The Towpath Cafe London, has gained a lot of press and has become a little too popular to be called a hidden gem anymore. It’s hailed as a chic canal-side hangout and an exclusive place for anyone looking for gourmet comfort food. A restaurant rarely lives up to the hype but this one does. The café/restaurant is owned by Lori De Mori, an American food writer, and Chef Laura Jackson. Towpath, was opened in 2010 and stretches along Regent’s Canal in East London.
Celebs that Love this London Cafe
Well-known personalities like Keira Knightly, Simone Rocha, and Alexa Chung have been known to frequent this trendy spot. Even foodies are on to this top London café, including Fergus & Margot Henderson, Olia Hercules, and Simon Hopkinson.
The “In” London Café on the Down-Low in a Big Way
Like all truly “in” places, only those in-the-know visit Towpath Cafe London. The owners don’t try to attract crowds with any trivial things like a website or phone number. If you’re a true food aficionado, then one pilgrimage to this café will make you a Towpath devotee. Towpath Cafe has managed to fly under the radar just enough to remain special. When people visit Towpath Café they try to look casual as they strain to spot diners vacating a table. Then they make a desperate dive for the precious seats. Slightly breathless, but triumphant they slide into their chairs and sit back to enjoy the sunshine and culinary delights on the Haggerston Riviera.
Careful thought has gone into every aspect of this London eatery. In line with the best European restaurants, Towpath Cafe uses only quality ingredients from top specialty stores, small dairy farms, family businesses, and independent producers.
Is the Food at Towpath Café London Good?
The perfect location and warm atmosphere would be worth nothing if the food wasn’t any good.
Luckily, London’s Towpath Café serves up hearty dishes of comfort food but using the same high-quality seasonal ingredients as a Michelin restaurant. Savor the peposo beef stew with polenta or boiled potatoes smothered in butter alongside a quarter roast chicken. The food is authentic, wholesome yet naughty. The delicious menu changes depending on what’s fresh that day. The servings are generous, just like mum would serve you, and nicely rounded with plenty of veggies. The desserts are just as mouthwatering as the mains with treats like raspberry and frangipane tart; olive oil cake; an epic lemon meringue tart, and cheesecake with fresh strawberries. Even the humble cheese toasties taste like no other and have a cult-like following.
The Towpath Café Location
Location, location, location!
I suppose before they opened the café the location seemed a bit too off the beaten path, but that’s the point. The outside seating and casual atmosphere are unbeatable. With the cafe on the edge of the canal, and the occasional boat silently drifting by, as the sun reflects off the water, there couldn’t be a more ideal spot. Locals cycle or jog along the narrow waterside path and quaint stone bridges flanked by foliage complete the picture. Seating is simple with wooden, metal, and plastic chairs spilling out into the sunshine as if someone has brought out whatever tables and chairs they have around the house for a waterside party.
Once you’ve visited and tasted the food, you might want to buy the new Towpath Café recipe book published by the café owners. And of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts about this café and other gems that you’ve discovered.
Towpath Café Info
Where: 42 De Beauvoir Crescent, Haggerston, London N1 5SB
When: Usual open hours are March to November for breakfast and lunch (no bookings). Having recently reopened after the COVID-induced shutdown they are quietly welcoming diners for the last few days of spring 2020 with adjusted open times. For now: Thursdays & Fridays 10am-3pm and Saturdays & Sundays 9am-5pm. Post-COVID special: Towpath will be serving a set menu for tables of 4 & 6 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 pm for £40pp.
Price: Dishes range between £5-£10.
Website: Towpath Cafe London You can also get more info about the Towpath Café on their Instagram account.
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Sounds very inviting, will definitely put it on my list when I am next in London.