Fin and Lorcan Spiteri announce departure from London barge restaurant Caravel

Brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri have left Caravel and Studio Kitchen in London after five years, as they look to launch a new project in early 2026. 

The pair have been running Caravel, the 32-cover barge-based restaurant floating on Regent’s Canal in Islington, since 2021.

Prior to that, they were cooking up burgers for film and photography studio Holborn Studios at Studio Kitchen, which is also located near the Canal.

The pair are the sons of hospitality consultant Jon Spiteri, who is a co-founder of St John, and Melanie Arnold, co-owner of Rochelle Canteen in London’s Shoreditch.

Over the years, Caravel has received praise from national press, including former Times restaurant critic Marina O’Loughlin, who wrote: “It’s just… designed to be lovely; if there’s any kind of theme, I think it’s ‘stuff we love and hope you do too’.”

In an announcement on Instagram, the Caravel duo said: “Fin and I have left Caravel and Studio Kitchen this week after five years, due to circumstances out of our control.

“Caravel was a restaurant we built from the ground/water up, and it’s unfortunate we have to step away. Thank you to all of our talented staff and loyal customers that dined with us over the years, it’s been the best! We will be taking a short break whilst we prepare for the launch of our new project opening early 2026.”

It is not known whether Caravel will close following the Spiteris departure. The restaurant has been contacted for comment.