We first discovered The Summerhouse in Paddington (well, really it’s in Little Venice) in 2016 and we’ve been going for lunch ever since. It’s a lovely restaurant anyway but when the sun is shining it transports you to the Mediterranean! Honestly, it doesn’t feel at all like you’re in the city. It really is the perfect summer restaurant in London!
When you step inside The Summerhouse you can already tell that it’s special. It’s just got a vibe about it! As soon as you step through the door, you can see the Grand Union canal and the decor has a French feel to it, which adds to the Mediterranean feel.
There are lots of tables on the canal side, however unfortunately you’re not guaranteed to be sat there. When we booked the last time, we did request a table by the canal and we were lucky to get one. If you’re going for a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, then definitely mention it when booking and request a table by the water and hopefully they can fulfill your request.
When the weather is good it will be difficult to get a table so absolutely book in advance. It’s unlikely they would have a table free if you arrived without a reservation.
We’ve probably been sat right by the canal around half of the times that we’ve dined at The Summerhouse. Honestly though, no matter where you sit, you’ll still have a view of the canal. There is also one little table that is outside where you can have a drink or just take some photos by the water.
And if you enjoy watching chefs at work, they also have some high tables that are right by the open kitchen. If you’d like to sit there then request it when you book.
What to order at The Summerhouse
The Summerhouse specialises in seafood and always has some specials, including a ‘catch of the day’. For starters, we usually order the vegetarian mezze platter as we like the variety it offers. It comes with grilled halloumi, a red pepper dip, hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, warm pitta bread and olives. It’s delicious and is plenty of food for two people to share. You can also order additional pitta bread if needed.
We often choose the fish special or ‘catch of the day’ but I have to say that we saw a table order traditional fish and chips with mushy peas and it looked amazing. So next time we go, we’ll be ordering that!
Over the years, some of the specials we’ve ordered have included a whole lemon sole for two, sea trout with shrimp lemon butter and grilled sea bass with mashed potato and a creamy seafood sauce.
Not a fish lover? Not a problem. There are lots of vegetarian options, such as a seasonal risotto and gnocchi as well as chicken, steak and lamb for the meat lovers. There’s something for everyone.
We’re not ones to usually order dessert at lunch so I’m afraid to say that I can’t comment on what the desserts are like but just going by the menu, they sound delicious. The coconut and mango rice pudding in particular sounds right up my street!
Whilst The Summerhouse is the perfect place to go in summer, it is open all year round. In fact, they have a special Winter Club where you can get discounts on food from October until March. It’s completely free to sign up for the club card.
And if you fancy a drink before or after your meal, they also own The Waterway, which is a bistro-style gastropub just a two minute walk away. It was opened in 2002 and recently underwent a renovation. It’s been voted London’s best terrace!
Since you’re in the area, I highly recommend a stroll along the canal to Paddington. There are so many cool things to do in Paddington – it’s such an underrated part of London!
The nearest tube station to The Summerhouse is Warwick Avenue, on the Bakerloo line. The restaurant is about a three minute walk from the station. Paddington station is also very close and about a ten minute walk to the restaurant.
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