The Boathouse on Mill Stream Approach, Salisbury, has reopened after being derelict for six years.

The new owners, Maria and Steve Harris, along with their daughter-in-law, Nathalie Harris, have transformed the neglected building into a vibrant and sophisticated bar and restaurant that utilises its prime location on the River Avon.

The new restaurant has stylish interiors with a foliage feature wall, hanging wine glasses, and sunlight beaming through the top floor of the restaurant.

Collectively, the Harris Family own the award-winning pub and hotel, The Stag in Lyndhurst. The Boathouse is the first of two Salisbury Hospitality venues that the Harris Family have taken on. The family have also acquired The Old Mill in Harnham which is set to reopen later this summer.

At last night’s launch event, the mayor and mayoress of Salisbury, Tom and Caroline Corbin, alongside other Salisbury dignitaries and local business owners, celebrated the venue’s opening.

Salisbury Mayor and Mayoress Cllr’s Tom and Caroline Corbin at the Boathouse re-opening.
Photography by Spencer Mulholland

Speaking on the opening night, Maria Harris said, “We have had our VIP evening to showcase what we are and what we have achieved in the last nine weeks. We couldn’t have done it without the support locally, the amazing staff team, our contractors, the staff from The Stag and also Salisbury BID, they have been absolutely amazing.

“We have had really positive feedback about The Boathouse and we hope everyone comes along and tries it out.

“Our food is consistently great, it’s modern British food. We have upmarket, ever-changing specials, so there is always something new to try. We just want it to be a nice, warm, safe environment for everyone including families.”

Salisbury Mayor Cllr Tom Corbin and joint owner Maria Harris with Burt Hopkins of Woodford and Hopkins who built the extension on the original Boathouse in the late 70’s
Photography by Spencer Mulholland

The evening’s truly special guest, and the man who cut the ribbon to officially declare The Boathouse open, was Bert Hopkins. Now 87 years old, Bert originally built The Boathouse with his company, Woodford and Hopkins, in 1979.

Speaking to Love Salisbury Bert said, “I built The Boathouse in 1979. A consortium came and asked for the finest builders in Salisbury to build their boathouse and we volunteered.

“We built The Boathouse with my partner Gordon Woodford, I was partnered with him for 30 years. I am afraid he’s not here now, but we had a good relationship and the finest crew in Salisbury!

“When we were asked to open The Boathouse it came as a big surprise, we were over the moon. Here tonight with me is one of the bricklayers and also the plumber.”