DesignMyNight's Review Of Barge East: One Of The Best Sunday Roasts I've Ever Had

Over in trendy Hackney Wick, floating serenely on the River Lee, is Barge East. Not just one of the neighbourhood’s most recognisable landmarks (the 125-year-old Dutch barge is quite the eye-catcher), it's also a fantastic restaurant, with numerous accolades under its belt, including 2 Rosettes for culinary excellence, not to mention a feature in the 360 Eat Guide thanks to its focus on sustainable practices; with Executive Chef Gavin Gordon at the helm of the kitchen, they use 80% organic ingredients, have a nose-to-tail ethos and make sure to use local suppliers where possible - even picking fresh produce daily from their adjoining gardens.

I'd heard on the grapevine that Barge East was home to one of the best Sunday roasts in London, so of course I had to go and check out what all the fuss was about.

Barge East is an actual boat that sailed over from Holland to Hackney Wick.

Our Review Of Barge East's Sunday Roast In Hackney

After ambling up to the on-land host podium and giving our names for the booking, we were directed onto a mini metal plank that took us onto the boat restaurant, down a small ladder into a charming, cosy dining room. It played homage to its nautical roots with wooden plank walls and adorable portholes that brought in dapples of sunshine - although you'd also be forgiven for forgetting you were actually on a boat, thanks to leather chairs and the neatly set tables (however, you will be reminded you are on a boat when you visit the unique toilets). I felt instantly relaxed here, as mellow 60s rock tunes floated through the airwaves and the branch-entwined fairylights on the ceiling glimmered above us. 

Thanks to our enviable seat right in front of the modest-sized kitchen (very impressed at how the chefs pull off such a feat in such a pokey space - they always seemed to have everything under control), we could see the delicious-looking dishes being plated up. Hungry to begin, we kicked off with a couple of starters: the Newlyn salt cod croquettes with lemon aioli (£9) were phenomenal, deliciously salty with subtle herbs running throughout, and a gorgeous texture from both the crisp outer layer and the fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth filling. And the smoked beetroot (£10)? Beautifully presented like a work of art. The sweet, tangy root veg came in both rustic chunks and crisps, offering a range of textures and flavours, with little mounds of creamy, tart goats cheese, dainty splooges of pickled apple and a vibrant green pool of delicate herb oil.

The trio of roasts (left) and the smoked beetroot with goat's cheese starter (right).

Suitably impressed, we were now incredibly excited for the roasts (especially as we could see these coming out of the kitchen). Feeling the food FOMO, we both opted for the trio of roasts (£31), which featured Ethical Butcher Aberdeen Angus beef rump, Norfolk Marshland lamb leg and Suffolk Red Bruntona pork belly, drinking a glass each of the delicately fruity Beaujolais-Villages, Dominique Morel (£9 each) to wash everything down.

It was like a refined, traditional roast that had been executed perfectly - all of the meats were clearly super fresh, of high quality and cooked with great skill so that each bite was tender yet filled with moreish flavour. I was also a huge fan of the great variation of veg, which ranged from honey roasted carrots and root veg mash to seasonal greens and fragrant braised red cabbage, the sauce of which ran into the gravy for extra buckets of flavour. Speaking of, the gravy was obviously lovingly made and generously poured on to everything (as a daughter of a Yorkshirewoman, this gets a big thumbs up from me), including the gianormous, fluffy Yorkshire pudding.

The duck fat roast potatoes were also fantastic - I could see the chefs deep fat frying these (great idea in my opinion) - divinely crispy to the point we needed to use our steak knives to crack these bad boys open. And despite being a huge, towering plate of food, this was somehow so well presented. I love the addition of cauliflower cheese (£12) on a roast, so theirs, made with four cheeses and plenty of truffle, was a must-have. However, I have to say the portion was very generous, so bear in mind when ordering.

The intimate interior of Barge East made it perfect for a cosy Sunday roast.

Though nearly about to burst, we couldn't help but dig into the chocolate and peanut delice (£12), which was so good, I'll 100% be ordering it again. Like a Snickers bar that had gone to finishing school, it had numerous indulgent layers: a biscuity base, crunchy peanut, fudgy mousse, and a smooth chocolate ganache-style topping. Paired with the accompanying salted caramel ice cream, this was a dessert that I couldn't get enough of.

Barge East's Sunday Roast: Overall

I think you can tell from my glowing review that this was honestly one of the best Sunday roasts I've ever had. Not only was it a charming, unique venue floating on the canal, with kind, attentive staff who couldn't do enough, but the food? My stomach is growling just thinking about it. The traditional roast made with beautiful produce and great culinary skill is one that I would recommend to anyone, plus I'll certainly be back to try out all the other menus too. See you there.