Historical version 6 of Isis Boat House (view current version)
- 01865 243870
- Haystacks Corner, The Towing Path, Iffley
- OX4 4EL
- Sat-Sun: 10:30am-6:00pm, and maybe later. Also Fridays 2 'til 7pm, in the Summer. Canoe hire all week round by arrangement.
This is a functioning boathouse, built in 1905 as a boatbuilders, and now housing rowing boats, canoes and kayaks on the ground floor, and a private home on the first floor. A small, modern extension alongside, with views over Iffley Meadow SSSI and the River, 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, and 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 bank holidays, and although the stated closing time is 6.00, one staff member told me they will keep serving until they've finished all the washing up!