The three restaurants on a train, boat and treehouse named among the best in the world by TripAdvisor

The three restaurants on a train, boat and treehouse named among the best in the world by TripAdvisor

The UK, renowned for its culinary scene, often surprises with its unique and imaginative restaurant locations. Forget the typical high street setting; some of the most memorable dining experiences are found in truly extraordinary places.

Each year, the Travellers’ Choice Awards celebrate the world's highest-rated restaurants, spotlighting destinations that go above and beyond in terms of food, service, and ambiance. And when it comes to "One of a Kind" experiences, Britain certainly holds its own.

Barge East Hackney Wick

One such gem is Barge East, a restaurant that has earned its place among TripAdvisor's top 10 "One of a Kind" dining spots. But what makes it so special? It's not just the exceptional cuisine; it's the setting itself: a 125-year-old Dutch barge, carefully transformed into a floating culinary haven.

Moored in a picturesque location, Barge East offers a dining experience that's as much about the ambiance as it is about the food. Guests can choose to dine inside the beautifully restored barge, surrounded by panelled interiors and bathed in the warm glow of fairy lights. For a more intimate setting, the Captain's Cabin is available for private dining experiences, offering a glimpse into the barge's history.

Barge East Hackney Wick

In the warmer months, the barge's riverside garden beckons. Here, guests can enjoy their meals amidst lush greenery, with ingredients sourced locally and even grown on-site. Imagine sipping a refreshing drink under a lit-up tree, surrounded by wooden tables and the gentle sounds of the river.

Even when the weather turns cooler, the garden remains inviting. Covers, heaters, and even hot water bottles are provided, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience year-round. It's this attention to detail and commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets Barge East apart.

Barge East Hackney Wick

Despite its unique setting and exceptional cuisine, Barge East remains surprisingly affordable. On weekdays, you can enjoy lunch in the garden for around £10, making it an accessible option for those seeking a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank.

The menu at Barge East is as diverse as its setting. The Street Food Menu offers a selection of burgers, small plates, and snacks, perfect for a casual lunch or a light bite. Options include flavorful focaccia, creamy burrata, and crispy fries, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Interior view of the Cahoots Underground Restaurant, resembling a train car with booths and tables.

For a more formal dining experience, the A La Carte menu features a range of mains, showcasing the best of British produce. From succulent lamb chops with grezzina courgette to Cornish cod with clams and kimchi butter sauce, each dish is carefully crafted to tantalize the taste buds.

And let's not forget the Sunday roasts, a British tradition elevated to new heights at Barge East. Choose from beef, lamb, pork belly, or a trio of roasts, all served with roasted potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, greens, cabbage, and root veg mash. It's the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Alnwick Garden Treehouse Restaurant

Moving from the waterways to the heart of London, Cahoots Underground Restaurant offers a completely different, yet equally captivating, dining experience. This Soho-based restaurant transports guests back to the 1940s, recreating the atmosphere of a forgotten underground station.

Descend into the "underground" (though not literally!) and you'll find yourself in a meticulously designed space reminiscent of a 1940s tube station called Kingly. The decor is authentic, complete with vintage carriages where you can dine and drink, immersing yourself in the ambiance of a bygone era.

Alnwick Garden Treehouse Restaurant

The menu at Cahoots features small plates perfect for sharing, from crispy squid to scotch eggs, Cumberland sausages, spiced tortilla chips, and fried chicken. It's a culinary journey through classic British comfort food with a playful twist.

But the drinks at Cahoots are just as much of a draw as the food. The cocktail menu is filled with quirky concoctions, such as the Prohibition Lantern, a mix of mango chipotle milk, tequila, cachaça, orange liqueur, chilli liqueur, and Palo Santo cordial. Or try the Met Your Matcha, made with gin, green tea syrup, citrus lemon essence, and topped with lemonade.

An artist's drawing of what will be one of the largest tree houses in the world, which is under construction at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. Described by the Duchess of Northumberland as more of a 'tree village', the £3.3 million structure, which will soar to 56 feet and be able to hold 300 people at any time, will be the largest of its kind in Britain. Due for completion in July 2004, the complex of of hobbit-like buildings will be built using natural materials from sustainable sources such as Canadian Cedar, Scandinavian Redwood and English and Scots pine. PA Photo: Citigate Dewe Rogerson / Handout.

For a more substantial meal, head to the Cahoots Ticket Hall, where you can choose from a selection of salads, sandwiches, and the signature Ticket Hall Hamburger. It's a great option for a quick lunch or a pre-theatre dinner.

Cahoots has also expanded its reach with a new venue: a 1940s post office-themed cocktail bar. This new addition further enhances the immersive experience, offering even more opportunities to step back in time and enjoy a unique night out.

For a truly enchanting experience, venture to The Treehouse Restaurant at the Alnwick Garden in Alnwick. As the name suggests, this restaurant is nestled among the trees, offering a dining experience that's straight out of a fairytale.

The interior is just as magical, with hand-crafted wooden chairs, a log fire, and twinkling fairy lights creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect setting for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

The menu at The Treehouse Restaurant features an A La Carte selection, with sharing platters starting from £10 per person. Large plates include roasted chicken breast with goats cheese mash, Mediterranean vegetables, and nut-free pesto dressing, as well as beetroot risotto with balsamic and chilli beets, candied walnuts, and vegan feta.

A set lunch menu is also available, with two dishes for £24 and three courses for £29. And for the little ones, children's mains are £7, with options like sausage, mash, peas, and gravy, as well as fish and chips. Dessert is available for an additional £3.50.

From floating barges to underground stations and treetop havens, the UK offers a diverse range of unique dining experiences. These restaurants, recognized by the Travellers’ Choice Awards, showcase the creativity and innovation that make the British culinary scene so captivating.