Dining at The Boathouse Plymouth on the Barbican

Located at 2-5 Commercial Wharf in Plymouth's historic Barbican, The Boathouse Plymouth sits inside restored stone arches that once served as fisherman's stores. This waterfront spot operates as a seafood restaurant, café, bar, and takeaway, offering views of the Mayflower Steps. Founded by Ben Squire, who started his career with a fishing boat purchased through a Prince's Trust grant, the business has grown to include its own commercial fishing fleet. This connection allows the kitchen to source fresh seafood directly from local waters, processed at the Plymouth Fish Quay. The venue features a terrace with a retractable roof, making it adaptable for outdoor dining regardless of the coastal weather.

The menu focuses heavily on the daily catch alongside a structured selection of starters, burgers, and seafood classics. For starters, options include Sizzling Garlic & Chilli Prawns for £12, Calamari for £10, and a Crab Pot priced at £15. Those looking for lighter bites can choose from baguettes and wraps, such as the Devonshire Crab baguette for £15 or the Cheddar Cheese & Pickle option for £11. Main courses feature traditional Fish & Chips for £19, Moules Mariniere made with River Exe mussels for £22, and Seafood Linguine for £22. For non-seafood options, the menu offers a variety of burgers and tacos, including the Boathouse Smashed burger for £18 and Chicken Tacos for £15. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives are integrated across the menu sections.

Operating hours vary depending on the season. During the summer months, the venue is open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00, with the kitchen closing at 19:30. The standard provisional schedule for the rest of the year runs from 09:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, with extended hours until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast is served daily from 09:00 to 11:30, featuring dishes like The Boathouse Breakfast for £13, Crab Benedict for £13, and American Style Pancakes starting at £9. The beverage selection includes standard espresso-based coffees ranging from £3 to £4.50, alongside a licensed bar menu. The restaurant's location makes it a convenient stop when visiting nearby attractions such as the Mayflower Museum, the National Marine Aquarium, or Smeaton's Tower, all located within a short walking distance along the harbor.