In the heart of Derby’s bustling city centre, House Boat Restaurant is quickly becoming a household name, drawing food lovers from across the region. Known for its authentic South Indian cuisine, warm hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere, House Boat has once again made headlines—this time on BBC News, a milestone that has firmly positioned it among the best restaurants in Derby.
BBC News Shines a Spotlight on HouseBoat
House Boat was recently featured on BBC News, highlighting the restaurant’s rising popularity, unique offerings, and cultural significance within Derby’s diverse food scene. The coverage explored House Boat’s origin story, its growing influence, and the team’s dedication to bringing the flavors of South India to the UK.
The feature included a conversation with the founders, who shared their inspiration for opening House Boat, the challenges of starting a new restaurant in a competitive market, and their unwavering commitment to authenticity. The BBC segment celebrated how the restaurant not only delivers flavorful dishes but also fosters a sense of community and connection.
Making Waves on Local Talk Shows Too
In addition to their BBC News feature, House Boat was recently invited to the hot seat of Len Skye’s popular local talk show, hosted by Wendy and Len. The show, known for spotlighting Derby’s most exciting people and places, gave House Boat the perfect platform to share its story with the local community.
The lunchtime conversation covered everything from the founders’ background to the restaurant’s vision and growth. It was an inspiring look behind the scenes of one of Derby’s most promising new eateries and a chance for locals to get to know the faces behind the flavor.
First and foremost, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Wendy and Ien for hosting such an incredible show. Their genuine interest in our journey, their warmth, and their professionalism made the entire experience truly special. From the moment we stepped onto the show, we felt like we were in the company of old friends.
A Rapid Rise: Over 1,000 Customers in Just a Few Months
This BBC Radio feature couldn’t have come at a more exciting time in our journey. In just 2.5 months, we’ve had the joy and privilege of welcoming over 4,000 customers aboard our floating restaurant. That number still takes our breath away. When we launched this project, we hoped for a strong community response, but nothing could’ve prepared us for the incredible support and enthusiasm we’ve received from Derby locals and visitors alike.
Every single person who’s stepped aboard has added something to the story — from regulars who’ve made our deck their go-to dinner spot, to first-time visitors who stumble upon us and leave with full bellies and wide smiles. We’ve hosted birthday celebrations, romantic dates, solo adventurers, curious foodies, and more than a few happy dogs sunning themselves on deck while their owners tucked into lunch.
New Horizons: Beer Garden Launching in 2025
As part of their continued expansion, House Boat has announced plans to open a dedicated beer garden in 2025. Set to be located within the restaurant’s city centre premises, the beer garden will offer guests an open-air dining experience—perfect for enjoying the vibrant tastes of South India with friends and family.
Being recognised by BBC Radio felt like a celebration of all the love and work we’ve poured into this project. It reminded us of how far we’ve come in such a short time and inspired us to keep dreaming bigger, cooking bolder, and connecting deeper with the people who make this journey worthwhile.
To Wendy, Ien, and every single one of our 4,000+ guests so far — thank you. Thank you for believing in our vision, supporting a small business with big dreams, and making our floating restaurant feel like a home. Being featured on BBC News is a prestigious achievement that speaks volumes about House Boat’s growing influence and commitment to excellence. As Derby continues to establish itself as a foodie hotspot, Houseboat stands at the forefront, representing the rich diversity and culinary brilliance of the city. Keep your eye on this rising star—because they’re just getting started.
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