There's nothing more relaxing than a jolly on the river, and even if you're more of a sipper than a sailor, boats still have their uses - particularly the ones that have been converted into food and drink spots. Head down to the Thames or our city's canals and you'll find some of the best floating bars in London; from quirky brunch spots to beer cruises and chilled sun decks.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Not satisfied with just a bar on a boat and want a whole party instead? Check out our roundup of events, from comedy clubs to high-speed adrenaline adventures, floating hot tubs and private barbecue cruises. There's no better way to spend a sunny day in the city, and we've got experiences to suit all budgets, taking place at all hours of the day. Float right this way.
The ultimate for quirky dining, Peggy Jean is a unique bar and restaurant found on top of a boat that's moored in the heart of Richmond. Their gorgeous dining area is made up of comfy sofas under ink umbrellas, lined with plants and even boasting a wood-fired oven on board. You can hire sections of this venue, or even the entire thing, as well as taking advantage of scrumptious dishes like crispy buttermilk chicken burgers, seasonal green risotto and seabream ceviche.
For an old-school bar on a boat in London, check out Tamesis Dock. With a tasty food menu, a great selection of beers, wines, cocktails and ukulele jam sessions, this cool space is perfect for sunshine chilling or winter snuggling. This two-storey Dutch barge from the 1930s can be found between Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridge, serving up pizzas topped with pepperoni, caramelised onion, vegan chorizo and much more. Topping it off? Crackin' views over the Thames.
Home to Silent Sounds, this is one of our top choices for London boat trips with drinks. Make your way to Tower Millennium Pier, where the floating silent disco will take you on a voyage past iconic landmarks, with a vibrant soundtrack to top it all off. They host regular and themed cruises down the Thames, with tickets starting from just £26 per person. You can even hire the vessel out for a private party, with space for up to 350 people on board.
Looking to hire out your very own bar on a boat? Whether it's a birthday celebration, hen party or a corporate event, The Copper Quay is a brilliant choice to host your experience. Journey along the beautiful canals of London, seeing the sights of King's Cross, Angel or Camden along the way. You'll even get a skilled captain to guide you through the voyage, completing your experience with a VIP feeling.
With a variety of menus developed by head chef Stefano Camplone, an impressive list of drinks and stunning views over the water, Barge East is the ultimate Hackney destination for amazing food and drinks while floating. This historic 125-year old Dutch boat boasts a lively atmosphere every day of the week, with a menu that ranges from braised ox cheek to spiced cauliflower korma. The drinks are equally enticing, with a huge collection of gins, pints and even a homemade limoncello. Date night? Sorted.
On the hunt for the floating restaurant in London Canary Wharf? Then you're going to want to hop aboard Hawksmoor Bar Wood Wharf, complete with a nine-metre long bar to whip up all your favourite tipples. Their full a la carte menu is available here, from fillet carpaccio to whole native lobster and chateaubriand. This stunning eatery is not only serving up delicious cuts of steak and bespoke cocktails, but it also offers pretty views from inside the two-storey venue, as well as on the outdoor terrace.
Battersea Barge is a spacious bar with three floors, including a large rooftop deck and a further outdoor terrace on another level, promising unbeatable views of Battersea Power Station and the City beyond. The venue is made up of glass and steel, creating a light-filled space that's full of personality. Grab yourself hand-stretched pizzas and wash them down with draught beer, wine or a top-notch selection of spirits. What's more, they host a regular lineup of live music, cabaret, theatre and more, with private hire available too.
After a boat bar on the Thames Embankment? Fronting an onboard bar, dining room and fish and chip shop, The Tattershall Castle is one of the most well-known floating pubs in the city. Whether you're turning up for one of their comedy or jazz nights, or just a few drinks on the suntrap of a deck, this place has something for everyone. And if you're stopping from a bite to eat, you can choose from the likes of glazed chicken skewers, cheesy nachos and hearty beef or plant-based burgers, with a selection of fines to wash it all down.
It might be seriously cute, but London Shell Co isn't just a pretty face. The floating barge restaurant is serving an ever-changing and seasonal menu on Regent's Canal, making it ideal for any special occasions. This eatery sets sail three days a week for lunch and dinner, with a menu of Exmoor caviar, cuttlefish bolognese, caramelised cauliflower and more to devour, coming in at £75 per person and promising an extensive wine list to match.
