A neglected barge finds its second-life as a floating London restaurant

The once-neglected Jesus College Barge has left behind its turbulent past to become the Peggy Jean – which will serve bottomless brunch from a spot atop the Thames.

Moored alongside Oxford’s Christchurch Meadow for 53 years before its move to Richmond in West London, the canal boat has had its fair share of ups and downs, including fire and two separate sinking incidents.

It’s spent the last five years under the care of master boat builder Mark Edwards MBE, who’s restored its historical features and given the barge a new lease of life. Now located in Richmond Riverside and owned by Australian restaurant group Daisy Green, the Peggy Jean seats 120.

Open air dining takes place on the roof deck, shielded by eye-catching pink parasols, while the indoor dining space mixes parquet flooring, pink velvet and rattan. Flavours are a blend of British classics (think gin and tonic and bacon rolls) and Aussie influences such as vegemite pizza cooked in twin Gozney clay ovens plus BBQ fish and steak options.

Peggy Jean officially launches on 27 July, though is already taking pre-bookings via the website.

The Boat, Bridge Boathouses, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH