The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay, Limehouse Basin, River Thames
Commanding great Thames views from its location at the entrance to Limehouse Basin, this fancy Gordon Ramsay gastropub reopened with a takeaway BBQ menu in early June.
It's better known for its modern British fare and handsome Grade II-listed building, but while lockdown restrictions last, preventing on-site dining and the full menu choice, ravenous Ramsay fans will have to content themselves with a burger to go available on Thursdays (5-9pm) and from Friday to Sunday (12noon-9pm).
Customers are advised to call ahead to place their order before picking it up from the eatery. Choose from a short rib burger served with applewood smoked cheese, gem lettuce, onions and pickles or a falafel burger served with fattoush salad and tzatziki, both served in a delicious potato bun. There's also the option to add a side, ice cream and takeaway drink to enjoy al fresco while the weather is good.
gordonramsayrestaurants.com/the-narrow, 020 7592 7950
Barge East, Hackney Wick, Lee Navigation
Pubs might be closed at the moment but, if you're London-based, you can still recreate the carvery experience at home thanks to Barge East's Sunday roast delivery service.
It's just one of several innovative ideas the pub has come up with since lockdown forced a temporary closure. As well as launching a CrowdFunder appeal to offset some of the financial impact of Covid-19, they've also spearheaded a number of charitable initiatives. These have included donating over a ton of food to Bow Food Bank, providing over 500 cooked meals to good causes such as NHS staff at local hospitals, and running a community veg box service with free delivery to those in need and key workers.
Barge East opened in 2018 aboard a 114-year-old Dutch tjalk called De Hoop. The menu is inspired by chef Ryan’s travels across the globe as a professional cook on yachts, while the drinks offering showcases the best of London’s beers, coffees, wine, cocktails, soft drinks and East London spirits.
But it's worth visiting this fabulous floating pub for the view from the deck alone – the Olympic stadium and city skyline make for a magical dining experience.
bargeeast.com, 020 3026 2807
The Hop Pole, Retford, Chesterfield Canal
After closing down suddenly in January 2019, fans of the popular Hop Pole pub on the Chesterfield Canal at Retford will be pleased to know that the business reopened in September 2019.
During the nine-month closure, new owners Sam and Wendy Cowan undertook a full refurbishment of the eatery. The interior now has a modern country feel with lots of earthy tones, wood and leather furniture. Mirrored walls keep the space light and real fireplaces ensure it stays toasty at this time of year. Outside are two raised decking areas with extensive seating overlooking the canal and surrounding countryside – ideal for nursing a pint or two in the summer sun.
For boaters, the pub has private moorings for up to four narrowboats, each with access to water and electricity (advanced booking is required for electric hook-up). The moorings are charged at £25 per night; however, customers are given a voucher of the same amount to spend in the restaurant and bar. There are also plans to install glamping pods on the grounds as an unusual alternative to traditional bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
thehoppoleofretford.co.uk, 01777 586121
