Stunning food, only let down by service. Having visited a few Michelin star restaurants previously, this place definitely meets the standard required in terms of food, however the service was a bit disappointing. We really enjoyed the food and thought it was good value for the standard offered, however we found that the staff weren’t particularly attentive and we really struggled to get their attention at times, particularly when we just wanted to receive and pay the bill. If they get that bit right in future I think they’d be in line for a star.
Broomsleigh
We’ve been relatively regular clients at the Boat just about since Liam opened the restaurant. We’ve always enjoyed eating there - even with some challenging guests (they memorably produced a vegan tasting menu from scratch when we turned-up with an unexpected guest one night a few years ago) and the quality of the food and service has always been brilliant. Fresh ingredients, imaginatively combined and beautifully presented. However, our dinner tonight was something altogether different - every course was delicious, and slightly different from the expected but flawlessly executed and presented. By far the best meal, from many very good ones over the years! More than ever, showcasing the increasingly established produce from the Boat’s own market garden. Lichfield has recently become a tiny bit of a local centre of excellence for great cooking and dining - and Liam is most definitely making sure that he deserves his place amongst its creators. A Michelin star might (should) be on the horizon?
Watto71
The ambience, the food and the staff were fantastic. Staff were attentive and professional at all times. The food was amazing, absolutely perfect. Drinks were fantastic and I recommend the Samuel Jackson cocktail. Best restaurant we’ve been to by far.
Helen H
Our first visit to The Boat for a birthday lunch and we enjoyed the whole experience. We chose the choice menu which although was not extensive gave a reasonable choice of dishes. Everything we had was well presented and prepared. Portion sizes although not large were more than adequate for our taste. The staff were friendly and efficient. The decor is good and added to an overall relaxed atmosphere. To see the concept of micro farm to table is interesting. Nice to have another fine dining venue in the area. Having experienced Michelin rated restaurants, The Boat probably deserves a star.
Peter B
A very good restaurant, the staff were outstanding, delivering a very high standard of customer service coupled with great food. A truly excellent experience.
Dun8
Chose this restaurant as it was halfway between Manchester and on our way to Oxford. Couldn’t believe how good the food and service was. This is a real farm to table restaurant
M A
Very nice little place, staff great food great, couldn’t fault the place, will go back when I’m next on my travels
ElspethH824
One of the best meals I've ever eaten. The chef here can only be described as a genius and I'd recommend this place without hesitation for quality of food, presentation and service. Everything was absolutely perfect. We also had the opportunity to have a quick look around the edges of the restaurant's micro farm and were impressed with the quality and range of produce that they are growing on the premises. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, in a relaxed style but with a luxe traditional feel. The minute we walked through the door we felt welcome - the wonderful staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. We were even able to bring our dog. We were seated in the bar area for our meal (which is beautifully decorated). We both opted for the choice menu, which was three courses of pure delight. Being vegetarian wasn't an issue - my meal was amazing - in fact I'm still dreaming about the food! My other half chose from the meat selection. We were both very happy with the meal. Incredible value for money, taking into account the stellar standard of the food and service. Thanks very much for a great experience and an unforgettable meal. We hope to return again soon.
Navigator03478851531
My husband and I ate here yesterday for my birthday and we had the most amazing time. We are both vegan and put this on our booking and the restaurant were well prepared. We had the tasting menu and each course was absolutely incredible. The staff are wonderful, all so friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and helpful and explained all the components off each dish. Overall it was just the most fantastic evening with the best food I’ve eaten - I won’t stop talking about it for a long long time. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!
Fiona H
Experienced the chef table last night, incredible evening! The team were so attentive from start to finish. We were welcomed on arrival and taken to a lovely table for a drink then when time for a meal, taken to our table situated right in front of the kitchen. Being able to see the team working so hard, preparing such a wonderful food was amazing! All of dishes were presented by the chef who had prepared the dish and every one was incredible. Having experienced fine dining before we had preconceived ideas but this was undoubtedly better than other restaurants we’ve been to. Every dish was full of flavour, presentation was beautiful, not pretentious but still a wow! Can’t recommend enough and we will definitely return
So this place is literally on our doorstep and we have found a gem. Delicious food, beautiful decor and excellent staff well trained in the knowledge of food and wine from the Sommelier. Excellent chefs and attention to detail. Fabulous experience if you are a foodie. Well deserved Mitchelin star recognition!
JennyPla
We had a wonderful evening, beautiful restaurant, brilliant attentive service and gorgeous food.....
Sarah S
Lovely place, lovely staff and lovely food. In my opinion the portions were a little small. When I have had tasting menus elsewhere I leave fit to burst, satisfied and happy, however here I didnt quite feel full at the end of the meal. My partner felt the same way. Love it but maybe a couple of the plates need to be slightly bigger towards the main meal to distinguish from the first few courses. But otherwise really lovely.
Jacky W
Food was amazing, the service was excellent and the whole place had a really nice informal atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back
Jo D
I’ve just had the taster menu at the chefs table and I would highly recommend. The paired taster menu was a delight! The whole experience was a joy, new, exciting and surprising combinations of food and wine. The staff were welcoming and attentive, helping to make a wonderful experience. Excellent service, food and surroundings!
