The Boat Cafe

The Barge Arm, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2DN, United Kingdom
+44 1452 905198
$$$ Cafe
(92 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled along The Barge Arm in the vibrant Docks area of Gloucester, The Boat Cafe offers a delightful blend of culinary treats and scenic views, all from the unique setting of a floating café. This charming establishment captures the essence of café culture while providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps its visitors coming back for more.

The Boat Cafe presents an enticing menu that's perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshingly cold drink like the invigorating Ginger Beer or the zesty Lemonade at just £2.30, or craving something sweet, the selection of homemade cakes promises to delight. Indulge in the rich Chocolate Flapjack for (£4.50) or the wholesome Honey Flapjack for only £3.50. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the skillfully brewed Cappuccino or Latte, both priced reasonably at £3.50, guaranteeing you a perfect pick-me-up.

But it’s not just the food and drinks that set The Boat Cafe apart; it’s the inviting ambiance that envelops you upon entering. With sunlight streaming through the windows and the gentle sway of the boat, you'll find it hard not to feel relaxed. Customers rave about the cozy atmosphere, complemented by friendly and attentive staff who are eager to ensure you have an excellent dining experience.

The real highlight, however, is the variety of crowd-pleasing dishes. As highlighted by delighted patrons, the chow mein and momos are frequently mentioned favorites, merging fresh ingredients with bold flavors that cater to both vegans and meat lovers alike. “The price was very reasonable,” one customer noted, reinforcing the cafe’s commitment to quality without breaking the bank.

Don’t just take our word for it; hear from those who’ve experienced the magic themselves. One visitor playfully shared, “I’ve never boarded a boat to purchase a coffee before,” echoing the unique charm that The Boat Cafe embodies. Families enjoy the kid-friendly environment, where even the little ones can have fun while savoring a delicious meal.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful lunch break, a cozy place for afternoon coffee, or a unique spot to enjoy the scenic waterside views, The Boat Cafe is a delightful destination. With its impressive array of vegan options clearly labeled, it caters to all dietary preferences without compromising on taste or quality. This is truly a gem of Gloucester, inviting you to enjoy a meal on the water and make lasting memories.

Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday

Closed

Friday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

92 Reviews
sian wilkinson

09 Sep 2025

This is such a lovely cafe and it's a great experience for people to go on a boat in the Quays. The staff are very friendly and polite, prices are very good and my food (chow mein) and coffee were delicious. Good vegan options too. Thank you!

Amina

31 Aug 2025

Discovered this lovely little café on a boat whilst taking a stroll around the Quays. Was pleasantly surprised that the interior was not dark but beautiful with the sun shining through the windows. My friend and I enjoyed a great lunch which was not at all pricey– it was freshly made with a delicious mixture of flavours. Will definitely revisit

Mikolaj Hajdas

30 Jul 2025

The atmosphere of the boat was very cozy, the staff were very welcoming and the food was good. I got the chicken steamed momos which were very nice and only paid about £8 which is good for homemade food

mijendra shakya

28 Jul 2025

Thank you for the wonderful Momo and chai tea to go with them…. Me and my mother both had a wonderful lunch. We will be back

N Gurung

22 Jul 2025

We loved our lunch on The Boat Cafe. The momo, chow mein, and tea were absolutely delicious. The price was very reasonable. Such a peaceful atmosphere as well!

Elizabeth Halley

15 Jul 2025

Lovely afternoon coffee here. My little one loved being on a boat. Really kind helpful service and great coffee.

Bill Robson

27 Jun 2025

I've never boarded a boat to purchase a coffee before, as far as I can remember. Today was the day. Friendly geezer behind the counter, I should never have done the seasick joke, he's probably heard it a thousand and fifteen times before. Shame on me. No complaints about my latte, it filled the cup to absolute capacity and the swirly showed I was in the company of a swirly master. Good choice of what appeared to be homemade munchables, it was late in the day so most had been scoffed prior to my arrival. If you fancy a cuppa next time you're on Gloucester Quays climb aboard and enjoy, but remember not to do the seasick joke.

Holly Gooch

26 Jun 2025

I was excited to eat here for the first time today when on my lunch break. The food was incredible, a lovely service and great atmosphere. I will definitely be back. Even better that the vegan options were clearly labelled and delicious. A great spot for Gloucester

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