Caravel, the celebrated floating restaurant that was once hailed as London's most brilliant new dining venue, has been forced to close its doors with immediate effect. The restaurant, which is housed on a barge in the canals of Hoxton, made the announcement in a straightforward Instagram post on April 7, leaving patrons and the culinary community in shock.
Sudden Closure of an Acclaimed Venue
Caravel, located on Regent's Canal between Hoxton and Islington, opened in 2022 and quickly became a major hit under the leadership of brothers Lorcan and Fin Spiteri. The restaurant was renowned for serving amazing food and cocktails, earning it the prestigious title of 'Best New London Restaurant' that same year from the trade magazine Hot Dinners.
A Menu That Captivated Diners
The restaurant's menu featured innovative dishes that drew widespread praise. Highlights included Potato Rösti with Sour Cream and Caviar, Sesame Prawn Toast accompanied by Chili Jam, and Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi served with King Oyster Mushrooms and Sage. For dessert, Caravel offered indulgent options such as Chocolate Soufflé Cake with Chocolate Sauce and Cream, as well as a Caramelised Pear and Almond Tart.
Mystery Surrounding the Closure
In its Instagram statement, Caravel revealed that both it and its sister restaurant, Studio Kitchen, have been forced to close immediately. The post promised an update "as soon as the details are allowed to be made public," but no further information has been provided regarding the reasons behind the sudden demise. This lack of explanation has fueled speculation within London's dining scene.
Previous Leadership Changes
The first signs of trouble emerged last November when the Spiteri brothers announced their unexpected departure from Caravel and Studio Kitchen. In an online post, they explained that they left "due to circumstances out of our control" after five years with the venues. They expressed regret at stepping away from a restaurant they built "from the ground/water up" and thanked their staff and loyal customers.
The brothers also mentioned taking a short break before launching a new project in early 2026. Following their resignation, the restaurant's parent company, The Armada Group, told Restaurant magazine that the departure was unexpected. Although Caravel temporarily closed, it later reopened in November under new leadership, making the recent permanent closure even more surprising.
Impact on London's Culinary Landscape
Caravel's closure marks a significant loss for London's vibrant restaurant scene, particularly in the unique niche of floating dining venues. Its innovative approach and award-winning status had made it a beloved destination for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience on the water. The sudden shutdown leaves a void in Hoxton's culinary offerings and raises questions about the challenges facing independent restaurants in the city.
As the industry awaits further details, the legacy of Caravel's amazing food and cocktails will be remembered by those who dined there. The restaurant's abrupt end serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of the hospitality business, even for venues that achieve critical acclaim and popularity.
