Ray Mill Island and Boulter's Restaurant
The Boulter's Mill on the lock island has been converted into what is now the Boathouse at Boulters Lock (previously Boulter's Restaurant and Bar).
Pedestrian access over the bridge at the downstream end of the lock.
On the four acre lock island are walks, an ice cream and coffee stall and toilets.
Moorings below lock
Boulters Restaurant and Bar has been called the "Jewel of the Thames"
and with uninterrupted views downstream towards Maidenhead bridge it is easy to appreciate why.
Our Riverside Brasserie offers the best of seasonal British produce served in one of the country’s best appointed
dining rooms. From intimate meals to large parties the Riverside Brasserie offers outstanding quality and
value for money with a view and ambience that will rarely be surpassed.
With expansive terraces and luxurious sofas the Terrace Bar is the ideal location to sit and
watch the world literally cruise by whilst enjoying a home made classic pub meal.
With regular live music and a cocktail list to suit every taste, it is definitely a venue
that puts the emphasis on rest and relaxation.
In late 2007 we were lucky enough to acquire this famous riverside icon and in June 2008 the refurbishment
and restoration project began.
The best of modern British cuisine and professional service in our downstairs restaurant offers
a traditional dining experience surrounded by river views.
The upstairs terrace bar brings back the family dining experience with rustic pub dishes cooked
for one person or a whole family.
With stunning views overlooking Boulters Lock and the river, the terrace is a wonderful place to relax
and enjoy great food and drink with family or friends.
The Jewel that has been missed by so many river users and the people of Maidenhead is once again sparkling.
We invite you to come and experience the changing seasonal flavours and colours of the new Boulters Restaurant
and Bar. ...
[There may be] overnight mooring making us the perfect weekend destination for river cruisers or boat clubs.
What better way to finish off a river boat party in style
than an evening of refined Maidenhead dining in this superb location?
2009 July:
We were honoured to welcome Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and his guests. Having arrived by boat the Crown Prince dined with the Thai PM, Ambassador and their wives.
Boulters Restaurant 2009
1726: Ray Flour Mill on the lock island
1790s: Boulters Mill, watercolour by Louis Belanger -
Boulters Mill, Louis Belanger, 1790s
That mill then became Boulter's Inn (see below!).
The Environment agency has what appears to be a slipway behind the hotel,
it is the site of the one time boat elevators.
Unfortunately it has no road access at all.
1913: The Boat Elevator, Francis Frith -
1913: The Boat Elevator, Francis Frith
2005: It now looks like this:
The Site of Boulter's Elevator, 2005
1870: from Engineering, an illustrated weekly Journal -
EXTRAORDINARY RECOVERY OF A GOLD WATCH BY A SUBMARINE DIVER
A gentleman staying at the Ray-Mead Hotel, Taplow, went out in a punt
to enjoy the pleasure of a cool bathe in the Thames this oppressive weather,
and by some mishap in placing his waistcoat in the punt his gold watch slipped out
of the pocket and went to the bottom of the weir, to the depth of 40 ft.
On applying to Messrs. Heinke, submarine engineers, of 79, Great Portland-street, London,
they immediately sent an apparatus and an expert diver to the spot indicated by the gentleman,
and, after a diligent search, the diver succeeded in finding it amongst a mass of concrete blocks.
It was not any the worse for its submarine trip, not being injured in the least.
It had been laying in the water some time.
Adverts in Henry Taunt's New Thames Map, 1873
1885: Dickens's Dictionary of the Thames carried an advertisement for the Ray Mead Hotel -
Ray Mead Hotel Advertisement, 1885
2004: Boulters Inn -
Boulter's Inn 2004 - before the rebuild
2006 - 2009: Boulter's Inn closed for redevelopment of the downstream end of the island -
Both a new build and refurbishment, Boulters Lock provides 10 spacious and sophisticated dwellings to include 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Ray Mill Inn and 2 bedroom cottages and apartments in Boulters Cottages.