OpenThe Castle Tavern
Castle Row, Mumby Rd, Gosport PO12 1AD, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Boathouse
The Boathouse offers a welcoming seaside escape right over Portsmouth Harbour. This family-friendly cafe serves an enticing breakfast and lunch menu that caters to all tastes, ensuring everyone feels at home, even dogs are welcome inside. The cafe opens at 9 am and operates until 4 pm during winter but extends until 9 pm in summer, allowing diners to enjoy the scenic waterfront at any time of day.
Nestled along the stunning Portsmouth Harbour, The Boathouse is a charming seaside café perfect for breakfast and lunch. Our menu offers a delightful range of options, from hearty breakfasts to light lunch plates, complemented by an excellent selection of coffees, teas, and wines. Family-friendly and dog-welcoming, we cater to all guests in a casual, trendy atmosphere. Enjoy our outdoor seating or indulge in a quick takeaway. With wheelchair access and ample parking, we ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Join us from 9 am daily, and savor delicious food while soaking in picturesque harbour views.Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
The views of the harbour are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for a meal with a view. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, ideal for families and casual dining. Feedback highlights friendly service, with many noting the team’s genuine care for guests. The coffee, desserts, and extensive tea selection receive frequent praise, with guests enjoying leisurely afternoons sampling the incredible drinks. The generous portions of meals also stand out—like the prawn salad and ploughman’s, leaving diners more than satisfied. Plus, the option to get parking validated for two hours encourages visitors to unwind and savor their time without worrying about the meter.
Most Disliked
As much as The Boathouse shines in many areas, peak times can lead to a packed house, especially Fridays and weekends. Some patrons mention experiencing wait times for a table due to this popularity. The reserve system is great, but those without a reservation on busy days may face disappointment. A few diners expressed that the dinner menu offers less variety compared to lunch, which may leave evening guests wanting more options. Additionally, the ticketed parking system can be a slight inconvenience for new visitors unfamiliar with the area. However, the cafe’s atmosphere and food often outweigh these minor complaints.
User Reviews
KM
Kay M.
Booked a meal here with friends. Great view looking out onto the harbour. Good service. Food was piping hot. Get your ticket validated in the cafe for 2 hours free parking,
MJ
Maddison J.
The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. What really stood out, though, was the atmosphere — so welcoming and relaxed. Head Chef Dave is an absolute gem — not only incredibly talented in the kitchen, but genuinely kind and down-to-earth. You can tell he really cares about the food and the guests. The whole team made us feel right at home. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food, great views, and even better people.
JO
Julie O.
Spent last Sunday afternoon on their deck for late lunch. Lovely staff, nice menu and great views. It felt like being on holiday ☀️🎶 We had prawn salad & a ploughmans very generous portions🤩
AW
April W.
Reserved a table at lunchtime on a weekday. Not overly busy when we arrived. Good selection of food and drinks. Service was quick. Car park is ticketed - ticket shown to the assistant, gave us sufficient time to enjoy our lunch without paying for parking.
GT
Georgina T.
We stumbled across this place looking for a meal before heading to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. We had an enjoyable lunch of fried scampi with chips and peas. The scampi and fries were cooked perfectly and the service was friendly and efficient.
ES
Ella S.
Great food, attentive and extremely polite. Lots of flavour and a very good price considering. There’s a beautiful view of the dockyard aswell! I highly recommend!
WD
Warren D.
Excellent food & service. The staff are very friendly & welcoming. We have never had a problem when visiting even when there were 11 of us. Generally we don't book a table if it's the two of us otherwise we book if the number is higher. A lovely relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommended.
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Boathouse serves a delightful variety of meals including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Dine on dishes like fish and chips, burgers, salads, and more.
Absolutely! The Boathouse welcomes families with children and offers a kids' menu. Dogs are also allowed inside and outside, making it a perfect stop for everyone.
Expect to spend between £10 and £20 for a satisfying meal. This range makes it easy to enjoy quality food without breaking the bank.
The Boathouse opens daily at 9 am. In the winter, it closes at 4 pm, while during summer, it stays open until 9 pm, offering plenty of time to enjoy the view.
Why visit The Boathouse
Visiting The Boathouse is about more than just a meal; it’s an experience steeped in local charm. Nestled along the harbour, the view alone makes it worth the stop. Bring the kids and the dog, as both are embraced in this inclusive environment. With a menu that balances quality and creativity, along with excellent service, every visit feels special. For those who want to avoid the rush, planning a visit during the midweek mornings offers a quieter experience. I recommend trying the delicious breakfast options or indulging in a lazy afternoon brunch. Parking validation eases the strain of expenses, meaning more time can be spent enjoying the lovely surroundings. If you’re after good food, friendly service, and picturesque views, make The Boathouse your next dining destination!
