IT was third time lucky for us at the Boathouse in Dedham.
We tried to visit the riverside restaurant twice in the summer but were told, very politely, we had no chance of getting a table without a booking.
And even on a cold and dark January evening it was obvious why this place is so popular.
Windows stretch the whole restaurant, and the outside lighting made the setting beautiful even for a late sitting.
It took us a while to pick what to have.
The menu was full of creative dishes. It really felt as though time and expertise had gone into planning each dish.
Very rarely can I resist camembert on a menu, but this wasn’t ordinary camembert.
This was Boathouse-style camembert – spiked with champagne and served with focaccia crostini and red onion jam.
Like everything else we ate that night, it was beautifully presented.
My main was also a hit.
The chicken was cooked perfectly and tasted fantastic.
I haven’t tried a lentil and chorizo combo before, but they went well together and complimented the chicken.
I managed to try a few mouthfuls of my friend’s dish before he cleared his plate.
It was also delicious and full of flavour.
The portions were very generous and by the time our waiter brought over the dessert menus we were pretty full, so we decided to share.
As normal, we couldn’t agree so opted for the trio of chocolate. It included three different puddings, all of which were lovely.
The white chocolate creme brulee was my favourite by far.
The Boathouse sites on the River Stour, and there is the option to take a rowing boat out from next door.
It really is a beautiful and tranquil setting.
As we left we agreed to be more organised this year, and book a table in the summer months so we can enjoy the surroundings fully.
THE BILL
- Sharing champagne-spiked camembert, focaccia crostini and red onion jam £9.95
- Roasted supreme of corn fed chicken, chorizo and puy lentil stew topped with smoked parsnip crisps £15.85
- Pancetta wrapped cod loin, caper rosti potato, clam and parsley chowder £16.50
- Trio of chocolate – brownie, white chocolate crème brulee and chocolate mousse £7.95
THE VERDICT
Atmosphere 3/5
Food 5/5
Decor 5/5
Service 4/5
Value 4/5
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