Towpath

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Restaurants and cafés

Regent's Canal 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 Regent's Canal 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
  - Regent's Canal 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)

London at it's best. A real gem.

Lucy Mon Mar 28 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Probably my favourite coffeshop in town! Perfect location, coffee and super-friendly staff! try the olive oil cake!

Elias Tue Mar 8 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Chucking down rain - cycling home so stopped for a hot chocolate. Very nice - friendly staff, (un)touristy Americans and lively pup terrier at communal table. Feels more like someone's private garden than a restaurant.

David Fri Oct 1 2010
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Place worth visiting. Great coffee well served. Not much in the menu but all is fresh and tasty. Be aware only cash and no toilets. Great place and great people. I go very often.

Niko Sánchez Mon Aug 2 2010
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Went there a few weekends ago: A tiny plate of paella served on a cardboard plate for £8!!!! :( Not worth it really.

Leo Thu Jul 29 2010
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Great location but I've been 5 times and consistently grumpy staff let it down - they behave as though they are doing you a favour and rarely smile

rebecca Sat Jun 26 2010
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Love this space. Great staff, gourmet coffee served well, excellent location and friendly buzz. Small food offering but all the basics are covered.

Gavin Tue Jun 8 2010
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Friendly service, but very limited brunch menu (on a Sunday). Beware, it is cash only and if you need to use the bathroom you're sh*t out of luck - no bathrooms here. Beautiful surrounds and very relaxing.

Dave Sun May 30 2010
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Brillant place - well worth checking out. The new place to be in London

Justin Fri May 28 2010
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im still dreaming about the oysters i had there last weekend. What an amazing place, delicious food, friendly staff, a real find.

laura Fri Apr 30 2010
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