Dining Aboard Barge East:
A Unique Culinary Experience in East London
Nestled along the banks of the River Lea in East London, Barge East offers an unforgettable dining experience. This floating restaurant, housed within a beautifully restored Dutch barge dating back to 1906, combines the charm of maritime history with modern British cuisine. As you step aboard, you’re immediately transported into a world where the rustic elegance of the boat’s interior blends seamlessly with the vibrant energy of East London. My dinner at Barge East was not just a meal but a journey through time and taste, making it one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The boat itself is a visual treat—carefully restored to maintain its original character while offering a cozy, intimate setting. As I made my way to the dining area, I couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship evident in every detail, from the polished wood paneling to the soft ambient lighting that cast a warm glow throughout the space.
A Feast for the Senses
The menu at Barge East is a celebration of British cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, combining traditional flavours with modern culinary techniques. As I perused the menu, it was clear that the kitchen team takes pride in their work, offering a selection of dishes that cater to a range of tastes and dietary preferences.
To start i opted for the Fowey mussel escabeche with salt and vinegar crisps. The vibrant colours of the dish were matched by its bold flavours. Originating from Fowey, a small town in Cornwall renowned for its fresh seafood, these mussels were prepared in the traditional escabeche style—a method of cooking and marinating that infuses the seafood with vibrant, tangy flavours. The mussels arrived nestled in a shallow pool of bright, citrusy marinade, their natural brininess enhanced by the sharpness of the vinegar and the subtle heat from the accompanying spices. Each bite was a delightful contrast of textures and flavours; the mussels were tender and succulent, their delicate sweetness perfectly offset by the punchy, acidic notes of the escabeche. Paired with a crisp Pinot Gris, this starter was an invigorating prelude to the heartier main course that was to follow.
After the refreshing zest of the mussels, I was ready to dive into the main course: a 30-day aged Angus Cross steak. This dish is a testament to Barge East’s commitment to quality, showcasing beef that has been carefully aged to perfection to develop deep, robust flavours and an unparalleled tenderness. The steak was presented with an air of rustic simplicity, allowing the quality of the meat to take centre stage. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the steak had a beautifully caramelised crust that gave way to a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The aging process had imbued the meat with an intense, concentrated beefiness, enriched by subtle nutty undertones and a hint of earthy sweetness.
Accompanying the steak were a foraged garden herd salad with spelt and vinaigrette picked from their very own gardens and Swiss chard with anchovies and hazelnut crumb adding depth and a touch of acidity that elevated the dish without overpowering the star ingredient.
An Unforgettable Atmosphere
What truly sets Barge East apart is its unique atmosphere. Dining aboard a historic barge in the heart of East London is an experience like no other. The juxtaposition of the boat’s vintage charm with the modern, ever-evolving landscape of the surrounding area creates a sense of timelessness. As I enjoyed my meal, I found myself reflecting on the history of the barge and the countless journeys it must have undertaken before finding its home here.
The staff at Barge East also deserve special mention for their exceptional service. Attentive and knowledgeable, they were more than happy to share the story of the barge and offer recommendations from the menu. Their passion for the venue and the food was evident, adding to the overall sense of warmth and hospitality that defines the Barge East experience.
A Perfect Ending
No meal is complete without dessert, and at Barge East, the sweet offerings are just as impressive as the savoury courses. One dessert stands out as a testament to the restaurant’s creativity and commitment to fresh, local ingredients: macerated strawberry, elderflower, hay diplomate, and sorrel granita.This dish is a celebration of summer, perfectly capturing the essence of the season in every bite. The macerated strawberries are the star of the show, their natural sweetness heightened by the gentle infusion of elderflower. This floral note adds a light, fragrant quality that pairs beautifully with the berries, making each mouthful a refreshing burst of flavour.
But the dish doesn’t stop there. The hay diplomate, a creamy, custard-like component, introduces a rich, earthy depth that grounds the bright fruitiness of the strawberries. It’s a clever twist, blending rustic charm with modern sophistication, and the subtle taste of hay adds an unexpected layer of complexity. Topping it all off is the sorrel granita, a tangy, icy treat that cuts through the richness of the diplomate and the sweetness of the berries. The sorrel’s natural tartness provides a perfect contrast, creating a balanced and invigorating finale to the dish.
A Celebration of Summer
As I reluctantly made my way back to the shore, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Dining at Barge East is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that engages all the senses, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to London, a dinner aboard Barge East is an experience not to be missed—a chance to savour delicious food in a setting that’s as unforgettable as the dishes themselves.
Ben Maguire
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