The fish and chip restaurant chain Trenchers is taking over The Boatman’s Café in Bowness-on-Windermere from late spring 2026, with plans to offer large group bookings for coach groups.

The site is located adjacent to the Windermere Lake Cruises coach park, and Trenchers is said to be investing more than £1m in the redevelopment, which has commenced this autumn. The company has restaurants on the North East and North Yorkshire coastline, and this is the first restaurant the company will own in Cumbria.

Commenting on the acquisition, Trenchers CEO, Kyle Mackings, said: “We’re so excited to be opening a new venue in Cumbria. Our fish, chips and seafood products see visitors and locals lining up around the streets of Whitby and Whitley Bay so I’m sure that it will prove as popular in the Lake District.”

Windermere Lake Cruises Managing Director, Nigel Wilkinson, said: “The Boatman’s Café has long been part of the visitor economy in Bowness, however now is the right time for a much-needed upgrade.  We’re excited to welcome Trenchers to the area.  Their high-quality offering will no doubt prove popular with locals and tourists and we’re already working very closely with them to discuss special incentives for locals, groups and the coach operators who regularly use the current café.”

Meanwhile, you can find out more here about group visits to Windermere Lake Cruises.