Zazou

Zazou narrowboat launched in 1999, and was originally intended for use as a custom-built restaurant – but it has also taken the form of a wildlife centre, a cafe and a 'Cruise & Dine' business. It's now in its third period of ownership, and Zazou is returning to its original roots as a cafe set inside a traditional narrowboat, afloat on the canal.

It's pretty much a city oasis, what with Fairtrade tea and coffee, locally sourced cakes, exhibitions of local arts and crafts, and all the tranquility of the canal. The boat is also available for hire for events and parties, along with trips for 12 people which are open for booking outside of the cafe opening hours. You're even allowed to bring your dog on board if it's a friendly wee pooch – if that isn't utopia, we don't know what is. Well, unless you suffer from seasickness, we suppose.