Canberra’s only absolute waterfront restaurant and event location
When The Boat House opened its doors in April 1993, it was, and still is, one of the only absolute waterfront properties in Canberra. Here people could dine with uninterrupted views across the water, enjoying some of the city’s most picturesque sunsets and the juxtaposition of city lights on the water whilst surrounded by the peaceful ambience of a private house and gardens.
The Boat House quickly became known as one of Canberra’s premium dining and event locations, and has operated as a family business now for over twenty years. During this time, the Souter family has always endeavoured to keep The Boat House cutting edge in terms of its delivery of spectacular menus which challenge diners to explore new flavour combinations, textures and culinary innovations. This has always been balanced with a respect and passion for old school service: attentive, respectful, the kind of service where your needs are anticipated and met without you having to interrupt your conversation.
As the restaurant continues to strive for excellence through this evolving menu, current owner James Souter recognised the need for a change in the building itself, to keep pace with the fresh, stylish menu. “We wanted to refresh the building without losing what makes it so special. It had to keep that intimate feel”, he says.
James knew he had to maintain some key features – the hand-built stone wall in the foyer, the open fire, and the floor to ceiling windows that bring the lake and the gardens almost inside. Partnering with Aaron Capezio of Capezio & Co, and Capcorp James worked to design a space that would combine these elements The Boat House is famous for with a stylish and sophisticated new look.
The outcome is really something special. The darker palette and natural timbers create a warm but edgy feel, set off with some statement pieces including the towering COR-TEN (rusted steel) front door, and cladded open fireplace. A new wraparound deck really makes the most of The Boat House’s unique setting in its own leafy gardens, allowing guests to wander out onto the deck and directly down to the lawn and water’s edge.
The Boat House’s look is now perfectly in pace with its menu, which embraces food as an adventure. Executive Chef John Leverink plays with new and classic styles, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. This kitchen team is young, passionate and just a little perfectionistic, which is great news for anyone who enjoys delicious, stunningly presented meals.
Despite having an award-winning restaurant, The Boat House is also well known in Canberra for conferences and private dining. The full passion and expertise of the kitchen team goes into The Boat House’s conference and private events menus – allowing guests to branch away from the chicken and beef swap if they want to. When combined with its pectacular setting, privacy and water views it’s obvious why business and government clients love to invite their guests here.
Another important change to the venue has happened ‘under the hood’ with the installation of state of the art audio visual systems in each room, which when not in use disappear into the background leaving uninterrupted views of the lake.
If you haven’t been to dinner at The Boat House in a while, or are looking for somewhere truly memorable for an event or corporate function look no further. This place has it all.
The Boat House is open for dinner Monday – Saturday and for private events seven days.
(02) 6273 5500
Menindee Drive, Barton ACT 2600
[email protected]
www.theboathouse.restaurant
