If you’ve never been to West India Quay, you’re missing out on some of London’s most unique dining experiences, located by the River Thames. The historic dockside is already worth exploring for its rich heritage and distinctive character, with a series of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, but it’s also an underrated destination for unusual dining spots in the city.
Whether it’s a family day out, lunch with friends, or a romantic waterfront dinner, here are some of the one-of-a-kind dining experiences you’ll get to try at West India Quay.
The Sipping Room
The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan is a gorgeous waterfront restaurant any time of year, set within a beautiful Grade II-listed building with a view. It’s particularly worth the visit in autumn, however, when it offers something extra special.
With the return of the much-loved heated igloos, the terrace transforms into a particularly dreamy dining destination perfect for the colder weather. Each igloo makes for a cosy, private hideaway for up to eight guests, where you can enjoy festive dishes, seasonal treats, and warming drinks.
Skuna Boats
If you’re looking for an unusual dining experience in London, you can’t go wrong with a water-bound fondue feast on a floating igloo. Skuna Boats offers some truly unique (and mouthwatering) igloo boat rides on London’s historic docks, for up to nine guests per vessel. Glide along the historic waterway with a choice of cheese or chocolate fondue dining, plus the option to add on warm, festive drinks and your own Skuna skipper.
All of the igloo boats can be fully closed and heated, so you could float along the docks on the coldest, rainiest day and still have a blast.
Browns Brasserie & Bar
Browns Brasserie & Bar may not be quite as quirky a dinner destination as some of the others on this list, but its heritage setting makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant is housed within a Grade I-listed former sugar warehouse overlooking the historic waterfront.
The interiors were recently refurbished, celebrating the building’s industrial heritage by highlighting the original steel and exposed brickwork alongside a new outdoor bar and retractable roof. If you’re after a memorable dining experience that fully immerses you in the historic dockside setting, this is the place for you.
As for the food, look forward to seasonal dishes and British brasserie favourites during leisurely brunches, lunches, and afternoon tea, as well as traditional Sunday roasts and dinners.
Pizza Pilgrims
Pizza meets retro gaming! Step inside the vibrant Pizza Pilgrims at West India Quay and explore all of the features that take it beyond a standard dining spot: a pineapple bar, an outdoor terrace with barrel seating, and its famed Pizza Playground.
The latter is where you can game the night away on arcade machines, board games, an eight-a-side foosball table, vintage consoles, and a Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart loaded and ready to go. If you book out the whole space for your group, you can even take over as DJ for the night, host a PowerPoint party by connecting to the TV screens, switch to your own playlist, and make the most of the mini stage for live entertainment.
Munich Cricket Club
Known for its fun and authentic Oktoberfest, Munich Cricket Club remains your Bavarian escape all year round. Here you’ll find a “Bierkeller” (beer cellar) inside a gorgeous heritage docklands building, as well as a beautiful beer garden overlooking the river. You’ll find yourself immersed in a warm, authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere, featuring games, yodelling, stein-holding competitions, and live music that’ll have you dancing on the benches.
Whether you head down for a casual dinner, a team gathering, or a birthday party, make sure to order the delicious Bavarian food – from crispy schnitzels and bratwurst to pretzels and roasted pork knuckles – and authentic beer from Munich, served in steins by a team in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen.
