Thursday 8 January 2015

No.7 ExCel, London Boat Show 2015



The Bite team head east, overland, to the delightful halls of ExCel this January, looking at food options for the weary exhibitor and enthusiastic visitor to the 61st London Boat Show. We need to shrug off memories of Borsch n’Tears, School Dinners and all things Earls Court, and find new entertainment in the City’s dynamic Docklands via the DLR!

Not much of a hike this time, and not perhaps the weather to jump on a Boris bike, but we have the clean and bright DLR line, that drops us right outside ExCel and the inspiring Emirates Telecabin to fly us to the moon! After a long day at the show it’s good to get outside and breath in some frosty air whilst deciding which way lies supper.
On-site there is the reliable Italian Zero Sette and the newly opened Neighbourhood, Unit R4 at the Western Gateway, that looks very promising, top dishes being their burger or filet mignon, nice open space, with pale wood fittings, worth a punt I’d say. 


So we will split the area into 4 short hops: Canary Wharf (10 mins) the O2 (10 mins)  Greenwich (25 mins) and Limehouse (40 mins direct)



Amazingly there are restaurants down the line at Canary Wharf who will send a complimentary taxi for your party, and many other outlets will give you a free glass of fizz when you book using the secret code London ExCel – got it?
Much more info here, and a jolly useful map, always check the deal when booking:

A couple of stops west on the DLR stands Canary Wharf, with a wealth of eating & drinking options as you fight your way out of the double doored tube. Sadly the skating rink will have melted by the time the Boat Show comes to town.
Our favourites:

Iberica – top tapas & good wine. 

Iberica - Spanish tapas, great wine














Roka at Canary Wharf
 



Roka – if you’re feeling Japanese – complimentary glass of champagne or cocktail of the day via the ExCel London deal












     
Gaucho – this carnivore paradise is also at the O2. We love the steaks & bullfighter ambience, oh le!
+ they will both send a taxi to ExCel and collect you - Quote ExCel London and confirm numbers 
- 2 hour limit on sittings at Iberica, which can be difficult after a long day at the Show


 












The Gun, is a short step from Canary Wharf, head towards the Thames and it’s at 27 Coldharbour – better still ask them to send a cab for you. This is a very well known London pub with great views and food. If you are booking a group you may well negotiate a glass of Champagne on arrival too, use your special code, remember?


   
The Emirates Air Line is a short walk from ExCel, clearly signed, it flies you over the Thames with stunning views, touching down behind the O2, worth checking if there are any shows on whilst you’re up but I can’t pass a Byron Burger without trying their latest special, this time it’s the Cheesemas of course. Best burger chain in the UK, in my opinion, but 7Bonedive, in Southampton are the best in Hampshire. If you miss O2 but go to Greenwich the Byron is on Greenwich Parade, near the pier.



Greenwich (25 mins. DLR to Poplar, change for Lewisham, get off at Cutty Sark)
We love some of the old pubs near the Cutty Sark, and our favourites are the Mitre,
291 Greenwich High Road, or the Gypsy Moth at 60 Greenwich Church Street, only a few doors from my best bakers Peyton & Byrne, 20 -22 Greenwich Church Street, good breakfast stop if you park in Greenwich and come over to ExCel. My other top breakfast stop would be Borough Market, but expect to get to the show a little later than planned.




Great bake offs at Peyton & Byrne














Finally to Limehouse, as those canny Ocean Cruising members may well be staying here for the Show, if they booked their cabin early. An easy, direct run along the DLR with a fine eating pub at the end of the line, yes, Gordon Ramsey’s the Narrow is popular with Boat Show bods, with great views over the Thames and a fine crunchy beer battered fish 'n chips to boot.

Pork chop with peppers


















Those wanting something a little spicier may chance their arm with the Raj Boy, close to the tube in Commercial Street and popular with the crazy long distance RIB boys, take that which ever way you will……..

Useful info:
Zero Cette – 020 7476 6564
Neighbourhood – 020 7473 4874
Iberica - 020 7636 8650
Gaucho - 020 7987 9494
Roka – 020 7636 5228
The Gun – 020 7515 5222
Byron – 020 8269 2273
The Mitre – 020 8293 0037
Gypsy Moth – 020 8858 0786
The Narrow –  020 7592 7950