Riverside Cafe

The Lodge, Spring Hill, London E5 9BL United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Open Today: -

Quick Facts About Riverside Cafe

The Riverside Cafe has a number of strengths that contribute to its positive reputation. One of the biggest strengths is the quality of the food. Multiple commenters specifically mentioned how tasty and wholesome the food is. The burgers, doughnuts, hot chocolate, full English breakfast, and vegan aubergine/lentil lasagne were all mentioned as being particularly delicious. The cafe also caters to vegetarians, which is a positive aspect for those who have dietary restrictions or preferences.

The cafe's location is another one of its strengths. Situated right by the canal, it offers picturesque views and a serene ambiance. Many commenters mentioned enjoying the outdoor seating and being able to enjoy their meal or drink while taking in the surroundings. This makes it a popular spot for cyclists, rowers, and walkers along the canal path. The location is also conveniently placed for those who have been exploring the area and need a break for refreshments.

Another strength of the Riverside Cafe is its affordability. Commenters mentioned that the prices are reasonable, with £10 for a full English breakfast and a cold drink being a good value. This makes it an attractive option for families and individuals on a budget. Additionally, the cafe accepts card payments, including American Express, which adds convenience for customers who prefer to use cards over cash.

The cafe's dog-friendly policy is also a strength. Many pet owners appreciate being able to bring their furry friends along and enjoy a meal or drink outside. This adds to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the cafe.

Despite these strengths, there are also some weaknesses that were mentioned in the comments. One of the main weaknesses is the lack of clear signage. According to one comment, the cafe can be easily missed because there are no visible signs. This can be frustrating for potential customers who may be looking for the cafe but struggle to find it.

Another weakness that was mentioned is the occasionally slow service during busy lunchtime hours. While there are things to look at outside, such as the rowing club, some customers may become impatient if they are waiting a long time for their food or drink to be served.

Additionally, there were a few negative comments about the staff. One comment mentioned that the staff became miserable and rude after the cafe was refurbished. Another comment described the manager and tiller as grumpy and unwelcoming. These negative interactions with staff members can have a negative impact on the overall experience for customers.

In conclusion, the Riverside Cafe has many strengths that contribute to its positive reputation. The tasty and wholesome food, picturesque location by the canal, affordability, and dog-friendly policy are all advantages of the cafe. However, there are also some weaknesses to be aware of, such as the lack of clear signage, occasional slow service, and negative interactions with staff. Despite these weaknesses, the overall consensus from the comments is that the Riverside Cafe is a wonderful place to visit for its good food and beautiful surroundings.

Best TL Reviews

A wonderful cafe/restaurant. Tasty, wholesome food. I especially love their very tasty burgers; doughnuts and hot chocolate, but everything here is praiseworthy. Sit inside or out. Picturesque spot, next to the canal.

Just by the canal, no clear signs visible so it can be easily missed.

Toilet available

Card payments accepted inc Amex

Indoor and outdoor seating available

Dog friendly

£10 for a ‘full English’ and a cold drink.

The best cafe on the canal, our favourite place when we visit Picketts Lock. The food is great as are the staff and surroundings.

I have been using the cafe for 10 plus years. The food is OK, but the coffee is good. During the shutdown, the place was re furbished, and something has changed. .they are so miserable now and the Spanish women was recently rude to me. .i will continue to visit this lovely spot. , but will take my own flask and flapjacks and use the public bench next door. .shame

Today’s experience is the Chocolate Brownie! For some (clearly now MAD) reason I’ve overlooked this for years but do not be fooled by the cling film, this little piece of heaven has it all: chocolatey, gooey, buttery, AND wait for it: crunchy crispy, and cherries (i think, correct me if I’m wrong) possibly some nuts (but steady on). This Springhill brownie easily beats anything on Camden Passage outright. It is a dirty indulgence compared to its healthy next door neighbour the flapjack, but the days are colder so that makes it alright. This being said please leave me one each Sat and Sun!

Affordable honest food. Great location. Very popular with cyclists and rowers. Also popular with young families and dog owners. On the menu, there's vegetarians options, which is really good.

Had ice-creams, coffee and cakes many times.

Service can be a bit slow during busy lunchtime hours but there's always something to look at outside, being next door to the rowing club.

Because the café is isolated but on a walk/cycle/rowers path, it gets a lot of clients. And that exclusivity, somehow, allows the staff to be rude. It wasn’t always like this but changed when they refurbished. Food is greasy café food. The nyabinghi chef is lovely and I come for his food. The guy running around managing the place is always grumpy, I’d say he can’t stand white middle class people who constitute most of the clientèle. He is so rude that he doesn’t reply when you say hello. Even the tiller is cold and unpleasant. They know they’ll get clients rain or shine and no competition and so the client facing staff have this air of entitlement which is revealing of their spirit: not hospitable. Bite the hand that feeds you why don’t you. Client facing staff is more bourgeois than their clients!

Really convenient spot for a cafe if you've been walking along the canal and you need refreshments. I had the vegan aubergine/lentil lasagne outdoors on a warm spring day by the water and it was a truly divine experience ????