Get onboard with London's best floating dining destinations...

London Shell Co.

With their new permanent mooring in Paddington Central in the form of the impressive 'The Prince Regent' canal boat, London Shell Co. have created something truly beautiful along Regent’s Canal and have become one of London’s most unforgettable dining experiences. London Shell Co. offer static lunches and three-hour cruising dinners as part of this remarkable restaurant, their (daily changing) menu of seasonally inspired dishes - alongside bespoke wine, short-cocktails and spirit lists. Dishes include Morecambe Bay oysters, salted-honey parfait and smoked cod with leeks on toast. On occasion, the Prince Regent also hosts a resident actor that recites 'The Owl and the Pussy-cat' whilst pouring guests glasses of English sparkling wine (strange, but it happens). 

Feng Shang Princess

Londons very own version of Beijing's Marble Boat (without the marble), the 'Feng Shang Princess' is an award-winning, floating Chinese restaurant, permanently moored at the Cumberland Basin, Regents Park and hidden amongst the trees near London Zoo. This two-storey, floating pagoda was magnificently handcrafted in the 1980’s and was the first floating restaurant of its kind in London and has become a favourite Chinese eatery for many. Host, Karen Chua, creates a wonderful ambience for guests as they are served Chinese delicacies and speciality dishes including Vegetarian Crispy Duck (yes, Vegetarian!) and Lobster prepared in a whole host of distinctive flavours, as well as their famous Crispy Peking Duck (which requires 24 hours notice).  

Ladies and Gentleman's Vestal Voyages

The brainchild of craft spirit producer William Borrell (owner of Vestal Vodka), this floating bar is an outpost of the retro-inspired cocktail bar 'Ladies & Gentlemen', the once disused underground Victorian lavatory in Kentish Town. The 50 foot canal boat (formerly known as Disco Volante) is located on Regents Canal, near Granary Square in Kings Cross and hosts differently themed voyages, events, masterclasses and tastings. Interestingly it also features a bar and homemade, in-house gin. The vessel holds just 12 people, making it ideal for a small party or private event and as well as trips up and down the water, there are bank-side fire pits for anyone who would rather sip their cocktails land-side.  

The Yacht London

Located at Temple Pier, moments from the Strand, 'The Yacht London' is a permanently moored 1927 steam vessel. Retaining its original (and timeless) Art Deco era character (even after having undergone a £1 million refit), it’s available for dining and private hire. Expect mainly popular, European dishes such as game terrine with pickled vegetables and roasted grouse and duck breast served with a juniper and Madeira sauce. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the Yacht in 1949 and then again 10 years later and Sir Winston Churchill smoked one of his famous cigars on the stern of the top deck. Its central location gives diners views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and the London Eye. 

Bar & Co

Moored at the Temple Pier on the north bank, an old barge has been converted to suit the needs of Bar & Co, a fully licensed bar, restaurant and nightclub. Enjoying fantastic views of Big Ben, the Oxo Tower and the London Eye, Bar & Co is just a stone's throw away from Temple station. The open deck, with a mini bar and TV, make up the boats' more casual side whilst the main lower deck houses a dance floor, seating area and DJ booth. The main perk is the venues' late night license, often staying open until 3am on weekends. Bar & Co is known for being one of the best places to greet the New Year hosting an annual New Years party with tickets starting at £80. The boat is also available for private hire and can host up to 130 people. 

Battersea Barge

A hidden little gem with an award winning personality. Permanently moored on the Thames, adjacent to the Embassy Gardens development and within walking distance from Nine Elms in a rather serene location, the quirky 'Battersea Barge' is both a public bar and a private hire venue. Hosting a number of frequent events throughout the year including Playwright Speed Pitching (pitch your idea to an audience in under a minute), flamenco nights and the usual round of comedy and live performance events. The Barge is not to missed for anyone looking for a brilliantly unique venue. 

Sunborn London

Situated in Royal Victoria Dock, within sight of the Millennium Dome, 'The Sunborn Yacht' has become the Capital's only floating hotel. The on-board waterside restaurant, the Lands End (named in celebration of Victoria Dock’s original identity), dishes up Mediterranean dishes (with an "Asian twist") in a suitably nautical themed dining room (think polished cedar and brass fittings). In addition to the 'glamorous' interior, dining on the al fresco deck affords phenomenal views of the city, the O2 Arena and the surrounding docklands.