The Boathouse Bar And Restaurant, Windermere Marina Village

Sunshine, blue skies and a marina that could make you think you were in the south of France. Surely this cannot be the Lake District I am talking about?

It actually is. The marina in question is the Windermere Marina situated just south of Bowness. The contrast between the two could not be more different - whilst the town is overrun with day trippers clogging up the streets the marina has an air of sophistication and tranquillity.

There is a public car park across the road from the entrance to the marina village where you will find The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant. You can choose to dine inside, but why would you on a sunny day when they have a terrace that catches the sun from midday onwards?

The menu is a mix of favourites and specials such as starters that include Mussels, Smooth Parfait of Chicken Livers, Serrano Ham or Mini Picante Chorizo.

One of the most popular dishes for a main course is the Homemade 6oz Burger of the day. When I visited it was the beef burger - a nice thick meaty temptation that tasted far superior to others items bearing the same name. Add to that the smoked bacon, mature cheddar, lettuce, onion, Cumbrian ale battered onion rings served with fries, Boathouse Burger Sauce, then you might find that your plate is stacked as high as some of the Cumbrian fells that are waiting for you to climb.

They appeared to do a nice line in home-made thin crust pizzas, though you could also indulge in Crab, King Prawn and Saffron Risotto, Crisp Confit of Duck Leg or Cumbrian Ale Battered Haddock and Chips, all with an average price of £15.00.

If you have enough space left the home-made Sticky Toffee Pudding was just about moist and dense enough for the toffee sauce to soak in well when poured over.

A nice touch was that coffee was served with side order of Smarties - something I have never seen before.

The dog friendly restaurant will appeal to walkers too. Service was fast though not intrusive.

Whether you arrive by foot, car or by water give The Boathouse a try - you just might find it will rock your boat.

The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant, Windermere Marina Village, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3JQ
Telephone 015394 22785
http://theboathouse-windermere.co.uk/