Eat East - Wapping and Limehouse
Today Wapping and Limehouse, nestled against the Thames between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf is an area in resurgence, currently experiencing a property boom as well as cultural revival with the likes of the Wapping Project and Gordon Ramsey's Narrow moving in. Historically however, Wapping and Limehouse developed alongside London's thriving shipping trade. Wapping High Street was first built in 1570, and once held 36 pubs catering for sailors, dockers and assorted trades linked to the port. A walk along the Thames path between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf takes 40 minutes, and allows you to soak in the myriad of historic warehouse buildings which still evoke the air of east London's maritime past. Stop off at historic pubs and a delicious restaurant or two along the way.
The Wapping Project
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, London E1W 3ST
T:
020 7680 2080
W: www.thewappingproject.com
Wapping or Shadwell DLR
If industrial chic is your thing, dine in this former hydraulic power station with its rusting and peeling pumps, chains and giant hooks still firmly in place contrasted with the trendy white chairs, silver chandeliers and crisp white linen. The menu changes daily with modern European fare. After your meal, head to their art exhibition space next door, which can only add to a truly out of the ordinary dining experience.
The Gallows Restaurant at the Captain Kidd
108 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2NE
T: 020 7480 5759
Wapping
Named after a pirate hunter turned actual pirate, this century-old riverside pub is situated in historic Wapping High Street. It boasts great views of the Thames, and the decor is all low beams, wooden barrel tables and pirate-related curios. The Gallows Restaurant is housed above the pub on the top floor of the building and serves delicious modern European cuisine in an atmospheric riverside setting. Savour wild boar sausages,
foie gras au torchon, roast pork belly stuffed with mash and black pudding, and orange and lemon cheesecake.
The Narrow
44 Narrow Street, Limehouse, London E14 8DP
T:
020 7592 7950
W: www.gordonramsay.com/thenarrow
Limehouse DLR
Housed in a Grade II-listed building right on the mouth of Limehouse Basin, with mighty views of any boating action, admire the history of Limehouse with the historical black and white photographs adorning the walls. This Gordon Ramsay restaurant offers British classics with seasonal ingredients. Sit back and relax with good quality food and real ales and ciders with stunning river views.
River View Chinese Restaurant
New Crane Wharf, Wapping High Street,
London E1W 9TU
T:
020 7480 6026
W:
www.riverview-restaurant.com
Wapping
Not long ago, if you wanted to combine eating seafood Chinese cuisine with spectacular views over water, you had to go to Hong Kong. Now you can go to River View in Wapping. Highlights include fresh lobster, steamed sea bass and sizzling prawns as well as non-seafood classics such as crispy aromatic duck and a great deal more.
River Spice
83-85 Wapping Lane, Wapping,
London E1W 2RW
T: 020 7488 4050
W: www.caferiverspice.co.uk
Wapping and Shadwell DLR
An innovative restaurant in Wapping offering a unique dining experience of classic and modern Indian cuisine subtly enhanced by Thai and European influences. Every dish has its own personality and the diverse flavours within each one are apparent to all the senses.
La Figa
The Mosaic, 45 Narrow Street, London E14
T:
020 7790 0077
Limehouse DLR
A sister restaurant to the popular Il Bordello nearby in Wapping, La Figa also offers the same formula of home-style Italian dishes. A vibrant interior opens out onto a lovely cobble-stoned courtyard with a mosaic fountain, creating an inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy good-value pizzas, pastas and affordable wines.
Lilly's Restaurant, Bar and Grill
75 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2YN
T: 020 7702 2040
W: www.lillysrestaurant.co.uk
Wapping
Lilly's offers a range of hearty as well as lighter dishes, with a separate cocktail menu and bar in addition to the main dining area. The restaurant is the ideal place for a quick lunch, a relaxed drink or a leisurely dinner with friends. The food is delicious - try melt-in-the-mouth steaks, duck confit with mash and if you've got room left over, don't leave without tasting the honeycomb vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate sauce.