The Waterway

Gastropub·
££££
·

SquareMeal Review of The Waterway

Perching right on the banks of the canal, The Waterway lays claim to one of London’s best alfresco spots. Three decked terraces overlook the water; come early to nab a table as they go like hot cakes when the sun peeks from behind the clouds. Inside is a smart dining room serving a huge selection of breezy international dishes, from grilled halloumi, fig and watercress salad with truffled honey vinaigrette, to roast pheasant with braised bacon, barley and whiskey cream sauce. Given the unmatched setting and guaranteed crowds, prices are high: bank on paying in excess of £4 for pints of Staropramen, bottles of Corona or 175ml glasses of house white. However, with The Waterway's 'quality' menu, 'buzzy' atmosphere and 'quick, efficient' service, nobody in affluent Maida Vale and Notting Hill seems to mind.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Gastropub
Ambience
Cool, Fun, Lively
Food Occasions
Breakfast
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating, Terrace, Waterside
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Child friendly, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

FAQs

Are there gluten-free options on the menu at The Waterway?

Yes there are gluten-free options on the menu at The Waterway.

Helpful? 0

Location

54 Formosa Street, London, W9 2JU

020 7266 3557 020 7266 3557

Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 10:00-12:00
Tue 10:00-12:00
Wed 10:00-12:00
Thu 10:00-12:00
Fri 10:00-12:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Brunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri Closed
Sat 10:00-12:30
Sun 10:00-12:30
All day
Mon 12:00-22:30
Tue 12:00-22:30
Wed 12:00-22:30
Thu 12:00-22:30
Fri 12:00-22:30
Sat 12:00-22:30
Sun 12:00-22:00

Reviews

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8 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Alex G

21 July 2021  
Food & Drink 3
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 3.5
Room for improvement

Similar to almost every other nice part of London, and especially those with water, the Grand Union Canal area in W9 has gone through a massive gentrification in recent years. Back when this reviewer first moved to the district in the late 1990s, what is now The Waterway was a venue called The Paddington Stop. It was a pub for the local housing estate and the only food it sold was cheese or ham sandwiches. The Waterway constitutes a massive improvement (albeit from a low base), but look the opposite way to the placid canal and your view is still of a concrete-clad estate from the 1960s. Furthermore, your reviewer and his dining comrade came away from the Waterway somewhat unsure of its angle: is it a restaurant masquerading as a pub or perhaps the other way round? The outside dining area is at least a marvel to behold – assuming your view is of the canal – and has been decorated thoughtfully with white fixtures and floral arrangements under a large marquee. Have no doubt, it’s a perfect summer venue and at weekends, queues are regularly to be seen and booking is to be advised. Inside, the vibe is about a snug and comforting venue. The Paddington Stop’s pool tables have long disappeared and been replaced by comfy sofas and a roaring fire in winter. Maybe with so many assets and a seemingly captive local audience, the Waterway doesn’t need to think too hard about its food menu. We felt that many of the options were over-engineered while others sat uncomfortably beside each other. Not all mayonnaise needs to contain truffle oil nor every yoghurt dipping sauce to be infused with fennel – especially if the additions are more for effect than taste (as we found). Similarly, the ubiquitous burger sat uncomfortably on the menu next to a piece of grilled swordfish. Our conclusion was that the Waterway might have been better off sticking to things which the chef/team knew they could cook consistently well rather than perhaps trying too hard and spreading themselves too thinly. My swordfish main (pictured) is a case in point. It looked phenomenal and sounded great, but actually tasted very average. I am still not sure what exactly the promised harissa pesto brought to the dish, and the quantity of it present could only be described as sparse. The drinks were also far from an unqualified success. Our glass of house fizz was very satisfying but the range of wines available in 250ml format was uninspiring and our Verdejo deeply pedestrian. There’s work to be done here in this reviewer’s opinion. Canal views will only take you so far.

Anonymous

14 June 2021   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Highly recommended

One of the best waterside pubs in London with a large terrace which is covered, comfortable with the canal views.

It was extremely busy on a hot sunny Sunday but we were impressed by efficient and friendly service. Our food and drinks arrived quickly. Menu catered for vegetarians and vegans. 

