London is full of lavish eateries, but it does it really get more boujee than wining and dining on an eff-off massive yacht?
Hop onboard the Sunborn Yacht via a rather ominous lift, and ascend into a Gatsby-esque reception area — complete with a glamorous staircase and, of course, a suitably intimidating chandelier.
Head up to Lands End restaurant—where the interior is sadly less impressive and more outdated—and try to bag a seat by the window. You’ll soon forget about the restaurant’s underwhelming interior, as you’ll be spending your time staring out at the O2, Canary Wharf and the ever-so-sexy Emirates Air Line. If you time it right, which we strongly suggest you do, the sunset views are IN. SANE. 😍
You can choose to start your evening with an Aperitiv—choosing from an Aperol Spritz, a Bellini, or a Rossini—or you can go straight in with the wine, like I did. (Nothing stands between this girl and her wine.) I initially stayed faithful to the deep-seated connoisseur inside me and had a glass of white to go with my crab starter, but once I tried my boyfriend’s Cabernet Sauvignon, there was no turning back.
(See also: 11 lovely London wine bars.)
As for the food: it’s certainly worth writing home about. Scoff on British grub from Michelin star chef Paul Hegly (previously of The Vineyard in Newbury), including the likes of Brixham crab with crème fraiche, apple, cucumber and radish; Crispy free range hen egg with Caesar emulsion and charred gem lettuce; and Suffolk pork belly with celeriac, potato dauphinoise, burnt apple and young vegetables. The two latter dishes were definite highlights, if you’re asking us.
Paul says he’s “at home working with passionate like-minded people creating seasonal British produce where provenance is at the heart of everything we do”. He reckons his appointment to Lands End is “the start of a truly exciting journey in transforming the food at the Sunborn Yacht Hotel”. We’d say you’re doing a pretty stellar job already, Paul. 🌟
Location: You’ll find Lands End on the Sunborn Yacht at Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, Royal Docks, E16 1AA. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: Breakfast, 6:30–10:30am (weekdays) or 7–11am (weekends). Lunch, 12:30–3pm. Dinner, 6–10pm.
Price: Starters range from £10–16. Mains range from £20–28.
More information: on their website.