Vary nice location. Food was excellent. Wine list very comprehensive . Service impeccable

Found this gem upon a recommendation from a friend who lives in London! The Waterway is a cozy spot filled with dark wood and lots of candle light. It sits upon the canal in "Little Venice". Perfect for a date night! I ordered a glass of Malbec and Mushroom Ravioli. Both were excellent! My husband got the Ribeye steak with a side of fries. The steak was largely portioned and the fries came with a tasty peppercorn dipping sauce. The mushroom ravioli was delicious but not overpowering. Overall gorgeous gastropub with excellent food and service. read more

The Waterway - Cozy interior! - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Top marks for beautiful setting overlooking the canal. I've been on a couple of occasions in a short period of time, ending up perched on the wall outside the main beer garden on one - OK for a quick drink taking in the sunset. Returning on a Monday night - and not even during the official heatwave - we were lucky to get the last table in the overspill garden area. Problem is that outdoor seating equals smoking these days which is a bit annoying but you can't please all. I've hardly ever been served by this many different members of staff on just one visit - unfortunately none too familiar with the menu ... and it still took absolute ages for our food to arrive. Luckily we decided to share a mezze platter to start with - served with far too little dipping bread and without the bruschetta listed on menu, the wait for more bread took forever, but nothing compared to the wait for our main courses ... The burgers looked fantastic and came with skinny fries - we were asked three times if we wanted ketchup or mayo with these with tiny cups of condiments arriving long before the food like some cruel tease ... despite taking specific orders of rare/medium/well done for all burgers, salmon and tuna dishes all arrived well done - oh well, this is just a pub after all. The salmon Nicoise was a bit weird on its bed of purple potatoes and handful of green beans, all covered in the type of chopped tomato mix that would have been more at home on the bruschetta that never was - tasty enough though. When the sun set the rats came out of hiding - we spotted three, and no-one bat an eyelid. True al fresco dining in natural surroundings! read more

The Waterway - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Good food, friendly staff, nice interior design, the location near the canal is great, the clients seem like cool people you'd want to be friends with. With all that, the prices are still kept in check. We patronized this place because it's near where we live, but we would definitely go back even if we had to travel a bit. read more

An adorable spot with a great deal of outdoor seating. The brunch menu goes til 1pm on Saturday and Sunday but after 12pm you can order off the ala carte menu and both the portobello mushroom burger and the tuna tartar are quite tasty! read more

The Waterway - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

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I happened to be picking up my sister-in-law from Paddington station, and had planned to show her around Little Venice before stopping at a cosy pub for a Saturday lunch. After walking up the canal, getting farther away from the heart of Little Venice, I spotted a pub across the water just by a bridge. It was the Waterway. I checked the Yelp reviews, and they looked promising. Off we went... Despite the bitterly cold weather on my visit, we opted to sit on the terrace, as it was a hive of activity. Due in large part to the heaters blasting out glorious warmth. The menu, made up of standard gastro fare, didn't compel me. My husband and sister-in-law both ordered burgers. I ordered a superfood salad. In hindsight, i don't know why I did that because it was just OK and at least if I'd ordered a burger I would be guaranteed to be satisfied in a food-coma sort of way. I also ordered a glass of Montepulciano, and it tasted cheap and too-sweet. The best draw of the place was the novelty of sitting outside in the middle of winter. But it's not as if you could even see the canal from the terrace, as bushes and other plantlife served as a fence between you and the towpath. I would say that this place really comes into its own during gloriously sunny summer days. But what with the blocked views of the canal, you might as well sit in someone's back garden while drinking a cheap bottle from the shop. Unless you don't know anyone with a back garden, in which case I recommend you make new friends. Back gardens are the best. read more

The location is nice, right on the canal and the terrace is great in the summer. Inside is ok and the staff are usually great (with a few exceptions). The food is good but not great. I was a bit disappointed the last time I went but not a bad place to go if you're in the area. read more

