The Boat Restaurant in Solihull, Catherine-de-Barnes

Reviews

1. Anastasia Yules ★★★★★

   We've been here a couple of times, but yesterday we had our staff Christmas lunch for the first time. We made a mistake in our booking—we didn't state that we wanted the festive menu, but the staff altered our booking swiftly right before our visit. The staff prepared a beautifully prepared table with Christmas crackers on them, a table tucked away from the crowd. It felt so perfect for our day. The majority of the crowd went for the Turkey as the main—it was insanely delicious with generous portion. The gravy was so delicious that I would drink it. The dessert was nice—I had the sticky toffee pudding with banana split ice cream. Everyone had a wonderful time and went home with a full stomach. Thank you for such a lovely lunch. Just a note though, we found the coffee to be not so pleasant. We were hoping for a proper espresso machine made coffee (with crema), but our coffees tasted like they were made using capsule coffee machine. They tasted bitter and burnt, sadly. I hope The Boat would consider making this improvement, considering how great everything else is.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Nicola Ryland ★★★★★

   Visited twice last week as we were at an NEC show. Friendly staff. Lovely food. Good prices.

   almost 9 months ago
3. Lee Thomas ★☆☆☆☆

   A truly dreadful meal. I’m sorry to have to sound unkind but this wasn’t good enough. I wanted to complain on the day but it was a somewhat intimate environment and didn’t want to make scene. Look at the 3 pictures. The pork belly is what a lovely Sunday lunch looks like. That was from Browns in Birmingham. Now look what you served me and my wife for the same price £22. One carrot. One parsnip. 3 tiny hard as nails roast potatoes. Putrid jelly-like gravy. A small piece of beef that had the appearance of being processed. A load of tasteless cabbage. The Yorkshire pudding was the best part but even that had a tablespoon of cooking oil in the bottom. Please take your chef to The Bulls Head Meriden or Browns in Birmingham for what a Sunday lunch should look like. I feel robbed. Just take the Yorkshire away and look at the amount of food was left! How bad it was is best demonstrated by the fact we went to my dads local to have a great mac & cheese and desserts straight after. On the plus side, lovely venue and outside pergola type building with log burner. Staff were all great and we turned up without booking so fair play for that. It’s such a shame that the kitchen seems to be letting everyone else down. I’d hoped it was just a bad day but some other reviews seem to confirm that these bad days happen too often. £22 for that plate of rubbish is not on.

   almost 10 months ago

1. Hanif Sanghar ★★★★☆

   First time here. The Boat is an upmarket Gastro Pub near one of the most expensive roads in the West Midlands. A lovely looking comfortable place. We're not Oligarchs (thank god) but made to feel very welcome by our friendly server. The food was excellent and no portion complaints from us. Fresh and well presented. It cost us £47 which is reasonable for this area I guess. We'll go back.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Jemma Bradley ★★★★★

   My first visit to this wonderful pub as I was visiting family in the area. It's recently had a makeover and looks great. So many lovely touches. The service from Nicola and Aiden was just perfect. Just the correct level of attentiveness, friendliness, knowledge and timing. The food and drink options catered very well for our small party of four. Food quality and presentation were to a very high standard. I shall definitely return if I'm in the area again.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Susan Pallister ★★★★★

   First time at The Boat for us. We sat outside and the atmosphere was absolutely spot on. The service was first class with our waitress obligingly taking a lovely group photo of our party. Although nearly everyone was dining alfresco, the inside of The Boat was also very enticing. Our food was excellent and we all enjoyed the really delicious sea bass. We will be returning again without a doubt.

   almost 4 years ago

1. Dash Virdee ★★★☆☆

   Sad to have to say this. But as a level 8 Google reviewer I understand the importance of being honest. But for the third time this year Ive been disappointed with the portion sizes. Some of the dishes are so small now so I've downgraded my review. I literally thought I had been given a starter for my mains. Went home and had a sandwich. Service Charges as well which I'm sure wasn't around when they reopened? I know everywhere has more expense now with staff and ingredients. But seriously I've never seen such small chicken and fish portions, ever! Having said that, food is tasty staff are friendly and as lots of others say, service is still slow and can be chaotic. We had given drinks orders and nothing arrived etc. But its fine these guys are rushed off their feet so relax and embrace it I say. Just don't be so mean on the portions pls!

   almost 4 years ago
2. Emily Street ★★★★★

   Visited yesterday for Sunday lunch and booked at short notice. Despite being told that the kitchen was understaffed, the food was prompt and absolutely delicious. Roast was excellent (we had beef and chicken) and served with veg, gravy and cauliflower cheese on the side. Would definitely return!

   almost 4 years ago

FAQs