Review of Barge East in Hackney Wick

We arrived at Barge East on a Sunday to find it buzzing with energy; families, friends, and couples all enjoying a lively, laid back Canalside vibe. Being on a 120 year old barge Dutch barge in Hackney Wick immediately made the meal feel a bit special, with rustic wood interiors and soft lighting, it was the perfect relaxed atmosphere for a Sunday brunch after a bit of a late night. Recently named No. 1 in the UK and No. 9 in the World in Tripadvisor’s brand-new “One of a Kind” category, part of their 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Barge East is known for being the go to restaurant in Hackney Wick if you’re looking for a truly exceptional meal.

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable from the moment we arrived, guiding us through the menu and drinks with ease, and talking us through the history of the brand and space. To start, we had a garden blackberry blini; a small, thoughtful welcome that set the tone perfectly, with blackberries grown in their very on seasonal garden. For starters, we began with the delicate pumpkin taco; smoky pumpkin, black beans, salsa verde, lime, and fresh herbs, and the roasted heirloom carrots; with miso, tahini, dukkah, and garden herbs. Both beautifully presented, perfectly put together on their small plates, the taste was equally as balanced with a lot of clear thought of how the flavours sat together; sweet, sour, tangy and smoky. We paired with a side of sourdough which was honestly insane for a bread side, the marmite butter was a showstopper. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and full of flavour.

For our mains, we went for the glazed aubergine; with miso and maple, mushroom XO, cashew cream, seeds, and garden kale, along with the barbecued hispi cabbage; with smoked tahini and pumpkin seeds. The aubergine was rich and comforting and cooked to a gooey perfection, and the cabbage was just an absolute dream, smoky with the perfect level of bite laying on a decadent sauce, I could have eaten 5 of these it was so good.

We also tried a Barge-arita cocktail from the drink’s menu, which varied with ginger agave and Kent cherries, a great twist on the classic. Needed a bit of a pick me up to get us out of our food comas, instead of a traditional dessert we finished with espresso martinis which were boozier than we usually had them and much needed to get us moving again.

Barge East isn’t just about the food. The barge itself has history, and the restaurant reflects that care, with a focus on seasonal ingredients, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. You can really taste the thoughtfulness in every dish, perfectly balanced options where every ingredient has an intention.

Address: Sweetwater Mooring, 98 White Post Lane, London E9 5EN

For more information click here.

Written by Jordan Crowley

Photos courtesey of Barge East