Caravel
/Picture this: the sun is setting, a slight breeze is coming in and you are walking by the Canal in North London.
A range of colourful canal boats have settled across the towpath for the evening, when you see a wide beam boat with its doors open.
It’s Caravel ,and it’s calling you in.
WHAT IS IT? Caravel is an intimate restaurant in a converted barge. A family business run by two brothers, Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, who have previously worked at restaurants Quo Vadis and Rochelle Canteen, to name a few.
WHY SHOULD I go? Because dining at Caravel feels special; something you’ve never done before but would like to do more often. Think about it, how many times do you get to see and enter a canal boat? And out of those, how many do you get to enjoy a meal by a renowned chef and a cocktail master? If you like an intimate setting offering a fabulous bistro-style menu, then this is your place.
I assume many of you may be thinking of taking their other half for a date night given the intimacy of the place. However, I would like to point out that the barge is also available for private hire for groups. I was lucky enough to find an available date to celebrate my birthday here (with 20 friends, no less!) and it was pure joy. One big long table, white table cloths, candles everywhere. A tailored 3-course meal and the nicest, most attentive service you could imagine. I couldn’t think of a better place to be.
Pro-tip: If you want to book the entire boat and do not get bankrupt while doing so, we suggest booking on a weeknight. Weekends including Fridays come at a steep price of £4k whereas other dates do not have a minimum spend, so it’s worth reconsidering when to go.
WHAT CAN I GET? Whilst I can tell you what I loved when I was last there, this may not be on offer by the time you visit Caravel. The menu at this floting restaurant is seasonal and therefore changes often, which I love! Our past favorites have included mussels, the pork belly and the sea bream.
A dinner for two, including wine, will probably cost you around £60 per head.
WHERE IS IT exactly? 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL
About a 10-minute walk from either Angel, Old Street or Essex Road, the barge is easily spotted but not that easy to access. We suggest meeting on the South side of Packington Bridge, where you’ll find a gated entrance to the Wharf. A few meters passed the gate you will find Caravel (and Bruno).
WHEN can I go? Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for lunch only and Wednesday for dinner only.
Take your pick and enjoy the ride.
Bon appetit
TCB xx
