After a short period of closure, Lichfield's The Boat, the Michelin-starred restaurant from chef patron Liam Dillon, reopened its doors on 1 May, revealing a new look after a refurbishment.

The redesign introduces a lighter, more natural aesthetic throughout the space, with a focus on warmth, elegance, and comfort. The dining room now features round tables adorned with terrariums, alongside grey soft furnishings, white shutters, and understated grey curtains that allow light to flow more freely through the space. A subtle botanical thread runs throughout the interiors, echoing the restaurant’s wider ethos. 

A standout addition is a bespoke single-slab oak table, positioned beneath the dining room window. Seating up to eight guests, it offers a striking dining experience and reflects the restaurant’s appreciation for natural materials and understated craftsmanship. Nearby, a small internal window made from glass pressed with real floral forms adds a quiet, artistic detail to the space, acting as a subtle divider between rooms.

The refurbishment also introduces a new private dining concept, complete with its own lounge area, providing an intimate and flexible space for private gatherings. In addition, part of the building has been reimagined as a relaxed lounge for arrival drinks, creating a seamless and welcoming start to the guest journey.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen has been enhanced with a secondary chefs’ area, supporting the continued evolution of the restaurant’s offering. Meanwhile, the bar has undergone a full upgrade, featuring a quartz countertop and refreshed tiled frontage, bringing a clean, contemporary finish to the space.

Chef patron Liam Dillon continues to lead The Boat with a focus on sustainability, seasonality, and innovation. Since taking ownership in 2017, he has transformed the former roadside pub into a Michelin-starred restaurant supported by a pioneering micro-farm, which includes pigs, polytunnels for year-round growing, beehives, and an expanding range of produce that supplies the kitchen.

For more information and to book a table at The Boat, visit theboat.restaurant