Birmingham’s canals are often compared to Venice’s, but the two really aren’t that similar. You won’t find any gondolas in the Second City, or the hundreds of small islands that cover Italy’s Floating City. While over the summer months, you can grab Neapolitan pizza floating down the Brummie waterways—something not allowed in Venice.
Traditional wood-fired ovens are banned in Venice (it’s all the wooden structures), but from April to November, Lola The Cafe Boat sails around selling Neapolitan pizza (and tacos coming soon) from a 28-foot narrowboat in Birmingham. Having only launched last year, it’s now returned (March 31, 2026), serving pizzas all over the area.
Tuck into a fairly simple but traditional menu, which includes Funghi, Pepperoni, Margherita, All the Veg, Pesto & Picante Peppers and Garlic Pizza. Plus, pop some Doughballs on the side (Garlic, Loaded or Sweet)—with vegan and gluten-free options also available, at no extra charge.
Where can I find Lola The Cafe Boat?
You will find Lola The Cafe Boat all over Birmingham—often in the City Centre, including outside the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, as well as in Bournville, Kings Norton and Selly Oak. Where it’s moored changes weekly, but it will be at Brownhills Canal Festival (August 15 & 16) and the Black Country Boating Festival (September 11 to 13).
In fact, one thing that we love about Birmingham’s floating cafe more than anything else is that it isn’t tied to one spot. Got a big party coming up? Send Lola a message, the team may even be able to moor up somewhere near you—just drop them a message, they’ll recommend some favourite canalside spots around Birmingham.
You can keep up to date with where Lola The Cafe Boat is by following its socials or heading here.