Towpath

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Time Out says

Thu Oct 18 2012

A few years ago, no one would have given a café by Hackney’s Whitmore Bridge, accessible only from the Regent’s Canal towpath, much chance of survival. Now, the Towpath has a swanky neighbour (Waterline). But the simplicity of Towpath remains hugely appealing: four shallow units opening on to the canal, one for the kitchen, one for hot drinks, cakes and orders, and two to sit in when you don’t fancy one of the uncovered tables.

The food (off a chalkboard) is very good despite the restrictions of the kitchen: we enjoyed a peppery crusted pork tenderloin served with grilled green peppers, their slight chilli heat mitigated by mint and parsley, all with a punchy jus. The cakes are lovely – especially the delightfully sharp raspberry tart, crunchy outside, moist within. Hot chocolate, served in a small glass, was rich-flavoured but frothily light. We had to wait half an hour for Saturday lunch, but coots on the canal and passing cyclists and dog-walkers are excellent entertainment.

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Venue location

Address:
Towpath London
N1 5SB

Cross Street:
between Whitmore Bridge and Kingsland Road Bridge
Phone:
no phone
Opening hours:
Open Mar-Nov 8am-dusk Tue-Fri; 9am-dusk Sat, Sun
Transport:
Tube: Haggerston rail or 67, 149 bus
Price:
Main courses £3-£8
Map
1. Towpath
  - London
    N1 5SB
  - no phone
  - 51.537193,-0.081118

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Eating and drinking facilities. On-site dining. Café. Restaurant and bar facilities. Breakfast. Brunch. Bookings not accepted. General facilities. Available for hire. Outdoor facilities. Tables outdoors
Occasions:
Meal times. Best for breakfast. Great views. Hip factor. Local flavour. Eating out. Mood. Waterside
Type of event:
Parties

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Comments & ratings

(20 ratings)

Love this cafe - genuine staff & yummy food

Krissy Sat Dec 1 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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LOVE this place. Last time I went, I was amazed by a chargrilled chicken with figs and roasted onion, the best meal I have had in a long time!! For about a tenner, completely worth it. The staff has always been really pleasant to me, and the whole place has such a chilled, friendly vibe to it... It makes me happy every time I go!

hllb Mon Oct 29 2012
Rated as: 4/5
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Had drinks here last night with a group of friends and loved it! Great setting, delicious wine and quality beer but this place excels due to the brilliant service - Lori and her staff are clearly passionate about what they do with infectious smiles and warmth. Thank you Towpath!

Mob Fri Sep 21 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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The Staff let this little gem down badly...

Mia Fri Aug 10 2012
Rated as: 2/5
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Rude, expensive, unpleasant. Wish I could have loved this place and the people who run but its just too awful. A jar of warm white wine was seriously over priced and the staff were just nasty people. Keep your horrid out of Hackney!

DuchessofDalston Thu May 31 2012
Rated as: 1/5
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First time been moved to post a review, had to because I've just had probably my best meal of the year, and it was lunch! Actually, honestly, sensational. Pitch perfect cumin lamb, incredibly tasty spiced cauliflower and stunning crispy chickpeas. Incredible combination. I couldn't believe how good it was. The only meal I've had to rival it this year was a Bruno Bistro Loubet. The lady chef who works at the Towpath is seriously talented, her food totally, completely wowed me. No joke. Its the kind of food you long to find in London and just never do. My mate tried my dish an was rendered similarly speechless. We both agreed we'd happily pay twice what they charged and still think we got great value, spectacular food. There was a lot of expletive ridden superlatives flying about at our table!

Bradleyness Wed Oct 19 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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I live a few hundred yards away and this is the local for me and my japanese Spitz. Truly wonderful food（The steak Sandwich with caramelized onions followed by treacle tart was particularly good, as are their salads). A great place to chill and despite it being so busy we almost always seem to get a seat. A little bit of Paradise along the canal and my favorite place to chill alongside the Rosemary Branch. Both Suki (The dog) and I give it 5 stars

IanP Sat Aug 6 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Lori and her staff are brill!!!! not only do they make the meanest grilled cheese sandwich but they also love and care for the canal and its surroundings investing their own money in providing bike parking spaces and beds for plants. A template many businesses should emulate. Starbucks it aint!!!

Deborah Jefferies Fri Jul 8 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Staff were SO friendly. Idyllic surroundings. Great food and just a really chilled, happy atmosphere. Nicest place I have been to in London in a LONG time (it helped that the sun was shining...).

Cori Mon Jun 27 2011
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truly Nirvana now with expanded kitchen and picnic blankets to stretch out on in the sun

David Tue Apr 12 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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