If you are planning a visit to V&A East or exploring the creative energy around Stratford Waterfront, Hackney Wick offers some of the most characterful places to stop for a bite. Just a short stroll from the museum and Olympic Park, Barge East sits aboard a historic Dutch barge, serving seasonal British cooking shaped by the gardens that surround it. It is an easy choice for lunch near V&A East, whether you are looking for a relaxed set menu, something celebratory, or simply a peaceful waterside moment between exhibitions.

As the day shifts into evening, the canalside comes alive with diners and locals meeting for drinks near Hackney Wick before settling in for dinner near Olympic Park. With its intimate below deck dining room and lively gardens, Barge East feels both tucked away and right at the heart of the neighbourhood. For visitors searching for restaurants near Stratford Waterfront, it offers a warm, independent alternative to the usual city dining spots, pairing thoughtful cooking with one of East London’s most distinctive settings.