One of London’s gems, this canal-side spot only opens seasonally, which adds to its appeal. Having emerged from the other side of the pandemic (hurrah) breakfast and lunch service resumed in March, with evening openings coming later in the summer. The restaurant is formed of four kiosks; a kitchen, a bar, a seated area and a larder in a very picturesque position right on Regent’s Canal. It’s been going for 10 years, and the ethos has remained the same with ingredients leading the way – plates are simple, delicious, and made with love. No bookings, just turn up. You can also order the Towpath cookbook and listen to the podcast, Towpath Recipes and Stories.
42 De Beauvoir Cres, London N1 5SB.
This new restaurant is the latest creation from Fin and Lorcan Spiteri. Born to culinary greatness – their parents are Melanie Arnold (co-founder of Rochelle Canteen) and Jon Spiteri (of St John and Sessions Arts Club) – these two brothers are making their mark on a scrubbed-up barge named Poppy. Formerly part of Holborn Studios, it’s now a pretty restaurant with just 10 tables for four, with simple white linen tablecloths and warm lighting. A low white picket gate separates off the kitchen at the far end where you can watch Lorcan in action. Having honed his skills in Quo Vadis and Rochelle Canteen, the plates that emerge from the tiny kitchen are like an elevated version of our favourite retro classics. Think prawn toast covered with black and white sesame seeds, potato rosti with sour cream and caviar and the top dish – a wobbly rhubarb jelly with crème diplomat and honeycomb. The drinks list – manned by Fin – is concise and tempting and includes a blood orange margarita and rose negroni. The menu will change regularly depending on seasonal ingredients. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings only.
172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL.
Café Cecilia is another restaurant with strong family ties – this time to the world of fashion. It was founded by Max Rocha – son of John Rocha and brother of Simone Rocha, as his first solo venture after stints at The River Café, Spring and St John. Inspired by his upbringing in Dublin and his mother, Odette’s cooking, be sure to try the signature Guinness bread (and Guinness bread ice cream) and the fresh pastas that are a staple on the short and ever-changing menu. Open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Friday, and for dinner Friday’s and Saturday’s.
Café Cecilia, Canal Place, 32 Andrews Road, Hackney E8 4FX.
Further West in Paddington Basin we love London Shell Co. The genius part of this restaurant is that you get a tour of London’s waterways as you dine; cruising up through Little Venice past London Zoo to Camden lock. The seafood is exceptional and works to a changing five-course set menu – current dishes include Mussels, Spider Crab, Fregola and Wild Garlic, and Cornish Pollock with Jersey Royals, Wild Garlic and Beurre Blanc. Do book ahead – it would also be a great place for a party if you took over the whole boat.
Union Canal, Sheldon Square, London W2 6EP
And this weekend don’t miss the Canal Cavalcade festival at Little Venice, 30 April – 2 May 2022. A celebration of life on the water, there will be over 150 boats covered with bunting as well as food stalls and pop up bars along the way. The Sunday evening is the highlight with an illuminated boat parade centring around Browning’s Pool (W2 6NE).
A Little Bird Loves
