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The Space BarBWorth Trying

Name: The Space Bar
Address: 269 Westferry Rd, London E14 3RS, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

269 Westferry Rd, London E14 3RS · Bar, Art cafe, Grill · 4.5/5 Google (378 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

Cozy theatre-adjacent bar with friendly vibes, strong drinks program, and crowd-pleasing burgers and chicken and waffles; good value with a few consistency blips.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

The Space Bar delivers dependable comfort-food dining with strong burger and chicken execution and genuinely friendly service in a charming converted theatre setting. However, scattered breakfast inconsistencies and operational quirks prevent it from reaching higher ground. It's a worthwhile neighborhood spot with solid value, particularly for pre-show drinks and casual meals, but lacks the polish and reliability of grade A-level establishments.

Restaurant Summary

Set inside a converted church above The Space Theatre, the bar feels warm and cozy with couches, board games, and a little courtyard for sunny days. Guests talk about a neighborhood vibe and staff who are genuinely friendly, with one diner noting it as a "beautiful hidden gem" for pre-show drinks. Expect a small team that holds its own, though the hybrid ordering (QR for food, bar for drinks) can be a touch clunky at busy times. The cooking leans comfort-first rather than experimental: juicy cheeseburgers, a lively buttermilk jerk chicken burger, and well-loved chicken and waffles. Breakfast is popular (including vegan options), though a few diners reported inconsistent execution like sparse fruit on waffles or overcooked fry-ups. The culinary approach is elevated traditional (innovation level 4.4): recognizable bar-grill favorites, light Caribbean notes, and satisfying portions without kitchen theatrics. Families are reasonably well served: there is a lift for prams, outdoor seating, and kid-friendly picks like sandwiches, fries, and straightforward eggs. While there is no formal kids menu, the menu has plenty of simple options that most children will accept. If you have a picky eater, stick to burgers, chips, or toast-and-egg combinations, and avoid the spicier jerk items unless your crew is adventurous.

At a Glance

Cozy theatre-bar setting with friendly staff and neighborhood feel
Burgers and chicken and waffles earn consistent praise
Solid value with mains around £9 and flexible breakfast options
Operational quirks (QR for food, bar-only for drinks) can frustrate some
Occasional inconsistency on breakfast items and bun texture

What Sets It Apart

loft_bar_above_theatre
chicken_and_waffles_specialty
board_games_and_courtyard

What People Love

The unique historic setting above a theatre
Juicy burgers and crisp house lager pairing
Chicken and waffles that feel indulgent
Welcoming staff who remember regulars

Points of Concern

Hybrid ordering (QR for food, bar for drinks) can feel impractical when short-staffed
A few reports of overcooked fry-ups and sparse toppings on waffles
Isolated complaint about fairness on fries inclusion with burgers suggests inconsistency
Occasional off notes on draft beer quality reported by one guest

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleHybrid Average Cost£22-30 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegans: Lentil Burger or Vegan Breakfast; add Hummus & Flatbread to round it out
Gluten-free diners: Halloumi Burger or Jerk Burger with the GF option; Superfood Salad as a lighter pick

Perfect For

Pre- or post-theatre drinks with a reliable bite
Casual weekend brunch with friends
A low-key date over drinks and board games
Local meetups in a relaxed setting

Location Insights

Area: Riverside residential pocket on the Isle of Dogs with a local, community theatre vibe; skewed to neighborhood regulars and pre-show crowds.

Safety: Generally safe and quiet; typical residential safety profile with theatre footfall at show times.

Nearby: Above The Space Theatre; near riverside walks and residential streets; bus service along Westferry Rd.

Canary WharfA high-end commercial and residential zone characterized by sleek skyscrapers, premium dining options, and a cosmopolitan professional atmosphere with extensive corporate infrastructure.

Isle of DogsA densely developed peninsula with a mix of modern residential complexes, corporate offices, and waterfront developments, offering a contemporary urban living environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–23:00 Tuesday17:00–23:00 Wednesday17:00–23:00 Thursday17:00–23:00 Friday12:00–00:00 Saturday10:00–00:00 Sunday10:00–22:30

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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