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.
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| Iberica - Spanish tapas, great wine |
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| Roka at Canary Wharf |
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.
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| 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.
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| 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
