RS Hispaniola (Bar, Restaurant)

Top 10 things to know about R.S. Hispaniola:

1) Whether it’s for Brexit, or to reduce the carbon footprint, restaurants are increasingly focusing on flying the British flag in terms of their menu and the produce they use. You’ll find the Union Jack firmly flying on the R.S. Hispaniola's mast.

2) The most iconic sights of London, such as the London Eye and the Palace of Westminster, are visible from your dining table without the ship actually needing to set sail as it’s moored to Embankment Pier.

3) Whilst the main restaurant is indoors, they do have plenty of outdoor terrace space for those who want to enjoy a cocktail or four, alfresco style, and take in the money-can't-buy views during the warmer spring and summer months.

4) The dishes are listed in a flag-waving bill of fare with the provenance of the ingredients often mentioned as an indication of quality. West Mersea rock oysters are perennially popular as they are wild and sustainably fished from ultra-clean traditional oyster beds.

5) If you don't know where to find premium quality meat, check the main course section: pork needs to be from Orchard Farm and beef needs to be Aberdeen Angus.

6) The glazed duck breast - served just on the right side of pink - has the seal of approval being that it is sourced from Gressingham, and is accompanied by umami-filled, wild mushrooms and addictive crispy kale.

7) The dessert section is a best of British offering. The Cambridge burnt cream was sold out during our visit, so it was instead a case of sampling a real British institution: banoffee bread and butter pudding. The heavenly combination of banana and toffee made this a vote-winner with most of the diners.

8) What does need a revamp is their drinks menu. With a fiercely patriotic food menu, you would expect to see English sparkling wine, craft ales and local gins aplenty. There was very little available bar South Bank gin (formerly Parliament gin).

9) R.S. Hispaniola is a venue for special occasions; be it diners visiting London from abroad or elsewhere in the UK, or a great place for a romantic date with the spectacular London skyline as a backdrop.

10) The ship was launched in 1953 as one of the first floating London restaurants and has seen its fair share of historical events. Judging by the popularity of the restaurant, it will be around for many more decades to come....read more