Last Saturday (16/05/2009) me and two friends (yes I do have them) decided to return to this place. We had reserved and this turned out to be a good thing as it was busy, but it didn't feel cramped which was good. The atmosphere is nice, the staff are very good and very attentive. Now onto the food: Starter Choice - Pretty poor to be honest, nothing really jumped out at me as sounding that nice. Nothing really meaty either. Me (Warm smoked Salmon with dill potato tuile) - Not that nice, salmon was ok and everything else was average to bland. Friends (Panfried Scallops) - Nice but not worth the money paid Mains Choice - Good, if limited, choice that should cater to all tastes. Me & Friend (Rib Eye Steak Medium Rare) - Loved it, was spot on and the Anna potato was a lovely suprise, the spinach puree was ok too. Other Friend (Rump of Lamb) - Said it was average, slightly undercooked and the sauce added little to it. Dessert choice - Ok but no cheesecake, big downer in my books. Me & Friend (Chocolate trufell cake) - Heaven, loved it to bits and so did my friend. Could have had another it was that good. Other Friend (Affogato) - Liked it but though the shot you got with it was a bit strong. Total cost was £35 each which isn't bad tbh. I wouldn't rush back there as the choice isn't grand but I could easily pop down their for the steak again if needs be. read more

As locations to eat in London go this is one of the nicest. Overlooking the canal and greenery in a lovely bistro styled restaurant. Menu has interesting takes on classic ingredients and is certainly inventive. The food was very good but not fantastic in my opinion. I've eaten in comparable restaurants in Central and the dishes just lacked flavour. Certainly though it was much better than standard restaurant food. Service was good. Always served the females in the group first and remembered exactly who ordered what without asking. Slight mix up with one person though, which was rectified quickly and without hassle. I would definitely say it is a good summer date place if you can nab a two person table outside. read more

I went in the winter but got a glimpse of what the hype is all about--what a fantastic deck looking over the canals. The interior is boring though. The food is good--nothing outstanding, but very good and definitely a good place for a nice meal. It is much more restaurant than pub inside. I give it a 4 based on my visualization of what it is like in the summer. read more

I've been coming to The Waterway on and off for a few years now and it's still one of my favourite spots in Little Venice. The seating options are great - inside is lovely with dark furniture and a nice fireplace. Then there's the terrace where you can sit out opposite the canal. If you fancy an actual beer garden, they have that outside too, just down a few steps. Living in Leeds I would say the drinks aren't cheap - around £15 for a glass of wine and a rum & coke although it might have been a double rum, I can't remember!! However this is pretty standard for the area. The staff were attentive and friendly. When I moved on to cocktails (you've got to try the Mai Tai) the bar tender said he would bring it outside for me so I didn't have to wait. It was a superbly made Mai Tai - one of the best i've had and i've had plenty! This is one of the best places around to while away a sunny, or not so sunny, afternoon. read more

This is good date night place or a place to hang out at the bar with a few friends. The ambience is cozy and inviting, my only complaint is the service was slow and the food was a little bland, a bit more salt would help. Overall I will go again because it really is a nice restaurant, I plan on trying a different dish next time. read more

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Great cocktails and heated seating area outside. Drinks service a bit slow, perhaps because of their attention to detail with the orange rind! read more

When I moved to Maida Vale this summer, I went to The Waterway on my second day. It is a very nice and good restaurant, normally worth 4 stars, but it is simply a bit too expensive for what you get. I had a delicious wine and a good burger but compared to other pubs/gastropubs nearby in St John's Wood, the price is just a bit too high. For the price I paid, I expected a bit more. I did not yet manage to go there on a Thursday when they have live music. This is something, not many restaurants in the area can offer, so it might be worth going there on a Thursday. read more

This is one of the few perfect spots for a summer's day pitcher of pimms or sangria. Located right on the Maida Vale canal, it has sun all day and locals flock there to spend the day and catch up with friends. The best feature outdoor space as the indoor space fully opens up on one side, so even if you get a 'bad table' inside, you're still connected to the outdoors - big plus for London. Though I wouldn't call this place a gastropub - the food is fairly modern and international and this place definitely doesn't feel like a pub - it is easy going, with high quality while maintaining a casual feel. Dress up, dress down, but if it's a nice day bring your shades and find a spot to perch up for a while outside! read more

