London Shell Co. (Restaurant)

Top 10 things to know about London Shell Co.:

1) You’ve conquered London. The restaurants of Soho; the rooftop bars; the afternoon teas; all accomplished. You need something different.

2) Rocking gently at the water’s edge, the floating London Shell Co. restaurant is waiting for you; ready to breathe life into bored, adventurous rebels and intrepid diners daring enough to leave difficult wine and food choices to experts who source and forage.

3) You’re received onboard this fun restaurant experience by Leah and her brother Harry, who thrust an 18%-proof welcome cider cocktail into your hand before you mingle with other new explorers.

4) Chance provides the evening’s next amusement, as shared table arrangements sit you with randoms even more random than you. To avoid social kamikaze and find your new best friends, spot potential dining companions early and bag yourself a window seat. (There is a secluded two-stool romance section for lovers, if you must.)

5) A bell is rung, and the tale of the London Shell Co. is shared.

6) Then, relax into the cosy scene, as the hardy skipper guides you past classic London attractions such as Little Venice; London Zoo; Regents Park; Camden Lock; and that disturbing waterside painting of Amy Winehouse.

7) The modern British set menu - concise, handwritten, seafood biased and crafted by a former Hix chef - is averse to repetition. Compiled on the fly, it uses a collection of whatever can be found that day, such as moreish Morecombe Bay oysters; or the exceptional grilled crevettes with mussel and bacon cassoulet. No two dinners are ever the same.

8) Top tip: it’s worth going the extra step and investing in the wine pairing option, especially if you’re a fan of lighter wines. Unusual, rare finds from Hungary, Austria, Sicily, Kent and Hampshire are there to enjoy. Plus, Harry, an erstwhile Michelin-star restaurant sommelier and trained actor, eloquently regales you with stories about every wine. (Don’t fret red wine fans; the bottles list has plenty to keep you entertained.)

9) As the moon’s mirror image bounces back off the water’s surface (or sunset in the summer months) you take a sip of your heavily oxidised Anjou chenin blanc and thank yourself for organising this shared supper club experience.

10) This experience is sadly only available from Wednesday to Friday. At all other times, however, you can be the clever bod at work who books the London Shell Co. for a private event....read more