Anon

30 October 2020  
Food & Drink 1
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 2
Value 0.5
Disgusting service
I'm sorry to say that I had the most disgusting service I've ever received at The Waterway. I had ordered a vodka soda, a very simple drink that I've been drinking with regularity for over 15 years. I was not served this drink (it was far too sweet and different to my husband's, who ordered the same), so I politely asked for it to be changed. The same glass was brought back to me not once, but twice, after being sampled by the bartender and the general manager, Paolo. In the age of COVID-19, this is highly dangerous conduct. After I asked, for the third time, to receive the drink that I ordered, I was shouted at by Paolo (the General Manager), who insisted that I drink the first drink as another would taste exactly the same. Paolo finally brought me another drink, but sarcastically brought it in 3 glasses so I could "make it myself". He then insisted we pay for the incorrect drink because it was "left on our table". I've lived in London all my life and frequently eat out in restaurants all over the city - especially now, as I'm keen to support the hospitality industry in this difficult period. I can confidently say that I have never experienced such revolting service. My guests and I were absolutely shocked at Paolo's conduct. We weren't offered so much as an apology. I'll never be returning to eat at The Waterway; a shame as, although the food is average, it was a convenient local spot that I'd often visit.

Paul W

21 March 2018  
Fabolous delicious locally sourced food. Very creative menu never fails to delight. It is also to be found in the most beautiful place in the highlands of Scotland.

Neil N

05 April 2014  
Food & Drink 2
Service 1
Atmosphere 2
Value 2
Three of us ordered food and drinks at the Waterway tonight, the local pub near where I live. We sat down at a table, a waiter took our order and returned after 10 minutes with it. While we were enjoying the drinks and food, a waitress came to our table and ordered us to move, telling us that the table was reserved. If the table was reserved, why did the other waiter serve us, we asked, and she repeated rudely, we should move because the table was reserved. There were no free tables, so where should we move to, we asked. To this, the waitress suggested that we stand with our drinks and food. When we protested, and we were polite, the manager ordered us out. When we asked, what should we do with our unfinished drinks and food, he replied, he did not give a damn what we did, if we did not vacate the table straight away, he would get security to throw us out, and he got a burly security guy to show that he meant it. And when we asked if he was going to refund the money for our unfinished drinks and food, he said of course not, and shouted that if we did not want to stand, hold our food plates and drink glasses in our hands and finish our drinks and food, we should get out. At this point the security guard started pushing us out. A friend of ours, an American, of Indian origin, who works with NASA, whom we had invited, asked the manager if his rude attitude was related to racial prejudice, because all the time the manager was threatening us, he was particularly starring down my American Indian friend. Feeling extremely humiliated by the managers rude attitude, we walked out. Though this is the closest pub to where I live, I for one will never return. If my American, Indian friend is not welcome, and is treated rudely and we are all treated rudely, this is not the pub for me to come to and invite friends, and this is not the service and attitude we expect in the Britain of today.

Stefan M

10 March 2014  
Food & Drink 4
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3
Never disappointed – always deliver good food and service with a smile!

Ob A

15 June 2012  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4.5
We have been to The Waterway a number of times now and it really is fantastic. The quality of the menu and drinks is always very high and the atmosphere is always great (nice, buzzy, cool crowd). Service is always quick, efficient and very friendly. Live Music on thursday nights is also really fun. Undoubtable one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in West London (if not the whole of London). Perfect for a great meal or just for a fun drink or cocktail. Highly recommended

anon A

24 May 2010  
Food & Drink 2.5
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 3
Value 2
We went to this pub on the hottest day of the year so far and what a disappointing experience! The general atmosphere was pleasant, the food was good but very average – nothing amazing considering the steep prices – but the staff were forgetful, really unfriendly and incredibly unhelpful. Not to mention having to ask for our drinks over and over again as our waitress would just forget to bring things! We started off by ordering the brunch, served till 1pm. At 12.50 we called the waitress over to place the order and were told that no more orders for brunch were being taken. Firstly it was not yet 1pm and secondly if they were so busy they couldn't cope then it would have been nice to have been informed about brunch orders closing so we could have made the order in time. We were a large group and spent a lot of money with the restaurant. After being there a good couple of hours we asked if we could move to a free table in the shade as we had one of the only tables in the blazing sun and were all getting sun-burnt. The rather unaccommodating waitress told us she couldn't move us as the table was reserved. (all she needed to do was move us, clean our table and have another free table?!) You would think after the business we had given them they may have been slightly more friendly and accommodating but I guess this was just too much to expect from a place trying to establish a new, better image. Shall not be going back or recommending The Waterway to anybody.
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020 7266 3557 020 7266 3557

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