Harden's says
120-year-old Dutch barge converted into a restaurant; moored on the River Lee on Hackney. Established 2018.
Harden's survey result
Summary
Ahoy there! Step aboard a 120-year-old barge when you eat at this waterside venue, permanently moored on the canal in Hackney Wick. Its Floating Bar may be a magnet for summer drinkers, but the focused modern bistro menu in its interior restaurant is much more than incidental (and Sunday Roast is also a feature).
Summary
“A great summer spot with friends”: this 120-year-old barge is permanently moored in Hackney Wick – near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – and provides a “fabulous experience on the water that makes for a great fun night out”. One reporter did quibble about the prices, but still said: “I loved our meal here – the concept is brilliant, with the interior of the barge turned into a cheerful dining room, and unusual dishes based on fish and foods grown in a kitchen garden by the mooring”.
Summary
“It’s so fun being on board a boat!” – this 120-year-old barge is moored in Hackney Wick, near the Olympic stadium, and is also surrounded by gardens providing an alternative backdrop to a meal. All reports agree on its “fantastic food and atmosphere”: there are a variety of menus, including tasting and group options, all featuring imaginative modern British dishes.
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Have you eaten at Barge East?
Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN
Restaurant details
Barge East Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Excellent location in the heart of Hackney Wick. The venue, surrounding the Dutch barge, takes up quite a lot of space with a nice garden area and a unique atmosphere. Hence the glowing reviews on Trip Advisor. The food is so, so, and a bit of a letdown, especially for the price point. The wild garlic focaccia was fine, the lamb a little on the dry side and lacked seasoning, whilst the stracciatella looked nice but was underwhelming. Service was friendly and pleasant. Overall, the experience didn't live up to the hype, but it was a passable way to spend an afternoon. The best thing is the river views and vibe, which is very East London."
"The food here has gone downhill or should we say downriver. Over priced, pretentious and not very tasty. It relies on its location and concept but does not deliver on tastiness of food. It’s all about the experience but has lost its standing as a good food destination. It’s focused more on DJs and art classes than it is about food. Style here substance."
"location location location...on the canal looking across as the yuppie ghetto around Hackney Wick, imaginative plates - excellent Lamb skewers, sea bass crudo. A couple of dishes - Lamb dumplings, pork croquettes- a bit too solid and heavy, but overall very pleasing."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £45.00 | £49.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £45.00 | £49.00 | |
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| Pretheatre | £35.00 | |
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| SundayLunch | £39.00 | £45.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £9.00 | £26.00 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑6 pm, 5 pm‑8 pm |
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