London's Floating Restaurant Caravel and Sister Venue Studio Kitchen Close Suddenly
In a surprising announcement, Caravel, a popular floating restaurant on Regent's Canal in London, has shut its doors along with its sister restaurant, Studio Kitchen. The owners revealed the immediate closures in an Instagram post on April 7, 2026, stating, 'Caravel and Studio Kitchen have been forced to close our doors with immediate effect. We will provide an update as soon as the details are allowed to be made public. Thank you and sorry.' No specific reasons were given for the sudden shutdown, leaving customers and industry observers speculating about the underlying issues.
Background and Recent Turmoil
The closure comes after a period of instability at Caravel. In November 2025, founders Fin and Lorcan Spiteri announced their abrupt departure from the restaurants they had operated for five years. In an Instagram statement, the brothers explained, 'Fin and I have left Caravel and Studio Kitchen this week after five years, due to circumstances out of our control. Caravel was a restaurant we built from the ground/water up, and it's unfortunate we have to step away.' They thanked staff and loyal customers and mentioned preparing for a new project launching in early 2026.
Billy McCartney, co-owner of parent company The Armada Group, confirmed to Restaurant magazine that the Spiteri brothers gave unexpected notice on November 14, 2025, leaving their roles immediately. This led to a temporary closure of Caravel, but it reopened later that month under new management. The Spiteri brothers, sons of hospitality consultant Jon Spiteri and Melanie Arnold, co-owner of Rochelle Canteen, have since taken over The Latimer pub in Notting Hill.
Legacy and Critical Acclaim
Caravel had earned a strong reputation since its opening in 2022. In May 2023, Time Out critic Kate Lloyd gave it a five-star review, praising its 'properly playful takes on modern European and classic British dishes' and calling it 'the best date restaurant I've ever been to.' The restaurant's unique setting on a barge in Regent's Canal made it a standout destination in London's dining scene.
Former Caravel cook Louis Lingwood has moved on to lead Osteria Vibrato in Soho, which also received a five-star review from Time Out in February 2026. This highlights the talent that emerged from Caravel, even as the venue itself faces closure.
Alternatives for Floating Dining in London
For those mourning the loss of Caravel, London still offers several floating dining options. Notable alternatives include:
- Barge East in Hackney Wick
- The Cheese Barge in Paddington
- Feng Shang Princess in Camden
These venues continue to provide unique waterfront experiences, ensuring that London's canal and river dining culture remains vibrant despite Caravel's exit.
Broader Context in London's Hospitality Scene
The closure of Caravel and Studio Kitchen adds to a series of changes in London's restaurant industry. Recently, Angus Steakhouse closed one of its iconic central London locations, and a famous private members' club opened to the public with a bakery. These shifts reflect ongoing challenges and evolution in the city's competitive hospitality market, where factors like economic pressures and management changes can lead to sudden closures.
As details about Caravel's shutdown remain undisclosed, the focus turns to how London's dining landscape will adapt. The Spiteri brothers' new venture and the success of former staff like Louis Lingwood suggest that innovation and talent continue to drive the industry forward, even in the face of setbacks.
