Summerhouse by the Waterway

The invitation to the launch party of the Summerhouse pop-up restaurant in Little Venice called for a summer-y dress code, and when my friend Saz and I got there, we were glad to see we weren’t the only ones rocking that early spring, awkward-temperature wardrobe. Inside, it was a sea of white jeans, cotton sun dresses and T-shirts – all accessorised heavily with scarves, cardigans and even blankets.

The Summerhouse is a beach hut spin-off from The Waterway restaurant, which is just a short distance upstream. It’s open for six months of the year, and housed in a small brick building overlooking the Grand Union Canal, with an open terrace, views of the narrowboats, and a cute but chic nautical theme with whitewashed tables and stripey cushions. The walls are adorned with shell trinkets, retro beach photos and navy stripes; the kitchen shelves are stacked with vintage-looking steel pots. All in all, it’s very Hamptons.

In spite of the distinctly chilly, windy April weather, we were charmed by the decor as well as the summer vibes, and sat at one of the prime waterside tables. We sampled some very lovely cocktails: lavender-infused champagne and fruit-packed Pimm’s with blueberries. The canapes that followed were versions of various dishes from the menu, including crisp, miniature beer-battered cod and chips in little paper cups, bundles of fresh asparagus, very potent Pimm’s jelly, and tiny vanilla ice cream cones. The actual menu is made up of similarly light, seaside-themed dishes – clam chowder, moules marinieres, fish cakes – as well as salads, snacks and a range of light, summer-y wines.

The atmosphere at the Summerhouse is calming, easy-going and unpretentious: it’s lively enough to feel fun, but it’s not too noisy, so you can still chat easily. Being a very small venue too, the Summerhouse has quite an intimate feel and it definitely strikes the right note for creating a holiday mood, regardless of the weather. It’s also got the versatility factor: it could be an equally good setting for a cosy date as for a lunch with family or a night out with friends.

The Summerhouse is open from now until October, and it’s the ideal place to head for a retreat from the centre of town (or from the dismal weather). Don’t forget to try those cocktails too.

The Summerhouse
Opposite 60 Blomfield Road
Maida Vale
W9 2PA

Tel: 020 7286 6752