The Boat Shed
There is something deeply satisfying about establishments that resist categorisation. The Boat Shed in Filey is exactly that—an "in-betweener," as they charmingly describe themselves, neither wholly restaurant nor entirely bar, but something more intriguing that exists in the delicious space between.
Perched on the high street of this North Yorkshire coastal town, The Boat Shed arrived in 2018 as the lovechild of two couples who recognised a gap in Filey's dining scene. While the town boasted traditional pubs and standard restaurants, it lacked a place where the lines blurred, where one could enjoy a meticulously prepared meal and then linger over drinks without the subtle pressure to vacate the table or migrate elsewhere.
The entire restaurant had turned into a dinner party. This sentiment from Ruth Reichl's experience in Paris aptly captures the essence of what awaits at The Boat Shed. Walk in and you're greeted with a warm, convivial atmosphere—cosy and welcoming, with the kind of buzz that suggests everyone is having an unreasonably good time.
The pizzas are the cornerstone of the menu, and deservedly so. Thin, crisp bases come laden with thoughtfully combined toppings. The Billy Goat—a seductive mixture of caramelised red onion, mozzarella, goats cheese, and rocket—emerges as a favourite among regulars, while the Tandoori Chicken with its secret mix of spices offers a different kind of indulgence. These aren't merely good pizzas; they're memorable ones.
One family summed it up perfectly: "Amazing meal. I didn't know pizzas could be this good. We were a party of 9, all age groups young and old and we all Really enjoyed our meal. Great staff and an experience to be remembered."
But before diving into the main affair, the starters and sharers deserve their moment. The Mediterranean Meats Sharer arrives as "A giant platter of cured meats, a selection of cheese, olives and sundried tomatoes served with crackers and Irish butter," while the Baked Camembert—infused with rosemary, garlic, and virgin olive oil—comes with freshly baked bread, a plate designed for communal enjoyment.
The sides, too, are no afterthought. The Stilton Garlic Bread combines pungent blue cheese with the comforting warmth of garlic-infused bread, while those seeking lighter fare can explore the vibrant salads, which come generously dressed and thoughtfully composed.
What truly sets The Boat Shed apart, however, is its approach to gin. This isn't simply a place that serves gin; it's a place that celebrates it. The gin menu reads like a love letter to the spirit, featuring local Yorkshire distillations alongside international classics. The Filey Signature Gin with juniper, cardamom, and angelica sits proudly among offerings from across the UK and beyond. Each is served with a carefully matched mixer, elevating the humble G&T to something worth lingering over.
Not to be outdone, the cocktail menu showcases both classics and creative house specials. From the refreshing zest of a Tom Collins to the playfully named Sloegasm (sloe gin topped with prosecco), the drinks menu invites exploration. For those abstaining, mocktails are prepared with the same attention to detail as their spirited counterparts.
The service completes the experience. Staff move through the space with a relaxed efficiency, knowledgeable about both food and drink offerings without being pretentious. "Service was great, it was quick but not pushy, friendly but not overbearing," noted one satisfied customer, capturing the delicate balance The Boat Shed strikes.
Even during the challenging periods of the pandemic, The Boat Shed adapted with impressive grace. "I felt totally safe in the environment. The food menu is basically a variety of lovely pizzas coupled with a good cocktail and large gin selection. The pizza was good sized, freshly cooked and tasted beautiful. The service was excellent and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others."
For families, the welcome is just as warm. "The area was covered, had a heater and blankets were made available in case we became cold." Children are accommodated with thoughtful touches—mocktails for younger diners ensuring they don't feel left out of the festivities.
The Boat Shed isn't trying to be radical or revolutionary. Instead, it executes its concept with such confidence and consistency that it has become something of a beacon on Filey's culinary landscape. It represents that most satisfying of dining experiences—one where the food delights, the drinks impress, and the atmosphere embraces.
For visitors to Filey, it has become a must-visit destination. For locals, it's a treasured asset. The Boat Shed may be difficult to categorise, but it's very easy to enjoy.
