London Float Centre Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

London's Only Floating Chinese Restaurant Is a Hidden Regent's Park Gem

Where Cantonese cuisine meets canal boat charm in the most unexpected setting

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step aboard this unique vessel, you're transported into an intimate world of traditional Oriental décor and romantic lantern-lit ambiance. The gentle sway of the boat adds an almost hypnotic quality to your dining experience - something you simply cannot replicate on dry land. With its waterfront positioning offering panoramic water views across Cumberland Basin, the setting scores an impressive 9.5/10 for uniqueness, and rightfully so. The venue strikes a lovely balance between intimate and social, with cozy indoor seating complemented by private rooms for special occasions. The sophistication level sits comfortably at 6.5/10 - refined enough for business meals and romantic dates without being stuffy. The energy remains pleasantly calm at 4.5/10, making it conversation-friendly territory where you can actually hear each other speak. It's the sort of place that feels both casual and special occasion-worthy simultaneously.

Food & Drink

The Cantonese cuisine here is the real deal, with signature dishes that have earned praise from 519 OpenTable diners who've rated it 4.6/5. The menu showcases authentic offerings including perfectly roasted Peking duck - their claim to fame - alongside signature dim sum, tender beef in black-bean sauce, crispy vegetarian spring rolls, and delicate prawn dumplings. Weekend brunch adds another dimension to the experience, complemented by a full bar serving craft cocktails, fine wines, and beers. The kitchen clearly knows what it's doing, with consistent praise for excellent food quality from both celebrities and regular punters. However, there's a notable weakness in the dessert department, which is severely limited to mostly ice cream options only - something to bear in mind if you're planning a full culinary journey.

Service & Experience

Proprietor Karen Chua provides warm personal welcomes that set the tone for the entire experience. The staff deliver what's consistently described as attentive, friendly service that's earned celebrity approval - no small feat in London's competitive dining scene. The efficiency is particularly noteworthy, with service that manages to feel both professional and genuinely welcoming. Given the unique floating venue, the team clearly knows how to work within the constraints of their environment while maintaining high standards.

Value for Money

At £26-40 per person, the pricing sits squarely in mid-range territory with what's described as reasonable pricing for the location and experience. When you factor in the utterly unique setting, quality Cantonese cuisine, and the fact that this is London's only floating Chinese restaurant, the value proposition becomes quite compelling. The venue accepts AMEX, Mastercard, and Visa, and there's the added bonus of free street parking after 18:30 weekdays and all day weekends. With Camden Town tube station just 10 minutes away and the London Zoo car park 2 minutes away, accessibility doesn't require a premium either.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive around 5:45pm to catch sunset views before the dinner rush hits - this insider timing gives you the best of both worlds. Weekend brunch offers a completely different but equally charming experience. The venue operates daily from 10am-10pm, giving you flexibility throughout the day.

What to Focus On

The Peking duck is their signature for good reason, while the dim sum selection showcases their Cantonese expertise. Don't miss the delicate prawn dumplings or the beef in black-bean sauce. Just remember the dessert situation is limited, so plan accordingly if you're after a sweet finish.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Despite the name 'London Float Centre,' this is NOT a floatation therapy center - that's a completely separate business, so don't get confused when bookingTake the 10-minute walk from Camden Town tube station rather than driving if possible - the approach gives you a better sense of anticipationBook one of the private rooms if you're planning something special - the intimate setting combined with the gentle boat movement creates an unforgettable atmosphere

The Final Verdict

The London Float Centre delivers something genuinely unique in London's dining scene - a proper floating restaurant experience that's been perfecting its craft since the 1980s. While the dessert menu disappoints and the energy level won't suit party-seekers, the combination of authentic Cantonese cuisine, romantic waterfront setting, and reasonable pricing creates something special. Karen Chua and her team have created a venue that works equally well for business meals, family gatherings, and romantic dates. It's the sort of place that reminds you why London remains one of the world's great dining cities - where else can you find a handcrafted floating Chinese restaurant in a royal park?

Christoff's Rating:

7.8/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking romantic date night venuesfamilies wanting a unique dining experiencebusiness diners looking for memorable meeting spots

London Float Centre

London Float Centre

Christoff's Take

London's Only Floating Chinese Restaurant Is a Hidden Regent's Park Gem

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

Perfect For:

Quick Details

London Float Centre

What's Great

Keep in Mind

Christoff's Tip:

Vibe check scores

Venue details

Featured In My Guides

Camden Restaurant Guide 2025: Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Traps

Authentic Chinese Restaurants London: Chinatown Chef's Guide 2025