REVIEW: The Old Boathouse at De Vere Cotswold Water Park – Al Fresco Dining, Summer Spritz & Iced Coffees

We recently enjoyed a lovely al fresco lunch at The Old Boathouse at De Vere Cotswold Water Park, and with beautiful lakeside views, delicious sharing dishes and plenty of summery drinks to choose from, it was the perfect spot to make the most of a sunny afternoon in the Cotswolds.

Situated within De Vere Cotswold Water Park, The Old Boathouse has one of the loveliest settings for outdoor dining in the area. The large terrace overlooks the water, creating a relaxed atmosphere that instantly makes you feel like you're making the most of the summer weather.

We were lucky enough to visit on a gorgeous day, so naturally we chose to sit outside. With the sun shining and views stretching across the lake, it was such a peaceful setting for lunch and would be equally lovely for an afternoon drink or iced coffee.

For our lunch, we decided to order a selection of dishes to share, which felt perfect for a sunny afternoon by the water.

We chose the Deli Board, Caprese Salad and Smoked Salmon, giving us a lovely mix of light, fresh and summery flavours to share between us.

The Deli Board was particularly generous, featuring roasted aubergine, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes and courgettes alongside fresh mozzarella drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. A side of olives added a lovely salty bite, while the crispy, golden focaccia and crunchy breadsticks were perfect for dipping into the accompanying savoury tomato-based sauce. The combination of warm roasted vegetables, creamy mozzarella and the punchy, slightly salty dip made every mouthful feel different.

The Caprese Salad continued the fresh Mediterranean flavours, while the Smoked Salmon brought a lighter, delicate element to the table. Together, the three dishes worked really well as a relaxed sharing lunch, offering a balanced mixture of creamy, smoky, salty and refreshing flavours without feeling too heavy.

Of course, we couldn't visit during the summer without sampling the Summer Spritz menu.

I opted for the Limoncello Spritz, which was refreshing, citrusy and incredibly easy to drink in the sunshine. If you're looking for something that really gives you that summer holiday feeling without having to travel very far, this is definitely a good choice!

We also tried the Elderflower Mint Sparkle, a 0% alcohol option. It was light and refreshing, with the elderflower and mint working really well together. It was great to see an alcohol-free option that still felt like a special summer drink rather than the usual soft drink.

For anyone who prefers coffee to cocktails, The Old Boathouse also has an iced coffee menu, giving you another excuse to grab a table outside and spend a little longer enjoying those lakeside views. An iced coffee on the terrace would be a lovely option for an afternoon catch-up or a refreshing stop while exploring the Cotswold Water Park.

Overall, we had a really enjoyable afternoon at The Old Boathouse. The combination of its lakeside setting, relaxed al fresco terrace, delicious food and seasonal drinks menus makes it a fantastic summer dining spot.

Whether you're looking for lunch with friends, somewhere for a sunny date, a few spritzes overlooking the water or simply an iced coffee with a view, The Old Boathouse at De Vere Cotswold Water Park is well worth a visit this summer.

About the Author

Neav – Social Media Manager at Total Guide

Neav is Total Guide’s Social Media Manager and our girl on the ground, always out discovering the best places to eat, drink, visit and experience across the local area. From trying the latest menus and capturing must-see venues to keeping on top of social media trends, she knows what makes a great day out, and where your money is genuinely worth spending.

As well as creating and capturing content for Total Guide’s social channels, Neav regularly visits local restaurants, attractions and experiences first-hand, sharing recommendations to help our readers decide where to go next.

The Old Boathouse FAQs

Where is The Old Boathouse?

The Old Boathouse is located at De Vere Cotswold Water Park, surrounded by the lakes and countryside of the Cotswold Water Park.

Can you dine outside at The Old Boathouse?

Yes. The Old Boathouse has a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the water, making it a fantastic choice for al fresco dining during the warmer months.

Does The Old Boathouse serve summer drinks?

Yes. Alongside its usual drinks selection, The Old Boathouse offers seasonal options including refreshing summer spritzes, with alcoholic and 0% choices available.

Can you get iced coffee at The Old Boathouse?

Yes. The Old Boathouse offers an iced coffee menu, perfect for enjoying out on the terrace overlooking the lake.

 

 

 

 

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