What’s just as good as a restaurant on a barge? A cocktail bar on a barge next to it. That’s right, the people who brought you this summer’s floating restaurant hit Caravel are putting the bar into barge and upping the stakes with a drinks boat called Bruno's. But ‘drinks boat’ is certainly underplaying it.
Brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, who launched restaurant Caravel in March, are channelling inspiration from their finest bar memories in New York and London with their floating cocktail bar Bruno’s, named after Fin’s beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross.
Both brothers have some serious experience in the London hospitality industry, with Lorcan beginning his career at Quo Vadis, then Oldroyd as sous chef, followed by a stint at Rochelle Canteen before opening Studio Kitchen in 2020 as head chef with Fin. Fin started in the kitchen at Bentley's and Locanda Locatelli before running Trullo. He also launched and ran the popular Flat Iron Square near Borough Market before opening Rochelle Canteen at the ICA.
You'll board the barge, moored between Hoxton and Islington (right next to Caravel), via a pontoon then head downstairs to relax in a velvet armchair or perch on a stool to peer out a porthole, all while nibbling on nostalgia-fuelled snacks served alongside riffs on classic cocktails. There are also two marble tables towards the back of the vessel that seat 12, ideal for group celebrations.
Fin’s innovative cocktail list will draw on his experience at some of London’s most noteworthy drinking establishments, including Quo Vadis and 69 Colebrooke Row. Choose from creations such as the Cookout (mezcal, barbecued lemon juice and orgeat) or the Peach Drop (vodka, lemon juice, peach syrup, egg whites and burnt sugar).
Foodwise, when we say ‘nostalgia’ we’re talking way back to childhood, with the likes of saucisson soppressata and cheese served in upmarket portioned lunch trays.
And after a few, if things are swaying, remember it’s only because you’re on a boat.
More about Bruno's
Where is it? 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL
When does it open? 11 November 2022
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @brunos.cocktails.
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