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The Boat

Staffordshire, Lichfield - Modern British - Restaurant - £££

Casual fine-dining with sustainability at its core

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

Say it loud. Say it proud. Sustainability is the word at this admirable restaurant and micro-farm a few miles from Lichfield. The whitewashed Boat sits on a busy main road close to the Staffordshire Canal, but some architectural whizz has cast a Tardis-like spell over the well-insulated open-plan interior. Following a recent refurb, the place now has a lighter, warmer, more natural aesthetic with plentiful use of wood, terrariums and a subtle botanical theme running through the dining room. From menu covers printed on seaweed paper to compost heaps, aquaponics and minimum-waste cooking, Liam Dillon is a ‘hugely passionate chef’ who clearly takes his environmental philosophy seriously. Seasonality is a given, from garden pickles and Cannock Chase venison to raw honey from the Boat’s own hives, and the result is a roll call of imaginative and highly stylised ideas served on contemporary ceramic plates. It may be complex stuff, but clarity of flavour is one of the kitche...

Say it loud. Say it proud. Sustainability is the word at this admirable restaurant and micro-farm a few miles from Lichfield. The whitewashed Boat sits on a busy main road close to the Staffordshire Canal, but some architectural whizz has cast a Tardis-like spell over the well-insulated open-plan interior. Following a recent refurb, the place now has a lighter, warmer, more natural aesthetic with plentiful use of wood, terrariums and a subtle botanical theme running through the dining room. From menu covers printed on seaweed paper to compost heaps, aquaponics and minimum-waste cooking, Liam Dillon is a ‘hugely passionate chef’ who clearly takes his environmental philosophy seriously. Seasonality is a given, from garden pickles and Cannock Chase venison to raw honey from the Boat’s own hives, and the result is a roll call of imaginative and highly stylised ideas served on contemporary ceramic plates. It may be complex stuff, but clarity of flavour is one of the kitchen’s hallmarks. The creative drinks list emphasises biodynamic, organic and locally crafted selections, all served by delightfully attentive staff who are happy to chat but never seem pushy or intrusive.

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A NARDONE

24 March 2025

The Boat is a former pub transformed by the owner Liam Dutton into a beautifully decorated high class restaurant. The menu is modern and reflects the vision of the owner to provide locally sourced, high quality food whic...
The Boat is a former pub transformed by the owner Liam Dutton into a beautifully decorated high class restaurant. The menu is modern and reflects the vision of the owner to provide locally sourced, high quality food which varies seasonally, and needless to say is well cooked and beautifully served. Attached to the restaurant is a micro farm, which produces vegetables, herbs and meat for the restaurant in an organic and sustainable fashion. This latter element adds a touch of uniqueness to the re...
The Boat is a former pub transformed by the owner Liam Dutton into a beautifully decorated high class restaurant. The menu is modern and reflects the vision of the owner to provide locally sourced, high quality food which varies seasonally, and needless to say is well cooked and beautifully served. Attached to the restaurant is a micro farm, which produces vegetables, herbs and meat for the restaurant in an organic and sustainable fashion. This latter element adds a touch of uniqueness to the restaurant which sets it apart from others in the area.
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VENUE DETAILS

Walsall Road, Summerhill
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS14 0BUGB

01543 361692

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Wheelchair access, Parking, Credit card required, Deposit required

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