More than a café.

The Boathouse started very close to home. Quite literally. Our family lived in one half of a semi-detached house on Riverside, Broadgate, and when the house next door became ours, we transformed its ground floor into the café you see today.

What began next door to our family home has become a warm, independent place we hope feels a little like home to everyone who walks through the door.

food and coffee at the boathouse cafe preston

THE MENU

Breakfast. Lunch. Coffee. Cake.

Come hungry. From smashed avocado, wild mushrooms and a proper breakfast bap to sourdough flatbreads, colourful bowls, sharing boards and plenty of good coffee, our menu is made for everything from a quick bite to a long, lazy lunch. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices are available too – and there’s usually something sweet tempting you from the counter.

Read Our Menu

THE BUILDING & ATMOSPHERE

A little place with a lot of character.

The Boathouse was never designed to feel polished or predictable. It’s cosy, relaxed and full of little details – old timber, soft colours, sunlight through the windows and tables made for settling into. Whether you’re meeting a friend, bringing the dog after a walk or finding a quiet corner with a coffee, come in and make yourself comfortable.

PRIVATE HIRE

Something special is taking shape.

There’s more to come at The Boathouse. Our outdoor space is being transformed into a beautiful covered and heated venue, creating a relaxed private event space for celebrations, gatherings and special occasions. When it isn’t being used by the café, the space will be available for exclusive hire – with all the warmth and character of The Boathouse, just with a little more room.

Discover Private Hire

THE LOCATION

Down by the river.

You’ll find us on Broadgate, Riverside, just beside Avenham Park and a short wander from the centre of Preston. Drop in before a walk, call in afterwards, meet someone for lunch or make The Boathouse the destination itself. We’re tucked away by the Ribble, but once you’ve found us, we hope you’ll keep finding reasons to come back.

Find Us