Guildford restaurant announces new head chef and summer menu

An independently run riverside restaurant in Guildford has launched its summer menu, created by the venue's newly appointed head chef. 

Rafal Milarski joins The Boathouse Cafe with a career spanning top-tier establishments in Europe. Having discovered his love of cooking at the age of eight, Milarski was educated in Poland with certificates in culinary arts, professional cooking and baking. He was previously head chef at The Harbour Hotel Guildford and The Drummond at Albury. 

Dining at The Boathouse

While soaking up the atmosphere from the restaurant's riverside terrace, guests can explore Milarski's fresh summer menu, which focuses on British fare with a twist. The new all-day offering is inspired by local, seasonal produce, offering a range of dishes such as crab and prawn plates, cod 'schnitzel', poke bowls, primavera tagliatelle and premium Surrey Hills ribeye steak. 

Having opened in July 2023, The Boathouse has been described as a "hidden foodie gem upon Guildford's River Wey". Located at the bottom of Guildford High Street, the former 1960s Boat House has been reimagined into an alfresco riverside dining spot by the Meins family. 

On top of its new menu, the restaurant will host a series of events this summer, including live music nights, health and wellness events and boat hire. It is open for dinner Thursday to Saturday, and Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.

"We are delighted to announce Rafal Milarski has joined The Boathouse Cafe, working alongside our talented team, led by The Boathouse Cafe general manager, Justyna Cichocka," says creative director, Jessica Meins. "Rafal's impressive background and shared vision for seasonal British food makes him an exciting culinary leader to take our independent, destination restaurant into the next chapter. We look forward to welcoming all our guests dining with us this summer."

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