I like this place. Right on the canal, a stone's throw from Little Venice, there aren't many better palces to be on a sunny day. It's a but wipe-dry inside, with the expected clean wooden furniture and smart tables, but the staff are half decent and look after their bar well. Food was great; bistro-esque with all the pub classics too. Live music on Thursdays, despite seeming unnecessary, was actually quite fun (after a few pints). Not many tourists here either, which is always a bonus. read more

Well. There's nothing greater than sitting by the canal on a warm spring day with a cocktail, right? But what if you have to sit on the sidewalk? And your okay cocktail is £10? And you can't get some food to save your life? I wanted to love this place, but I just left a bit angry. We wanted to eat. We waited nearly 2 hours for a table the was supposed to be ready in half the time. It's a gorgeous place to go to on a sunny day...but know that everyone else in a 3 mile radius has the same idea. read more

Relaxing, lovely place for drinks and nibbles or dinner overlooking the canal in Little Venice. They have covering overhead for rain and inside seating. Went there in the evening for dinner. It was a bit chilly, but really nice -- after a few drinks it didn't feel so cold :) Loads of tasty cocktails, with a really great Manhattan! Dinner menu is simple bistro fair and well done. Had the spanish cheese and olive plate which was a perfect start to relax with some drinks and unwind. Moving on to dinner, I had the falafel burger which was delicious!! Crunchy falafel bites between a brioche type bun with pickled cabbage slaw on the side to add a tangy bite. Ended with a simple affogato (ice cream and expresso). Another great place in Maida Vale! And the perfect spot for this week...weather this week is supposed to get up to 25 degrees C, and will be back to this place for a happy hour!! Note: The same company also owns another place nearby called The Summerhouse (also on the canals), so if you make reservations be sure to be clear about which place you'd like as they are different menus and vibes. read more

Nice enough place, looks more like a restaurant than a pub, but that maybe what the locals want. I went in with trepidation (not really, I just wanted to use that word). Anyway I was not sure if I could go up to the bar, as they had a lady on the door, who looked like she would only let you in if you had a reservation. I made it to the bar and had a Doombar, it tasted like a lager, very gassy, ice cold and left a poor taste in the mouth, even though it was poured using the usual hand pump, there were gas bubbles rising right to the end. They charged me £4.25 for the privilege. Guess what, I only had the one. Do not be put off by my review, I only went in for a pint of real ale, didn't have any food. Try it for yourself. read more

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Really liked this place. I don't generally laud a place strictly on the basis of ambience, but The Waterway is really quite impressive. Situated spitting distance from the canal, I'm sure this place would be just lovely during the warmer months, when one could sit on the patio. During my visit, on a normally cold January night, my group stayed indoors, which was perfectly alright because there are a variety of tables, chairs, and sofas, along with a live fire, to make the inside quite comfortable. We just had one round of drinks during our visit. Three of us had the [one] real ale available, one had a mixed drink. The ale (Sharps Doom Bar, a bitter) was in decent condition; but even good conditioning can't make an unexciting beer like this very enjoyable. The mixed drink was apparently good. The prices here are on the high end, as the mixed drink was about £8.50 and the beer was £3.90 per pint. Overall I think this is a really nice spot. I would like to come back here to try some food, or to enjoy a drink on the terrace. As a beer and wine drinker, there is much more in the way of wine than beer to keep me interested. Just a really nice vibe in a very chic setting. read more

just pray for some sun... the rest will be sure to be provided by waterway... On the canal in a quiet residential area, yet felt remote and relaxing; the patio tables have great view of the canal, and inside it's a loungy cool atmosphere, yet comfortable. The menu is diverse... with not much authenticity. However it is tasty, and comparable to what it charges. My lunch consisted of grilled salmon on top of guacomole and bruscheta with a side rocket salad with a spicy chily dressing. it was delish! they have a mean chix ceasar salad, and a pita with sausages and the chix burger looked good as well. Look forward to trying their weekend brunch menu... eggs benedict do not dissapoint me!!! read more

Extremely unprofessional when I called to book reservation for "Sunday roast " I was told 4pm and when I showed up I was standing waiting to be seated then when I finally was sat I was told they completely sold out of roast & didn't bother to tell me when I booked & didn't tell me when I was waiting to be sat, just terrible service !!! read more

