Summer is just around the corner, with temperatures in Gloucester soaring up to 30°C. If you’re looking to enjoy great food under the sun, Ribchic’s, the newest floating restaurant on Gloucester Docks, is the perfect destination.
I had the privilege of previewing Ribchic’s before its grand opening this weekend, and one piece of advice – come hungry.
Ribchic’s offers a four-course tasting menu that changes weekly over a four-week rotation. With four distinct menus—family favourites, spice fusion, seafood delights, and British heritage dishes—there’s something to satisfy every palate.
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The restaurant is housed on a beautifully restored 115-year-old, 75-foot steel barge, lovingly renovated by owner Mark Hyland, who purchased it nearly a decade ago from a family in Stourport. Mark’s passion is evident in every detail of this unique dining experience.
Each menu celebrates family cooking, featuring dishes inspired by Mark’s own heritage and stories behind every plate. During my visit, I sampled five courses, including golden fried basa with double-crisp roast potatoes, flavorful 17-spice chicken wings, pea protein vegetable samosas, prawn madras served with flaky paratha bread, and the highlight—the South African BBQ chicken, made with Mark’s mother’s special honey-sweetened BBQ sauce.
At just £25 for the four-course meal, Ribchic’s is an incredible value, especially with its BYOB policy allowing you to bring your own wine at no corkage fee. There are also soft drinks and mocktails available on board for those who prefer.
Every dish is accompanied by a specially crafted dipping sauce created in-house, designed to perfectly complement each course. From the fruity Caribbean BBQ sauce on the chicken wings to the tangy tartare with the fish, these sauces elevate every bite.
Meals are beautifully presented in steel bento boxes, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
This floating eatery combines a unique setting with comforting home-style cooking, making it a must-visit in Gloucester’s vibrant food scene.
Ribchic’s opens Friday, May 23, operating Friday to Sunday initially, with plans to introduce midweek takeaways as demand grows. Head down to Gloucester Docks, right beside Gloucester Brewery, and treat yourself to this exceptional new dining experience.