The Waterway

54 Formosa Street, London, W9 2JU
www.thewaterway.co.uk
Ph. 020 7266 3557

Popular with its stylish, affluent locals this chic Maida Vale gastro-pub is always buzzing whatever the time of year. With an amazing waterside location overlooking the Grand Union Canal, the massive outside deck is a lovely place to be during the London Summertime. The cosy inside bar-lounge, with its comfy sofas and crackling fire, also makes it a great place to lunch on a Winter's Day.

Due to its beautiful canalside location, the Waterway is a great place to while away your Sunday morning reading the complimentary weekend papers and enjoying a coffee and pastry or two. Whilst the breakfast options are limited, the lunch ones aren't and they serve up a mean Sunday roast carvery with full trimmings.

The modern European menu changes with the season. Light salads, fresh fish and gourmet burgers cooked on the outside bbq are highlights of the Summer foodie scene. Whilst the traditional roast carvery and warm soups make it a great Winter lunch destination.

The only catch is the service, which struggles to cope with the large number of groups who take advantage of the long wooden tables on the outside deck. But thankfully, this is not a deal-breaker for such a fabulous find.

Cafe Laville

453 Edgware Road, Little Venice Parade, Maida Vale, London, W2 1TH
Phone: 020 7706 2620
Website: www.restaurant-laville.co.uk
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Set right above the beautiful Regents Canal, at the Maida Vale end of Edgware Road, Laville would have to be one of my favourite places to brunch. Whilst it doesn't look much from the road, when you go inside you'll discover why - its picturesque setting affords you views right down the tree-lined canal.

In the Summertime they open the cafe's glass doors right up and put tables out on the little balcony overlooking the water. As you sip one of their freshly squeezed juices you can watch the canal boats glide across the water and underneath the cafe itself. In Autumn the scene is even more beautiful, with the leaves turning a riot of oranges and yellows, which is then reflected in the water below.

The breakfast menu is fantastic with a choice of reasonably priced special deals. These include my favourite, the 'Early Italy' where $5.50 will get you scrambled eggs with cherry tomato and basil on fresh roasted ciabatta bread, washed down with a freshly squeezed orange juice.

They also do the more traditional 'English Breakfast' along with other hot breakfast options such as Eggs Benedict; scrambled, poached or fried eggs; and omelette. You can also choose from a wide array of reasonably priced breakfast sides such as bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes or even salmon.

If you are looking for something a bit healthier they offer yoghurt with fresh fruit, mueslie or almonds & honey. Then, as you are being so good, you can afford to treat yourself to a slice of one of their amazing cakes, including the traditional English favourite, Banoffee pie. Their hot chocolate with cream is also a speciality and is sure to hit the spot on a cold Winter's morning.