The Summerhouse by The Waterway in Little Venice is the ultimate warm weather destination. The sister business to the nearby and extremely popular Waterway Gastropub, it has already established a reputation as one of the in spots for the summer months; hence the well-heeled, West London urbanites flocking in droves to this stylish setting.
We started the evening sipping on our respective mojito and margarita, looking out to the narrow boats and Dutch barges on Regent’s Canal. Moving on to the menu, it’s all well-chosen, unpretentious and seafood-centric; we opted for an excellent smoked salmon with capers and calamari to start – and for our mains – a sea bass presented whole for my guest, and for myself – the sole concession to a loyal carnivore – an excellent steak with béarnaise sauce. The wine list is white-heavy, with a superbly crisp, dry and reasonably priced, Pouilly Fume. The only bottle of red wine on offer (this is summer, darling) is a gutsy New Zealand Pinot Noir, also available by the glass, sating the appetite of any red-loving oenophile. Desserts included seasonally appropriate delights such as banana canapés and zesty lemon tart.
The New England-inspired décor of white-washed brick, understated furniture with nautical upholstery, lends Summerhouse that signature Ralph Lauren meets New York Hamptons home-feel – but not in any annoying way. The service staff were friendly and accommodating. Our waiter seemed proud of where he worked and what he was serving; always a joy to see.
Our suggestion: book a table a good way in advance so you can get a seat by the canal itself. It’s a lovely place to partake in a cocktail and light meal after a stroll by the water on a warm summer’s evening.
The Summerhouse by The Waterway
(Opposite) 60 Bloomfield Road
London
W9 2PA
Tel: +44 (0) 207 286 6752