Stunning food, only let down by service. Having visited a few Michelin star restaurants previously, this place definitely meets the standard required in terms of food, however the service was a bit disappointing. We really enjoyed the food and thought it was good value for the standard offered, however we found that the staff weren’t particularly attentive and we really struggled to get their attention at times, particularly when we just wanted to receive and pay the bill. If they get that bit right in future I think they’d be in line for a star.
We’ve been relatively regular clients at the Boat just about since Liam opened the restaurant. We’ve always enjoyed eating there - even with some challenging guests (they memorably produced a vegan tasting menu from scratch when we turned-up with an unexpected guest one night a few years ago) and the quality of the food and service has always been brilliant. Fresh ingredients, imaginatively combined and beautifully presented. However, our dinner tonight was something altogether different - every course was delicious, and slightly different from the expected but flawlessly executed and presented. By far the best meal, from many very good ones over the years! More than ever, showcasing the increasingly established produce from the Boat’s own market garden. Lichfield has recently become a tiny bit of a local centre of excellence for great cooking and dining - and Liam is most definitely making sure that he deserves his place amongst its creators. A Michelin star might (should) be on the horizon?
The ambience, the food and the staff were fantastic. Staff were attentive and professional at all times. The food was amazing, absolutely perfect. Drinks were fantastic and I recommend the Samuel Jackson cocktail. Best restaurant we’ve been to by far.
Our first visit to The Boat for a birthday lunch and we enjoyed the whole experience. We chose the choice menu which although was not extensive gave a reasonable choice of dishes. Everything we had was well presented and prepared. Portion sizes although not large were more than adequate for our taste. The staff were friendly and efficient. The decor is good and added to an overall relaxed atmosphere. To see the concept of micro farm to table is interesting. Nice to have another fine dining venue in the area. Having experienced Michelin rated restaurants, The Boat probably deserves a star.
A very good restaurant, the staff were outstanding, delivering a very high standard of customer service coupled with great food. A truly excellent experience.
Chose this restaurant as it was halfway between Manchester and on our way to Oxford. Couldn’t believe how good the food and service was. This is a real farm to table restaurant
Very nice little place, staff great food great, couldn’t fault the place, will go back when I’m next on my travels
One of the best meals I've ever eaten. The chef here can only be described as a genius and I'd recommend this place without hesitation for quality of food, presentation and service. Everything was absolutely perfect. We also had the opportunity to have a quick look around the edges of the restaurant's micro farm and were impressed with the quality and range of produce that they are growing on the premises. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, in a relaxed style but with a luxe traditional feel. The minute we walked through the door we felt welcome - the wonderful staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. We were even able to bring our dog. We were seated in the bar area for our meal (which is beautifully decorated). We both opted for the choice menu, which was three courses of pure delight. Being vegetarian wasn't an issue - my meal was amazing - in fact I'm still dreaming about the food! My other half chose from the meat selection. We were both very happy with the meal. Incredible value for money, taking into account the stellar standard of the food and service. Thanks very much for a great experience and an unforgettable meal. We hope to return again soon.
My husband and I ate here yesterday for my birthday and we had the most amazing time. We are both vegan and put this on our booking and the restaurant were well prepared. We had the tasting menu and each course was absolutely incredible. The staff are wonderful, all so friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and helpful and explained all the components off each dish. Overall it was just the most fantastic evening with the best food I’ve eaten - I won’t stop talking about it for a long long time. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!
Experienced the chef table last night, incredible evening! The team were so attentive from start to finish. We were welcomed on arrival and taken to a lovely table for a drink then when time for a meal, taken to our table situated right in front of the kitchen. Being able to see the team working so hard, preparing such a wonderful food was amazing! All of dishes were presented by the chef who had prepared the dish and every one was incredible. Having experienced fine dining before we had preconceived ideas but this was undoubtedly better than other restaurants we’ve been to. Every dish was full of flavour, presentation was beautiful, not pretentious but still a wow! Can’t recommend enough and we will definitely return
Restaurantji Recommends
So this place is literally on our doorstep and we have found a gem. Delicious food, beautiful decor and excellent staff well trained in the knowledge of food and wine from the Sommelier. Excellent chefs and attention to detail. Fabulous experience if you are a foodie. Well deserved Mitchelin star recognition!
We had a wonderful evening, beautiful restaurant, brilliant attentive service and gorgeous food.....
Lovely place, lovely staff and lovely food. In my opinion the portions were a little small. When I have had tasting menus elsewhere I leave fit to burst, satisfied and happy, however here I didnt quite feel full at the end of the meal. My partner felt the same way. Love it but maybe a couple of the plates need to be slightly bigger towards the main meal to distinguish from the first few courses. But otherwise really lovely.
Food was amazing, the service was excellent and the whole place had a really nice informal atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back
I’ve just had the taster menu at the chefs table and I would highly recommend. The paired taster menu was a delight! The whole experience was a joy, new, exciting and surprising combinations of food and wine. The staff were welcoming and attentive, helping to make a wonderful experience. Excellent service, food and surroundings!