The Boatyard offers relaxed, riverside dining built around fresh, seasonal dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
The menu focuses on quality ingredients, well‑crafted plates and easygoing favourites, served from morning through evening. Guests can enjoy everything from casual coffees and light bites to full meals, with options that suit families, groups and laid‑back get‑togethers by the water.
The bar serves a curated mix of wines, beers and cocktails, making it a great spot for long lunches, sundowners or drinks with friends. Whether you’re stopping before a row on the river or a relaxing lunch, it’s all about good food, good company and a calm waterside setting.
Restaurant
Set beside the River Stour in the heart of Dedham Vale, The Boatyard restaurant is a relaxed destination for great food, good company and memorable moments. Whether you are joining us for a leisurely breakfast, a long lunch, a special celebration or simply a coffee overlooking the river, our aim is to create a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
Our menus are inspired by the seasons, focusing on fresh, carefully prepared dishes made using quality ingredients from local suppliers. Throughout the year, our offering evolves to reflect the best of each season, from lighter dishes during the warmer months to comforting favourites as the weather cools. During the autumn and winter months, our Sunday menu features traditional roasts, perfect for a relaxed riverside lunch with family and friends.
Our Menus
From a relaxed morning coffee and breakfast through to brunch, lunch and drinks with friends, we offer food that is thoughtfully made and served in a beautiful riverside setting.
With views across the water, countryside surroundings and a warm, informal atmosphere, The Boatyard is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy time together. Our restaurant is open throughout the year, offering a cosy retreat in the colder months and a place to make the most of the outdoors when the sun is shining.
We also welcome private celebrations, gatherings and events, offering a flexible space where guests can enjoy great food in a unique setting.
Restaurant Opening Times
Our restaurant is open throughout the year, offering a relaxed riverside setting for breakfast, lunch and special occasions.
We are open Wednesday to Sunday every week, with selected Monday and Tuesday openings throughout the year for bank holidays, seasonal dates and special occasions such as the Christmas period.
Opening times may vary on certain dates, so we recommend checking ahead before visiting.
Monday & Tuesday
Closed*
Wednesday – Sunday
9:00am – 4:00pm
Kitchen closes
3:00pm
*Selected Mondays and Tuesdays may be open for bank holidays, seasonal dates and special events.
Cafe
During the warmer months, our riverside cafe offers a more casual way to enjoy The Boatyard. Open seasonally, it is the perfect stop for walkers, families, boaters and visitors exploring Dedham Vale.
Serving takeaway drinks, light bites and locally made ice cream, the cafe is ideal for a relaxed coffee by the river, a quick beer after a walk or a locally made gin & tonic to enjoy while watching the rowing boats pass by.
If you are heading out onto the water, you can take your food and drinks with you to enjoy during your rowing boat adventure. Pick up a coffee, cold drink or a sweet treat before setting off and make the most of your time on the River Stour.
Whether you are stopping for a riverside refreshment, enjoying an ice cream with the family or taking something with you onto the boats, our cafe offers a relaxed way to experience everything The Boatyard has to offer.
Cafe Opening Hours
Our riverside cafe is open seasonally, with opening times designed to make the most of the warmer months in Dedham Vale.
We aim to open at weekends and selected key dates from April through to mid July, before opening seven days a week throughout the summer holidays.
Opening times may vary outside of peak periods, so we recommend checking ahead before travelling to us.
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday – Sunday
9:00am – 5:00pm
Please note that opening times may be subject to weather conditions and seasonal changes.