Making memories are what summer socials are all about.
As the mercury climbs, the great outdoors provides an ideal change of scene from the office or the home – a backdrop to shared experiences.
For those seeking something just that little bit different, Skuna’s BBQ Boats are all set for 2025’s summer months.
Based at West India Quay, these self-drive electric craft come with built-in BBQs offering Wharfers “an unforgettable way to eat, drink and spend time with others”.
BBQ Boats hold up to 10 people, with cruises lasting 100 minutes
BBQ Boats offer 100-minute cruises
The experience begins with a quick briefing before guests take the helm for 100 minutes of cooking and relaxing on the tranquil waters of North Dock.
Each boat holds up to 10 people, who can either bring their own food to grill or pre-order from Skuna’s freshly prepared food packages.
Drinks can be purchased from the on-site bar, which also sells captains hats for those who want to take a turn at the tiller.
“Our BBQ Boats offer the perfect dining on the water experience for summer,” said Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson, founder of Skuna.
“They are great for team bonding experience as you cook and sail yourself around the beautiful docks of Canary Wharf.
“This is a world away from the ordinary BBQ in the park or back garden – it’s summer dining, but not as you know it – and a bucket list activity to enjoy with friends and colleagues alike.”
The craft are a popular option for summer parties in Canary Wharf
key details: Skuna BBQ Boats
Skuna’s BBQ Boats are available during the summer months from their home on West India Quay.
Prices and details of the various food packages available can all be found on Skuna’s website, as well as booking links for its Sauna Boat and Hot Tub Boat experiences – also based in Canary Wharf.
There’s quite possibly a dash of Viking DNA in Stuart “Tommo” Thomson.
Where others see stretches of under-used water, he sees opportunity, just as Scandinavian raiders once did.
He’s also a fan of flames afloat.
First there came Barge East, a culinary powerhouse of a restaurant opposite Hackney Wick on the western edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and a flotilla of wood-fired hot tub boats with electric cruising engines.
Having conquered Canary Wharf, Skuna shored up its presence with a fleet of gently bobbing BBQ craft, popular in the summer months.
Last year, these were retrofitted with igloo-style roofs for winter to allow cold weather fondue sailings.
But it’s the latest arrival that speaks to the raw fire and ice existence of the northern tribes.
Built (appropriately) in Sweden, and believed to be the only self-propelled vehicle offering hot and cold therapy in the country, she’s currently moored for static service at West India Quay.
The boat has two icy plunge pools on its roof – image by Skuna
hot, then cold at Sauna Boat
The proposition is simple.
Her lower deck boasts changing facilities and a smart, wood-fired sauna allowing guests to get suitably toasty while gazing out of a large plate glass window overlooking the waters of North Dock.
There’s even a see-through hatch in the floor for views down towards the deep.
Once hot enough, a walkway round the structure and a wooden staircase take guests up to the roof where two icy plunge baths sit, complete with a high-tech cooling and water purification unit.
After the shock of a refreshing dip, the liquid chilled to a brisk 7ºC (or cooler, if desired), guests can then relax on comfy sofas with Canary Wharf’s towers to the south and the listed historic sugar warehouses of West India Quay to the north.
The temptation, of course, is to then do it all again to maximise that endophin high.
Skuna founder and CEO, Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson – image by Jon Massey
messing about in boats
“As a company, we’re interested in anything unusual you can put on a boat,” said Tommo.
“We want to provide all sorts of different experiences for people and we feel Sauna Boat is a natural progression from our hot tub boats.
“Saunas are booming across the country at the moment and there’s a wealth of health benefits to hot and cold contrast therapy – a boost for physical and mental health and it improves sleep dramatically.
“Since it arrived I’ve been in it every day and I’ve never slept better.
“The concept of taking a sauna has been around for thousands of years but it wasn’t really a popular thing to do in the UK until five or 10 years ago.
“Now it’s attracting people who are looking for something different, to relax and catch up with friends, or meet new people.
“That’s what Sauna Boat is all about. People come in, get changed – some may stay in the heat for 10 minutes, others for longer.
“Then it feels fantastic to step outside onto the deck and get some air on your body.
“Then they can enjoy the plunge pools, enjoy some time on the roof and go back inside for some more warmth and another cycle.”
The craft was built in Sweden and is now located in east London
a Sauna Boat from Sweden
Tommo and the team first came across the Swedish craft in 2018 in Oslo while searching for floating experiences to bring to the UK.
Initially Sauna Boat will be a static experience at West India Quay, but the plan is eventually to cruise the craft in the dock in similar fashion to the way they operate in Sweden.
Two further craft are expected to join the flagship in due course.
“It’s taken us a little while to get the first one over here, but we knew we loved the Scandinavian tradition of sauna,” he said.
“They are places of wellness and relaxation, but also somewhere to socialise with friends.
“We have music on-board and Friday evenings might be more upbeat, but Sauna Boat will always be a place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy time spent with others.
“Floating on the water is an amazing place to have a sauna experience.
“Through the glass wall you can see other boats, ducks and geese going past.
“It’s all about tranquillity and the design means you can be snug in the sauna while looking out on Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers or relax on the top deck.
“Since we launched the hot tub boats here in 2018, West India Quay has changed so much – there’s an incredible array of bars and restaurants here and in Canary Wharf so this is the perfect place for our latest boat. It feels fantastic to have brought this here.”
Sauna Boat is moored at Skuna’s West India Quay base – image by Skuna
key details: Sauna Boat
Sauna Boat is located in West India North Dock with access from West India Quay where Skuna’s hot tub and BBQ boats are also based. It’s officially open from May 1, 2025.
Shared sessions start at £15 on Thursdays and Fridays and cost £20 at weekends.
These last 60 minutes, including changing time.
Sauna Boat accommodates up to 15 people, with exclusive private hire also available.
