Dining area with cane chairs at The Waterway, London

Waterside outdoor terrace at The Waterway, London

Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon at The Waterway, London

Flatbread wrap dish at The Waterway, London

Outdoor garden terrace at The Waterway, London

Dog Friendly

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The Waterway

54 Formosa St, London W9 2JU, United Kingdom

•Maida Vale

££

Modern European, Gastropub

££•Modern European, Gastropub

8.5

DFF Score

Excellent

4.2

(2,613)

8.5DFF Score

Based on dog-friendliness, food & beverage quality, service, atmosphere, and verified amenities

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Dog Friendly Finder

Verified

Checked amenities

Expert-reviewed

Trusted by dog owners

Key Highlights

Water Bowls Provided

Fresh water available

Near Paddington Recreation Ground

8 min walk

Terrace Dining

Outdoor dining available

Dogs welcome inside and outside.

AboutAbout The Waterway

The Waterway is a Modern European gastropub in Little Venice offering one of London's most spectacular outdoor terraces overlooking the Grand Union Canal. Since 2002, this waterside gem has established itself as a Maida Vale favourite, combining quality bistro-style cooking with breathtaking canal views that transport you far from the bustle of central London.

Guests particularly love the spacious heated terrace for summer dining and the cosy ski chalet atmosphere indoors during winter, complete with a crackling fireplace. The menu showcases Modern European dishes with seasonal British ingredients, complemented by an excellent wine list and creative cocktails. The venue works equally well for relaxed weekend brunches, business lunches, or celebratory dinners, with live music adding to the atmosphere on select evenings.

Dog owners will be delighted to know that four-legged friends are welcome both inside and on the terrace, making it an ideal spot for dining with your dog whilst enjoying the unique canalside setting.

Dog Friendly Finder Score

8.5/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system prioritises dog-friendliness, food quality, and service excellence. We combine verified amenities and expert evaluations.

Dog Friendliness

9.4

Food & Beverage Quality

8.4

Service

7.0

Atmosphere

8.5

Value

7.1

What People Say

Based on verified customer reviews

4.2

(2,613 reviews)

This well-established waterside favourite consistently earns praise for its spectacular canalside terrace location and relaxed atmosphere. Customers regularly highlight the quality Modern European menu, friendly service, and the genuine warmth extended to both two-legged and four-legged guests. Dog owners particularly appreciate the generous outdoor seating overlooking the Grand Union Canal, making it an ideal spot for dining with dogs.

Fireplace

Great beer selection

Great cocktails

Great coffee

Great dessert

Great tea selection

Best Times to Visit The Waterway

The Waterway gets busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings and during Sunday lunch, creating a lively canalside atmosphere. For a more peaceful visit, weekday afternoons and Monday evenings are noticeably quieter. Dog owners should aim for weekend mornings or weekday lunch when there's a good balance of activity without the crowds, perfect for settling your dog on the terrace.

🔥Buzzing

Friday and Saturday evenings • Sunday lunch • Saturday brunch

😌Relaxed

Weekday afternoons • Monday evenings

Getting There

Address

54 Formosa St, London W9 2JU, United Kingdom

By Car

For sat nav, use postcode W9 2JU. Parking in Maida Vale is mainly pay & display on surrounding streets, with restrictions typically Monday to Saturday 8:30am-6:30pm. There's also some permit holder parking in the area, so check signage carefully.

By Train

The nearest station is Warwick Avenue on the Bakerloo line, about a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, Royal Oak on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines is approximately an 8-minute walk from the restaurant.

Get Directions

Opening Hours

Monday

12:00 - 23:00

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

17:00 - 23:00

Saturday

10:00 - 22:30

Sunday

12:00 - 22:30

Best Times with Dogs

Weekend morningsWeekday lunchMonday afternoons

Nearest Dog Parks

Little Venice Canal Towpath

2 min walk

A 2-minute walk away along the Grand Union Canal, offering scenic waterside walks perfect for a gentle stroll before or after your meal. Dogs must remain on-lead along the towpath.

Paddington Recreation Ground

8 min walk

Just an 8-minute walk away, offering 27 acres with open grass areas, tennis courts, and a children's playground. Dogs are welcome off-lead in most areas, with plenty of space for running and socialising.

Regent's Park

15 min walk

Within a 15-minute walk, offering 395 acres of parkland with designated off-lead areas, beautiful gardens, and the Regent's Canal running through. An excellent spot for a longer walk with your dog.

3 dog friendly parks within 15 minutes

Features & Amenities

Dog Amenities

Water BowlsDog Water Bowls

Outdoor Dining

Waterside SeatingWaterside Seating

Heated Outdoor AreaHeated Outdoor Area

TerraceTerrace

Amenities

Bar AreaBar Area

Atmosphere

Family-FriendlyFamily-Friendly

Romantic SettingRomantic Setting

Live MusicLive Music

Dietary Options

Gluten-FreeGluten-Free Options

VeganVegan Options

VegetarianVegetarian Options

Dining Options

All Day DiningAll Day Dining

Sunday RoastSunday Roast

BrunchBrunch Served

Payment

Card PaymentsCard Payments Accepted

ContactlessContactless Payments

Services

Online BookingOnline Booking

Reservations Rec.Reservations Recommended

View Menu

Check out the full menu with all dishes and prices

View Full Menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your visit

Yes, The Waterway welcomes dogs both inside the restaurant and on the spectacular canalside terrace. Water bowls are provided for four-legged guests, and the team is genuinely welcoming to dogs throughout the day. Many dog owners particularly favour the spacious terrace overlooking the Grand Union Canal, though dogs are equally welcome in the cosy indoor dining area. It's advisable to mention you're bringing your dog when booking to ensure the best seating arrangement.

The Waterway serves Modern European cuisine with a bistro-style approach, focusing on seasonal British ingredients prepared with care. The menu includes contemporary dishes alongside gastropub classics, complemented by an extensive wine list and creative cocktails. The kitchen operates throughout the day, offering everything from weekend brunch to evening dining, with a Sunday roast that draws regular crowds.

The Waterway is in the ££ price range, offering good value for the quality and location. Expect to pay around £15-30 per person for a main course, with starters and desserts adding to the bill. The pricing reflects the waterside location and quality ingredients whilst remaining accessible for regular dining rather than just special occasions.

Reservations are recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday lunch, and weekend brunch when the restaurant gets busy. You can book online through SevenRooms or call +44 20 7266 3557 directly. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, especially on quieter weekday afternoons and Monday evenings, but booking ahead guarantees your table and allows you to request terrace seating.

The Waterway is open Monday from 12:00pm to 11:00pm, Friday from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 10:30pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm to 10:30pm. The restaurant is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Weekend opening hours allow for popular brunch service, whilst Monday offers all-day dining for a post-weekend meal.

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