Tonight was supposed to be date night. Boy had told me about this place and suggested we go. We booked a table outside so we could have a canal view. Apparently, everyone who lives on Warwick Ave decided to show up and camp out in front of our lovely view for two. Mood kill. I would like to suggest that they have the barflies stay on one side to not interrupt the diners. As for the food, it was adequate. Boy and I ate the same thing, so there was no comparison. I found the menu extremely limited in choices, but then, I guess people go for the drinks and view - not the food. The service, however, was quite good. Good service is always a plus with me. Overall, I'd return for a drink if I were in the area, but I wont traipse across London again for it. read more

There is nothing like a strip of water through the city to set the mind flowing, thoughts abundant with a lifetime of wilful musings. Once pockets are suitably emptied of two pence pieces, you'd be best advised to take a step inside this fire-lit, slick set up where I had a rather lovely afternoon with a new, rather interesting friend who you can see dipping into a fruity mid-winter snack. The best drinking hole in the area, a justifiably well-deserved reputation in W9. read more

The Waterway - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Pretty nice place. The canal side seating area is a nice touch. Food and service are good. The prices are similar to more central London restaurants and bars. read more

The Waterway - View of The Waterway from the bridge over the canal. - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

We booked this restaurant over the phone for 6pm. I asked for a table for 2 for Sunday roast and was confirmed. We took a cab to Maida Vale from Wembley and when we arrived stood at the front desk waiting to be shown to our table. They took their time to even acknowledge us and were finally led to a table by a waitress that seemed preoccupied with her own head. We were sat down and given our menus and she marched off not evenue asking if we wanted anything to drink. We searched the menus but the only reference to Sunday roast was a foot note stating that it was served all day on Sundays just as it was mentioned on their website. 5 members of staff were now huddled around the front desk ignoring everyone so I walked up to them to enquire about the roasts menu only to be told, without any ceremony, that they had ran out. I asked why they hadn't informed us that there was a possibility of this happening when we called 2 hours earlier. The waiter told me thathat it was my responsibility to ask and then I would have been told so. I told theme that I was disgusted by this attitude and would go elsewhere to which he told me that there was no reason to be rude. Apart from my honesty and his lack of empathy to the situation I think I was being extremely polite at that point. So we left and went elsewhere. It isn't mentioned anywhere that Sunday roasts are subject to availability. And at no time until we asked did they offer this information. I remember thus restaurant from when it first opened and it had slipped my mind how arrogant and flippant the staff were then. It appears that the ethos is still in operation so must be the owners influence. I promise myself that I will never return to this jumped up shack residing on the edge of a smelly canal. read more

I am not a fan of the term 'my local'... probably for some entirely uncalled for snobbish reasons...but I am *under my breath* christening The Waterway my local. Situated right on the canal, a short walk from my abode, it's the perfect year round destination. Come winter, snuggle up by the fire on the leather couches, or chill at the bar with the friendly staff, come summer, head outside to their little waterfront lawn and chill out by the water. Thumbs up to the food, the ambiance, the decor, location, prices, the fact that I now have a London (did I say it?) Local!!! read more

Great location by the canal, but had it not been sunny I would have given this place a one star. We'd made a reservation for two and managed to get sat at the edge of the terrace, water side, which was nice,... Until the smokers came and sat along the short wall -- it's seat height, so not only do you get the joy of cigarette smoke while you eat, you also get people's arses at face level. Best they don't let out any gas. The place was pretty busy with the after work crowd, found the atmosphere a little pretentious with no substance. Food was definitely on the average if not lazy side. The calamari looked promising when it arrived, nice big slices, however, all you could taste was some kind of sweet chilli sauce and what seemed like balsamic drizzle. Way to ruin a good piece of seafood. And what can we say about the mackerel salad... Try a bit harder -- probably could've done better with a pack from Sainsbury's. Staff was an interesting one, there were plenty of them but they didn't seem very clued on. The waitress that delivered food was friendly and was always in sight but unfortunately couldn't help with taking orders or bill payments, we waited forever to get served and trying to pay the bill was a nightmare. This is the second time I have ever declined to pay the service charge, the only other time I refused was when a waitress spilled soup on me so I expected more from this wannabe pretentious restaurant. Was generally looking forward to dining here, but was hugely disappointed. Won't be back again. read more

