Award-winning Australian restaurant group, Daisy Green Collection, is excited to announce that its two dazzling city barges, Darcie and May Green, are now officially open to the public. Situated directly outside Paddington Station, in an unparalleled West-London water-top setting on the Grand Union Canal, the two gigantic boats boast an eye-catching exterior, designed by legendary British pop artist, Peter Blake. The all-day menu features the fresh and distinctive Antipodean-inspired food for which the group is renowned for. By night, the site transforms into a buzzing evening restaurant and bar, offering Aussie dinner favourites, contemporary cocktails and an array of natural New World wines and local craft beers.
Overseeing the menu is the group’s founder, Prue Freeman, and the food reflects her attractive Australian attitude to food. Brunch-goers looking for a long and lazy meal will relish in a menu including vegan coconut French toast, a very fancy bacon roll, an award-winning banana bread sandwich, and a lot of smashed avo on charcoal sourdough with house made labne.
As expected, the dishes are comforting, laid back, fresh and beautiful. Plates such as the halloumi fries, sticky beef short ribs, Szechuan Soft Shell Crab and the Giant Chicken Parmigiana, can be enjoyed alongside lighter options such as the vegan Celeriac Steak, the seared sashimi grade tuna and the Asian Chicken Salad throughout the day. With Bottomless Brunch turning into Bottomless Afternoon Tea, the opportunities for waterside al fresco dining are abundant. Open for private hire too, the 50 metre boats, set over two levels, may well be London’s coolest new event space and Christmas venue.
The exclusively-created popular culture artwork that decorates the two barges exhibits Peter Blake’s distinctive style and signature bold colour palette, making the top decks unrivalled destinations for balmy-weathered drinking. With a cocktail in hand – the drinks menu includes a raspberry sour, an innovative take on an espresso martini, an array of house made festive cocktails and warmers and nine dedicated craft beer taps – visitors can admire the latest exterior design work from the eponymous 88-year-old artist that is famous for designing the Beatles’ bestselling album sleeve 50 years ago this year.
Prue Freeman, founder of Daisy Green Collection, commented: “Daisy Green is focused on creating exciting one off local destinations which bring together laid back Australian food culture, art and design. The prominent water top position at the heart of the Paddington regeneration together with artwork from the godfather of British Pop Art, Peter Blake make Darcie and May Green two very special vessels which we are so excited to have introduced to Paddington Central.”
Bringing an authentic slice of Australasia to Paddington Central, Darcie and May Green are a welcome addition to West London’s food and drink scene.
