Historical version 3 of Isis Boat House (view current version)

  • The Towing Path, Iffley Lock
  • OX4 4EL
  • Sat-Sun: 10am-5.30pm

This is an actual boathouse used by Oxford Brookes University, but a small extension alongside, with views over the meadows, has been converted for use as a teashop and a base for canoe hire. The interior is a snug, welcoming place with a couple of tables and sofas and a wood burning stove. The outside is very neatly kept with a few more tables and some benches overlooking the river.

Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers where possible; for example, the coffee is blended by Cardew's, who also supply the many choices of tea; the wide range of delicious cakes are made on site using locally produced flour. On the bank holiday when we visited, the "limited menu" included baked beans on toast (the bread also coming from a local supplier!)

It's normally only open at the weekends, and although the stated closing time is 5.30, one staff member told me they will keep serving until they've finished all the washing up!

OS X co-ord: 452485     OS Y co-ord: 203936     (Latitude: 51.731221 Longitude: -1.239941)
This is version 3 (as of 2007-05-13 19:11:44). View current version. List all versions.