Floating restaurants in London: Where to eat on a boat this summer

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Halloumi tastes better when you’ve roasted it yourself over an open grill. At least, that’s what I tell myself as my friend Tilly pops a somewhat charcoaled chunk into my burger bun.

The truth is we got a little overexcited when left in charge of manning our own set of coals. It turns out it’s easy to neglect the kebab-cooking when you’re attempting to navigate a 600kg, electric-powered floating vessel around the docks of Canary Wharf.

We’re trying the latest invention from Skuna Boats — the team behind the hot-tub boats on Regent’s Canal and West India Quay — and this time, there’s food and fire involved: a fleet of BBQ boats, each kitted out with a state-of-the-art grill. The self-drive tubs are the first of their kind in the UK, says founder Tommo Thomson, who was inspired by similar vessels in Australia and the Netherlands — and they’ve arrived just in time for the heatwave. Barbecues are banned in most parks so grilling on water is a solution.

Thomson has hit on a winning formula. His third venture, a restaurant boat in Hackney Wick called Barge East, is currently rated third out of almost 20,000 London restaurants on TripAdvisor and his original HotTug boats are doing a roaring trade for celebrations.

All aboard! Skuna Boats's barbecue-fitted boat at West India Quay
Daniel Hambury/@stellapicsltd

BBQ bookings are already coming in thick and fast for the Wharf’s hottest new team activity (they’re more work-party appropriate than the hot tubs as you don’t have to wear a swimsuit).

The wafting scents of flame-grilled steak were enough to disrupt the happy- hour boozers at Pizza Pilgrims nearby (grab some slices to take on-board if you’re feeling lazy), plus Skuna’s new fleet has Insta-appeal: bright-orange parasols, lumo-coloured lifebuoys, a branded captain’s hat for the self-appointed pilot (no drinking and driving, please).

Each of Skuna’s BBQ boats take up to 10 people and on-board tables are laid with plates, cutlery, condiments and glasses. It’s BYOB — there’s the thoughtful addition of a cool bag for keeping your drinks chilled in the heat.

All the BBQ gear is provided so just bring your own burgers and get your grill on. Thomson says he’s seen everything from rosemary steak skewers to vegan pulled jackfruit being griddled.

And don’t forget dessert: Thomson’s favourite so far is a group who brought marshmallows to toast, while chocolate-baked bananas and roasted pineapple also work well. Pair with rum for a real taste of the tropics — whatever floats your boat.

Dining afloat

GoBoat

Drive your own eco picnic boat from Paddington or Kingston with up to seven friends.

Various locations, goboat.co.uk

Darcie & May Green

The Aussie coffee shop’s west London outpost is aboard boats moored in Paddington Basin, one of the termini of the Grand Union Canal. Head to Darcie for all-day dining, and May for coffee and cocktails.

Sheldon Square, W2, daisygreenfood.com

Barge East

Skuna Boat’s small-plate restaurant launched last year on a 115-year-old boat on the River Lea at Hackney Wick. Head chef Stefano Campione was chosen as a finalist in this year’s Young Chef of the Year competition.

River Lee Sweetwater Mooring, E9, bargeeast.com

Feng Shang Princess

A floating Chinese restaurant in Cumberland Basin in Regent’s Park. The three-tiered pagoda boat also serves cocktails among its hanging lanterns. Apparently it’s Paul McCartney’s favourite Chinese restaurant.

Southern Star Cumberland Basin, NW1, fengshang.co.uk

London Shell Co

The floating seafood restaurant runs five-course dinner cruises along Regent’s Canal from Tuesday to Sunday. Its second venue, a barge in Paddington called The Grand Duchess, launched last month, serving lunch and dinner.

Various locations, londonshellco.com

The al fresco restaurants to enjoy in London after lockdown

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