The perfect place to relax and one of the best ways to traverse the city, it's no wonder London's canals are so popular. From their leafy green nods and nature down to their beautiful barges and colourful characters, our waterways are filled with charming boozers. This summer is set to be a scorcher, so prepare for some alfresco drinking and dining with our recommendations of 23 of the best bars and restaurants by the canal in London.
Nestled on the sublime banks of Imperial Wharf, this riverside bar gives you stunning views alongside top notch cocktails, wines and a huge range of real ales. The terrace is also heated so you can soak up the scenes come rain or shine.
Not only does Barge East boast history with a venue that has seen 144 years on top of the water, but this slick Hackney canal bar is the perfect pick for dinner on the deck alongside drinks and a roster of live music below.
Fancy sipping on a bespoke cocktail while enjoying views of the canal? We thought as much. Make your way to Wyke Road's Lanterna for its glorious range of pizza or bevvies. If you're after something for a special occasion, it also has a stylish mezzanine area that can be booked.
Right on the edge of the Olympic Park, Hackney Bridge puts you in prime position for views of the canal. Settle in here to soak up the sun and you can stay refreshed with cocktails and ice cold beers.
Feeling peckish? The buzzing street food kitchen offers everything from Japanese-inspired soul food to Filipino barbecue, Neapolitan pizza and juicy burgers, as well as plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
If you're after a gorgeous bar on the Thames, then Dove should be on your radar. Check out the Hammersmith favourite for all the usual food and drinks set to the stunning backdrop of Lonon's iconic river.
Sitting pretty by the Regent's Canal, Rotunda offers one of London's most sought-after dining destinations. Whether you're enjoying some of the stunning plates of food boasting Mexican flair or sipping tequila-infused cocktails, they've got canalside views for days.
If you're in the mood for something fun to do by Hackney Wick canal, Four Quarters East are bringing the antics at their arcade bar, complete with beers, arcade games, a view of the water and pizza for the peckish.
With a beer garden overlooking the canal in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, The Lock Inn is a gorgeous Hackney pub. Serving up cocktails and craft beer from local breweries, alongside delish pizzas, burgers and Sunday roasts, they're keeping you well fed too.
With an outdoor terrace and huge windows, Lockside has some of the best views of Regent's Canal. Join the all-day venue for Tex Mex dishes, delicious cocktails and DJ nights that will have you up until the early hours.
Serving up a wonderful array of craft beers and ales to a whole host of happy customers, this North London boozer is not just by the canal, it also has a great beer garden. Grab some rays by the water, tuck into a hearty menu of British classics, and try out some of the local breweries on offer.
If you love a good drink with a view, No90 Hackney Wick is the place to be. Perched right on the canal, this venue blends relaxed daytime vibes with high-energy nights. Start your evening lounging on their spacious terrace, sipping on signature cocktails or local craft beers, then head inside for live music, DJ sets, and an unbeatable party atmosphere.
The venue's intimate yet vibrant setting makes it a go-to for weekend drinks, spontaneous nights out, or even an after-work wind-down that turns into an all-nighter. With its laid-back charm, stellar drinks list, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, No90 is an East London must-visit.
Arepa & Co is a gorgeous Venezuelan restaurant and bar on the waterfront in Haggerston. Offering a varied menu of vibrant, authentic eats, you can sit back and relax with a cocktail and graze on a menu of cachapa, rice bowls and arepas in style.
Prepare to be transported to a faraway land, as this Clapton boozer gives you all the feels of an out-of-town pub. Go for leafy views alongside Sunday lunch and classic British gastro grub with real ales and craft beer to soak it all up.
If you're looking for bars by the canal in Stratford, head on over to Jim & Tonic at The Print House, where you can enjoy tipples on the waterfront terrace. On the menu? Everything from affordable cocktails and quirky G&Ts to enticing Italian eats.
Spread over two floors and overlooking the canal on both, 3 Locks Brewery is a cool drinking den that's about to become your new favourite. Inside, you'll find monochrome interiors in the form of checkerboard flooring and pinstripe walls, paired with pops of orange, as well as ten taps fronting fresh fraught lager brewed on-site. Look forward to trying the Czech-inspired craft lager, West Coast IPA and more.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Islington, this boozer is something of a hidden gem. There's a cosy and intimate feel to this one, with a balcony looking out over the water which offers the best views in the house.
A gorgeous Mexican restaurant overlooking the Camden canal, Cafe Chula is your ultimate summer stop off complete with tacos and margaritas, plus some of the decorative interiors in the business.
Bow Wharf destination the East London Liquor Company is found right on the Hertford Union Canal, as the converted warehouse brings you no-frills cocktails across the uber-cool space. Plus, there's a garden terrace to boot.
Weekly live music sessions? Raucous pub quizzes? Gorgeous views out over the Thames? It can only be The Ship. One of the most popular bars in Wandsworth, this is a go-to for drinks by the river... especially when summer finally arrives.
A stalwart of Greenwich's drinking and dining scene, The Cutty Sark takes its name from the waterside landmark. Whether you're with friends, family or a date, head here for alfresco drinks in a chilled out setting.
Not content with just dining by the canal, Darcie & May Green takes things a step further. This colourful barge is moored on Regent's Canal in Paddington, boasting to floors of dining space, including that alfresco upper deck.
There's a huge selection of cocktails to get stuck into, and they even offer bottomless brunch. Their all-day menu promises something for everyone, from tandoori salmon to chicken parmigiana and miso-roasted aubergine.
Head north to Granary Square, where this modern restaurant sits only minutes from the hustle and bustle of King's Cross. Take in the chilled out atmosphere and relaxing scenes of Regent's Canal from the alfresco bar or head inside where a glass restaurant offers flatbreads and more.
Located along Regent's Canal, close to Paddington station, Beany Green is a cafe bar that overlooks the water. Whether you want to relax in the sun on their outdoor terrace or take a seat inside the welcoming venue, there are plenty of cocktails to be enjoyed.
Sip a sriracha bloody Mary or peach bellini, which you can pair with brunch plates like sweetcorn fritters and smashed avocado on sourdough. Plus, they offer bottomless brunches as well.
Head down to West London's Regent's Canal where this quirky restaurant is cooking up a storm of the best Australian brunch fare going. Proper Instagram-worthy, Bondi Green offers a view of the water, as well as an open-plan interior filled with pretty plants and quirky furniture.
They offer top quality coffee and cocktails here, as well as bottomless brunches. Their all-day menu features the likes of barbecue tandoori salmon, chicken parmigiana, miso roasted aubergine and more. Plus, they've got two more venues in the area: Beany Green and Darcie & May Green.
