Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Bowness-on-Windermere — A View Worth a Thousand Words But Not the Food

You've just done the Windermere cruise and the steam train (which I high recommend).

You're buzzing, you're hungry, and you think: let's just pop into somewhere near the lake. No research, no booking — just vibes. It landed us at Boardwalk Bar & Grill, and honestly? The lake did most of the work.

🍽️ Food & Drinks

That stunning waterfront view is essentially what you're paying for — because it's certainly not the cooking. The fish and chips arrived completely flavourless, the burger was dry and forgettable, and even the condiments felt like an afterthought — the tartare sauce and ketchup both had that unmistakably cheap, own-brand quality that no lakeside premium pricing can excuse.

Flavourless fish and the sad 'crispy' squid on the top of the photo

The so-called signature crispy squid was perhaps the biggest letdown. It wasn't crispy. The chilli was barely detectable — decorative rather than functional, scattered on top as if it had heard of flavour but never actually met it. Portions are generous, we'll give them that. But size without flavour is just quantity, and at these prices, you want both.

Dry pork burger

👋 Service

Staff were warm, helpful but food was a bit slow— no complaints here at all. They're doing their best.

Even a fail proof burger can be so underwhelming

✨ Decor & Ambience

Sitting right on the edge of Lake Windermere with that panoramic view stretching out in front of you? Legitimately gorgeous. The space itself is airy, with large windows and a relaxed feel. The setting is doing serious heavy lifting.

💰 Value

Here's the hard truth: you're paying a tourist-location premium for food that doesn't earn it. The view is the product. Everything else is filler.

🏁 Verdict - Gorgeous lakeside setting completely squandered by bland, overpriced food — go for the view, but eat somewhere else first.

⭐ Ratings

Food: 2.5/5 – Flavourless fish, a dry burger, and squid that's anything but crispy
Service: 4/5 – Warm and helpful staff who deserve a better menu to work with.
Decor: 4/5 – That Windermere waterfront view is absolutely stunning
Value: 2.5/5 – Generous portions, yes — but you're paying for the postcode, not the plate.
Overall: 2.5/5 – A tourist trap with a pretty face; your stomach deserves better.

💰 Estimated cost per person: £25–£35 (lunch with drinks)

📍 Boardwalk Bar & Grill

Address: Gilly's Landing, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HE

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