The Space Bar

Stellar Chicken & Waffles with Cozy Vibes

The thrill of venturing into the culinary niche lands me yet again in a hidden gem atop The Space Theatre on the Isle of Dogs, where cozy isn’t just a design but an ethos. From its inception as an old house of worship, this eclectic hideout marries history with modern essence, boasting quaint charm alongside beamed ceilings and fairy lights. As someone who keenly observes ambiance, it's hard not to get swept away by the snug density of the space, replete with the warm smell of wood and faint echoes of laughter blending with the clatter of bar paraphernalia. Monday nights pulse alive with quiz fanfare led by Julia, whose zest mirrors the conviviality of the venue itself. It's when you’re seated near an intimate corner under dim lighting that you realize why locals hail this place as more than a pit stop for nourishment – it's a communal binder.

A haven for diverse palates, it shines as much delight in its meticulously curated drink list as the morning splendor of their English breakfast – potentially one of the best southwest of River Thames. Chicken & waffles soar as favorites, puffed from fryer as golden crispy sonderklässen, while the plantains decorate and beguile breakfast offerings in vibrant cultural embraces. The staff, courteous to the core and ever attentive, seamlessly excavate beneath heaps of translucent camaraderie with beautiful ease. Whether explaining the intricacies of an artful cocktail or accommodating dietary fancies with empathetic clairvoyance, they sully no opportunity for missteps. Sipping on adventurous spirits outdoors under clear skies is nothing short of meditative respite. I've promised myself repeats of this indulgent circuit because the beauty of this spot resides not in the spectacle of discovery but the scandalous hope of its perennial comfort. — Audrey Al Dente