Canal – it’s worth the hype
From the moment we walked into Canal, right on the edge of the Grand Union Canal in Westbourne Park, it felt like we’d found a little secret – that had be splashed all over TikTok and Hot Dinners. The light spilling in from the water outside gave the whole room a gentle glow, and the mix of raw concrete, zinc surfaces and warm wooden touches struck that rare balance between stylish and welcoming. We were seated near the terrace – close enough to catch the view without having to put suncream on and it felt like our own private corner, even though the restaurant was buzzing.
It was one of those evenings where you notice the little things. The couple next to us were celebrating an anniversary, clinking glasses and sharing dessert. A group at the bar laughed loudly over cocktails that looked almost too pretty to drink. You could tell everyone in the room was having their own version of a great night, which only made the atmosphere feel warmer.
I’d already scoped out our meal from an Instagram post, and we went all in, ordering every dish from it. The Mangalitza sausage with pickled chilli arrived first, with my plus one of German ascent, I was excited to hear her opinions. We were both very impressed! We also opted for the Bream crudo with cherry and chilli – which was fruity and punchy.
The table cheeseburger, which is doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram, was a must-order. A juicy patty with lashings of cheese and tasty pickles. We also opted for a Monkfish dish with datterini tomatoes and capers – sublime!
The drinks kept the evening flowing. I had a brown butter old fashioned that was smooth, rich and a little bit decadent, while my plus one went for a rhubarb gimlet that was bright and refreshing. Most cocktails were clarified which was a stylish touch.
I know some critics haven’t been entirely convinced by Canal, maybe because its bold design and confidence set the bar high, but sitting there, I couldn’t see a single thing to fault. The service was relaxed but attentive, the food thoughtful without being fussy, and the whole room seemed to hum with that energy you only find when a place is doing what it’s meant to do.
By the time we left, the canal outside was reflecting the streetlights and it was the perfect spot for a post-dinner walk. Canal isn’t just a good restaurant – it’s the kind of place that turns a regular weekday night into something you’ll still be talking about weeks later.
Find out more > www.mason-fifth.com/canal-restaurant
