The setting sun illuminated the Boathouse Inn - and its reflection in the super-calm river provided twice the value. It is open again now after the long, enforced Covid closure, with table service only in the restaurant and bar. It didn't look particularly busy when I walked past but I notice places are closing relatively early at the moment, as they adjust to the new normal. It was probably past 'last orders' as it was about 9.15 pm.
The inn was built originally as a boathouse in 1871. This stretch of the river used to have rowing boats for hire and a small steam boat, The Rose of Saltaire, that did pleasure trips. The boathouse later became a pub and was rebuilt and refurbished after a fire in 2008 and then again after the devastating floods in 2015.
Stuart Turner of Henley-on-Thames used to manufacture the tiny steam engines for the elegant Thames slipper launches so beloved by the Edwardians. In 1973 I had the delight of a whole day there helping re-piston my own engine. Sadly, like so many worthy British firms they were swept away by the flood of Japanese imports. Certainly the "Rose of Saltaire" would have been powered by a beautifully made Stuart Turner.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful scene.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous light that really sets off the peaceful scene!
ReplyDeleteA charming sot for a pub! And a lovely, tranquil photo.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful!
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