You: So, Kat, where will I meet you for that drink you promised me?
Me: How 'bout on The Boat?
You: What do you mean 'on the boat'?
Me: On The Boat at Richmond Bridge.
You: Pretty sure I'm not taking you rowing – I saw what happened to you last time you went out in one of those hire rowers – and there's no way I'd be happy with you drinking while you row!
Me: No, I mean THE Boat, with capital letters, it's that boat that's been converted into a cafe / bar/ restaurant on the Thames.
You: Hmmm... I've walked past that but it never seems very busy, is it OK?
Me: I know, I've walked past it and thought the same thing, but I went there for brunch a couple of weeks ago and it was really good – I had a lovely salmon and scrambled eggs toasty thing and saw some good looking Eggs Benedict going past. So I went back the following Friday night for a drink and some dinner and that was pretty good too, posh pub grub type things, but the burger was nice and juicy and the sea bream rice nicely seasoned. And you can just have a drink if you want, you don't have to eat.
You: Did you feel a bit exposed up there on the roof?
Me: I sat there once, but they also have picnic tables on the dock – the one where you hire the row boats, and when you sit at those you're out of the elements but still outside. And you can watch people as they leave the dock after picking up their hired rowboats – so there are some free comic scenes thrown into the experience. Free entertainment, and a drink outdoors in one of the nicest spots along this bit of the river – pretty good suggestion, yeah?
You: Yeah, Ok, I'll give it a go.
Me: I think you'll be glad that you did. One thing, though, you don't get sea sick do you? I took a friend there last week and we had to leave before we'd ordered 'cause she felt ill – it's relatively calm so I'd say she's quite sensitive – but you are on a proper boat, yeah, so it is sitting on the river, and there will be some rocking.
You: As long as you're not in charge of keeping the boat afloat then I'm willing to risk it.
Me: Thanks for your vote of confidence. I think you'll like this though, and the staff are really nice so I plan on being a frequent visitor, so I'm converting all my friends.
You: Fine, fine, I'm sold, you can stop pitching me now, I'll see you there then.