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The location can't be beat (I'm partial), lovely views, good ambience! Come in summer and sit on the terrace - it will be the best afternoon spent on a Saturday/Sunday with friends or a lover, with nice food and drinks. I've never been seated inside (it appears I only go on a nice summer's day), but it is well appointed and I'm certain sitting by the fire is cosy in winter. However, do go in summer, sit outside and enjoy the view, along with the food and drink! read more

The star of this restaurant is the location. It's well situated by a canal and in the summer time the outdorr seating would really be nice. Alas, it was winter so I wasn't able to take advantage. However, the interior was nice and the food was very solid. I just had a burger and it was well prepared. The drinks were also really good and the service was capable. read more

When the weather is dry in London, this is definitely the place to spend the afternoon. There is a really good wine selection and nice outdoor section. We were initially sat inside and moved outside since there was space. The menu is slightly different. I had the grilled chicken burger which was nice and somewhat healthyish. I'll definitely be back! read more

Lots of semi-pretentious wannabes and so so food. Best thing about it is the location- right on the canal side. You can do better by having a drink or two and trundling off for dinner somewhere else. read more

this is a really nice place for a drink. i came at dusk, so i was able to enjoy the light a bit, but i'm sure it's even nicer on a sunny day. there are plenty of cocktails to choose from, as well as share platters and entrees for food. i will be back again when the sun is out! read more

I think I'm being a bit harsh with a 3 as I have been here quite a few times on a summers day. It's a great spot on the canal and it's a nice pub. Just attracts a lot of loud, show offy yah's. It's also a bit pricey for drinks and food but it's always packed so mAybe I'm not the right demographic for this place. I go more to the Warwick Castle round the corner. read more

Our last night here and a very good meal. Kind 2 and I each had the special burger which was yummy. Kid 1 and lovely split a number of starters including the gnocchi, trio of Mediterranean goodness (which actually came with olives, hummus, and two other things) and a salad. All good. Beer was cold and desert was tasty. Service was very friendly but slow. Really nice atmosphere on a chilly night with fires inside and out. read more

So far, all the times that I've been there have been very enjoyable. Nice atmosphere and good food and wine.

We found this restaurant after a long day of sightseeing and a bad experience at a pub nearby. We were welcomed with open arms, found a seat for 6 right away, and assured that even though we were slightly underdressed and had 2 children with us we were just fine. Our daughter and son-in-law shared the meze starter and chateaubriand and declared both to be wonderful. My wife and I each had a steak which was good, but the potato dish served with it was excellent. Our daughter even kept snatching some from her side of the table. The children were treated well and enjoyed their penne pasta. Then we introduced them to Eton Mess. We would have enjoyed sitting on the terrace, but it was slightly drizzly when we got there. By the time we were finished, the sun had come out and the terrace was full of people. We had a wonderful experience there, and will put in a recommendation on the review for the flat that we had rented for the week nearby so that other visitors may wish to try it. Thanks again Waterway for going out of your way to be hospitable. read more

I visited today for a couple of drinks, and boy oh boy, have they mastered their mulled wine recipe. Delicious, and it even came with a free mini-mince pie. The atmosphere was lovely on a crisp winter's night, with fairy lights and heaters in the outside area. I'm planning to pop back already - it seems like a great place to bring non-London friends or parents, so I plan to do just that! read more

Great pub for drinks outside on a beautiful day but don't eat here. Food is awful. I ordered the lamb chops. They were way over cooked and bland. Such a shame because all the food looked good and had so much potential. read more

The Waterway is always flooding with people, and it's easy to see why. The place is perched on the gorgeous canal and outside it has a wonderfully airy ambience. However, if you only manage to get a seat inside, in my opinion, half the experience is ruined. The decor inside is a little drab and you certainly don't get the lovely airy atmosphere you get outside. The staff are generally friendly and efficient, the food is decent, if overpriced. The Waterway is a good candidate if it's summer and you're outside, but if you're inside and it's winter, the pricey bill doesn't justify the unremarkable food. read more