Paddington Central's Boat Bars, Cafes & Restaurants to enjoy post lockdown

Darcie & May Green

Paddington Central’s vibrant restaurant is on a barge designed by Pop Art icon Sir Peter Blake. With Aussie brunches, healthy lunches and relaxing dinners, its Antipodean-inspired menu is bold, fresh, comforting and delicious. May Green opens from the early hours of the morning (check out the perfectly executed flat whites and banana bread) to the late hours of the evening, with a buzzing bar, innovative cocktails and nine fantastic local craft beers on tap. The two boats share a combined open air 50m upper deck that overlooks the Grand Union Canal, making them the perfect hangout once the weather warms up. 

The Cheese Barge

Mathew Carver, founder of Pick & Cheese and The Cheese Bar, will rock the boat with his new restaurant: The Cheese Barge, a double-decker vessel on a permanent mooring on the Grand Union Canal. The menu will focus on serving seasonal dishes centred around the best of British cheese. With a menu of dishes such as Windrush Goats’ Curd with lamb scrumpets and pickled walnuts; Cropwell Bishop Stilton ‘Devils on Horseback’ – medjool dates stuffed with Stilton and wrapped in bacon and Maida Vale – and a washed rind cheese from Village Maid, served on treacle soda bread with smoked mackerel and green sauce, it’s going to be one of 2021’s most sought-after openings. 

London Shell Co.

London Shell Co. serves the finest British seafood aboard the Prince Regent barge while guests enjoy a journey along the beautiful and historic Regent’s Canal. London Shell Co. have a strong focus on British ingredients and their simple but considered menus change daily. They have quickly become one of London’s most enchanting experiences – their five-course cruises take you on a journey through the depths of the Maida Hill Tunnel and past iconic landmarks such as London Zoo and Regent’s Park. Their wines are often from artisan producers and the wine list changes weekly. 

The Grand Duchess

The Grand Duchess offers the finest and freshest fish in London and a drinks list that focuses on sparkling wines, The Grand Duchess is open six days a week for lunch and dinner. It's permanently docked on the Grand Union Canal with additional outdoor seating available during the summer months. An ideal place for a celebration, The Grand Duchess also boasts a private banqueting table – The Captain’s Table – at the bow of the boat, providing a secluded dining area for parties of six to 13.