock fish cake, cod goujons, smoked salmon and mackerel pate, which one reviewer calls a special dish. Truffle Parmesan fries, cakes, coffee and hot chocolate to take away also get mentions. Staff are repeatedly called friendly, and one brought a bowl of water for a dog unasked. Several reviewers add that dogs were welcomed, and a little gift shop and farm shop sit alongside the cafe. The recurring caveat is how busy it gets. Several suggest booking in advance or arriving early, and one reviewer who visited at a busy time had a long wait for food, though earlier visits were quick. Another notes an active building site next door as the only downer. One couple who stayed overnight in a motorhome mention watching the sunset over the river.
Customer Review Summary
Breakfast draws the most return visits, with reviewers calling it delicious and excellent, and the river views across the Nith estuary come up almost as often. The fish board is the named favourite, described as a generous platter with smoked haddock fish cake, cod goujons, smoked salmon and mackerel pate, which one reviewer calls a special dish. Truffle Parmesan fries, cakes, coffee and hot chocolate to take away also get mentions. Staff are repeatedly called friendly, and one brought a bowl of water for a dog unasked. Several reviewers add that dogs were welcomed, and a little gift shop and farm shop sit alongside the cafe. The recurring caveat is how busy it gets. Several suggest booking in advance or arriving early, and one reviewer who visited at a busy time had a long wait for food, though earlier visits were quick. Another notes an active building site next door as the only downer. One couple who stayed overnight in a motorhome mention watching the sunset over the river.
Featured reviews
- Nick Toms
“Great cafe. Brilliant food and service. Only downer is the active building site next door. It's very popular so either book in advance or turn up early.”
- Alix Barker
“What a wonderful find! We stopped here on a road trip with our dog, Harley for a hearty breakfast - it was absolutely delicious. Harley was welcomed - there were plenty of other dogs there too. The soundtrack was immaculate, the decor thoughtful, and the views lovely. Great staff - an all round winner! Would love to be a local to this one!”
- Loz Moules
“We parked up and camped overnight - great view of the sunset! Opened at 10am and had an incredible breakfast! Fair price for the food. Wonderful panorama views of the river. Little shop for trinkets, mementos and some snacks. They also did cakes 😋 We’ll definitely be back!”
- Lisa Little
“A wonderful modern, yet characterful restaurant located on the banks of the river Nith in the picturesque village of Glencalaple The food was of very high standard and its clear to see why this restaurant scores so highly Myself and my husband shared the fish board (£22.50) with a side order of the truffle Parmesan fries and it was more than enough for lunch for two with a small doggy bag to take home, the fish board comprised of smoked haddock fish cake, three cod goujons coated in breadcrumbs, Scottish smoked salmon with capers and mackrel patty served with fresh warm petite pain rolls and salad, the servers were very attentive and very friendly, and there was a lovely atmosphere inside, we will definitely return to the boathouse on our next visit to Glencaple”
- Brian Lowry
“Very good local cafe with great views across the River Nith estuary. You can see wildlife from here and, if you are lucky, see the Nith bore tide. The food is good we have had fish platter which gives good amount and a wide selection. Mackerel pate is a special dish.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“The Boathouse sits on the historic quayside of Glencaple, overlooking the River Nith. With a cosy snug in which to relax and a restaurant with stunning views to Criffel in one direction and towards Dumfries in the other, it is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family and enjoy the delicious food on offer. The menu ranges from brunch and lunch, with seasonal specials, to afternoon tea of freshly baked scones and cakes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free options are available!”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
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