There is definitely a nautical feel to the new Boat Yard at Lochwinnoch. The latest re-invention from the Cawley Group has seen the former Loch House rebranded and completely transformed. The project which took a year is one of the group’s largest to date and cost in the region of £2m and you can certainly see where the money has been spent.
Prior to the building reopening I drove past it frequently and the look of the building reminded me of the American east coast. My dad formerly stayed in America in New England – Marblehead to be precise and the building reminds me of the Boston Yacht Club, albeit with no yachts bobbing about in the loch.
Instead, the new timber clad Boat Yard has a a couple of painted wooden dingies at the entrance – artfully planted, and where a US building might have an Eagle above the name it boasts a seagull. Outside there is a a stunning water feature with a lobster pot, propellers and more greenery… and this is just the entrance.
As you go in the cabinet which greets you on the right is full of tempting cakes – which can enjoyed in the adjoining lounge area. The venue is split into various different areas – a 70-cover lounge area opposite an extensive bar area, while the restaurant area if further through and seats 160.
The partitioning of the areas is done with the use of display cases – which hold a variety of coloured glass vases and plants and there are even a couple of large sea horses too.
The nautical theme is immersive – from the pale blue wooden tongue and groove panelling to the carpet which has a wave-like design. There is driftwood signage on the walls and the upholstery on some of the seating has a scalelike appearance in a luxurious taupe fabric.
The doors to the back areas have portholes and there is also a feature partition which looks like coral wall lit up with pink neon. In fact lighting plays a big part in the design and we all know great lighting creating atmosphere and ambience.
The lounge area, which is named after Bobby Cawley, the late founder of the group is opposite the bar and is called Bobby’s Lounge. It looks very comfortable with large lamps, banquette seating, knee height tables and large round mirrors.
The bar you can’t miss as it is opposite the lounge and you also have to walk past it to get to the restaurant. It is also clad in the same fish scale design which is evident throughout the venue – and it is best seen above the fire which is encased in glass. Another striking feature is the wave-like design on the restaurant wall which is well lit too. This gives the wall a ripple effect.
Throughout there is a mix of seating, some fixed, with plentiful curved booths, and beautifully upholstered chairs, all of which are in fairly neutral colours of taupe, light brown and cream with accent cushions in the lounge.
The restaurant also features a tree… however the most exciting part of the new Boat House is the glass rimmed deck which holds 120 and overlooks the loch. It is stunning. The Boat House on the day I visited for lunch with my dad, who has swapped Marblehead for Largs, was absolutely packed. I am sure it will remain so.