A couple of weeks ago, we had lunch at the Boat House in Steephill Cove. The restaurant had been booked well in advance for a celebratory, not-to-be-forgotten experience.
Unfortunately the weather was far from perfect as we followed the path from the Botanic Gardens round the back of the cricket ground and down, down, down to the cove. As we emerged from the path we experienced the full force of the wind, thankful that my chosen experience hadn’t included a boat trip! Once on dry sand we approached the restaurant, up the rickety steps, in happy expectation of a warm welcome and shelter from the howling wind.
I’d been wanting to eat at the Boat House ever since I learned of it’s reputation and although I’d previously strolled past and casually observed its rustic exterior, I felt sure that such fine dining could only take place in surroundings of equal measure.
My expectations were swiftly revised as we took our seats in what can only be described as “¦”¦.. a boat house! No sumptuous surroundings here! A small room with a seating capacity of no more than twenty, decorated with all things nautical and (strangely) a couple of ying and yang type wooden statues.
The menu arrived and we pondered our choice of crab; lobster; crab and lobster; or lobster and crab. Decisions swiftly made, we all settled on the Skippers Platter and tried not to shiver when the howling wind entered with each new diner. A few brave-hearts chose to sit on the balcony with their pooch – I’ve no idea if this was a canine restriction or personal choice. Another diner entered with a smaller hound and I was reminded of France where dogs are welcome in restaurants and children sit still for hours while the family chew the cud. Thankfully, this was no amuse-bouche, pretentious restaurant and we munched our bread as someone entered with a crate of lobsters and crabs and headed straight for the kitchen.
Lunch arrived on huge oval platters – lobster, dressed crab, salad and prawns. We took a photo as a keepsake, but this was definitely something to eat, not applying for an arts grant!
I’m not a connisseur of crustaceans but am willing to give most things a try even in my limited-seafood diet. The lobster and crab were okay – good even – but (thankfully) they didn’t titivate my taste buds to the point of “must have”. – my budget wouldn’t permit it. Plenty of prawns, both peeled and whole, were platter-scattered and they were also good, but once again not a mouth-watering experience. However, half hidden by a lettuce-leaf, was one king prawn. Wow! This solitary King of the prawns was delectably delicious! A must-have-more experience, but despite rummaging around the remaining salad, my taste-bud sensation was not to be repeated and the rest of the platter was good, but a second-best affair.
Our meal finished with coffee and dessert from a small selection. “Puddings” seem to have made a comeback – thank you Jamie O – but beware the fashionable chocolate muffin with sauce and cream currently making a comeback as in-vogue chocolate pudding! (Net cost approx 75p; on yer plate selling price £5.20)
My conclusion on the Boat House is that it certainly gave us a unique experience, but is probably more suited to lovers of crab and lobster on warm, sunny days. The service couldn’t be beat, and my only recommendations would be to serve the bread warm, put the butter in dishes, fit automatic door closers and hand round hot toddies as a foul weather welcome! Finally, my admiration to the owners for their fantastic business acumen.
Adel Jinnos
