Narrowboat Cafe

Rammy Marsh, Waltham Abbey EN9 1AL, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(207 Reviews)
Price Range £1–20

Welcome to the Narrowboat Cafe, a delightful hidden gem located on the serene banks of Rammy Marsh in Waltham Abbey. This charming cafe offers a unique experience where delicious food meets a laid-back, quirky atmosphere, perfect for families, cyclists, and anyone looking to enjoy a cozy meal off the beaten track.

The ambiance of Narrowboat Cafe is refreshingly casual, with its eclectic decor featuring quirky memorabilia that exudes character. The outdoor seating area, reminiscent of a rustic ranch, invites guests to relax among many whimsical items, making it an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your dining experience. For families, the cafe boasts a delightful children’s play area complete with a bouncy castle, ensuring the little ones can have as much fun as the adults.

As for the food, expect freshly prepared meals that cater to a variety of tastes. Customers rave about the quality of the dishes, which are made to order and packed with flavor. Frequent visitor Kerry Payne emphasizes, “The food is fresh and a great price,” while Bill KingsLand recounts that it’s “always packed” because of the great quality offered. Although the expansive menu can be daunting with its multitude of choices, you're sure to find something that entices you, whether you’re stopping for a quick bite after a bike ride or settling in for a longer visit with family.

Narrowboat Cafe is also well-regarded for its beverage selection. Enjoy a refreshing cold drink or a chilled beer while unwinding in this family-friendly haven. Michael, a satisfied visitor, highlights the multitude of drinks available, and while he didn’t try the food on this occasion, he noted the appealing dishes being served to other customers that piqued his interest. Indeed, the food looks just as inviting as it sounds, promising an enjoyable experience for the taste buds.

It’s worth noting that some guests, like Charmain Cockings, have commented on the pricing, saying the prices are “a little on the high side for cafe food.” However, many agree that the quality and freshness of the offerings more than justify the cost, making it a worthy stop for those looking to indulge in wholesome, satisfying meals.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make the Narrowboat Cafe a destination on your journey. With its inviting atmosphere, fresh and tasty dishes, and ample fun for kids, this cafe is a true reflection of community spirit. Come for the food and stay for the ambiance—you might even find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

207 Reviews
Bill KingsLand

03 Oct 2025

I use this place a lot .the food is cooked freshly. For each group. There Will be a wait as it's always packed . It's a great place off the beaten track. Food is great quality. If your in a hurry go mc donalds.

Michael

25 Aug 2025

Huge cafe with tons of small bikes and even a bouncy castle outside for kids. There is also a small soft play inside. Good selection of cold drinks including beers. Huge menu, there is menus all over the place. Didnt try the food this time however it looked nice from what was coming out of the kitchen. Nice little stop off for when your cycling.

Kerry Payne

31 Jul 2025

I love it here I go almost every two weeks. The food is fresh and a great price. The staff are extremely friendly and they have a soft play area and play areas outside for children. Great little cafe for family’s to go to.

Charmain Cockings

21 Jun 2025

Went for a family fun day and was great, stayed much longer than expected great entertainment and facilities for the kids. My only issue was the prices were a little on the high side for cafe food.

colin spash

15 Jun 2025

A quirky cafe spitting distance from the canal, it has an indoor and outdoor children's play area. The decor outside wouldn't look out of place in a ranch in the middle of texas, lot's of weird and wonderful items

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