By the Bridge Cafe (BTB Cafe)

Rooftop bar near Haggerston station. We had nachos and chilled. Was a bit of an adventure coming up the narrow spiral staircase to get to the roof, or else there's the ground floor area. A young vibe, down-to-earth atmosphere and fairly busy on a Saturday early evening.

The By the Bridge Cafe (BTB Cafe) is a decent spot offering a fairly safe haven for those needing to retreat following an overheat on the nearby regent's canal. I stopped in here with a couple of acquaintances during a sunday stroll along the Canal. Accessibility would be an issue at this venue. There is a partly covered roof terrace offerimg great vistas over the canal, but this is reached via a spiral metal staircase meaning it would be difficult for those otherly abled to gain appropriate access to. Decent beer selection at this small cafe/bar, staff were friendly and welcoming. I would not hesitate to return but feel that other venues along the canal may offer a more optimium drinking experience.

Helen is a gem! Happy hour is a great deal, cocktails or beer deals. She was so funny and sweet. Helen is the king of the stairs!

I used to love this place and had been coming regularly for coffee and cocktails over the past four years. Sadly, it’s really gone downhill. I stopped going for coffee about a year ago after repeatedly receiving incorrect orders, and the quality of the coffee had noticeably declined. It no longer had the same strength or flavour it once did. I gave it another try recently during their advertised “happy hour” for cocktails, but it was a deeply disappointing experience. The staff were shockingly rude to my friend, who was shouted at for using the toilet (despite us being paying customers sitting outside). To make matters worse, she was misgendered in a passive-aggressive and disrespectful way. The cocktails themselves were tiny, and once additional charges were added to the drinks (despite it being a self-service set-up where you order at the bar), the happy hour pricing didn’t feel like a deal at all and was very expensive for the quality. It’s such a shame to see how much this place has changed. I'm assuming its under new ownership? Based on the poor service and unpleasant atmosphere, I won’t be returning.

I just love this place, by the river but never windy or cold, drinks are amazing and honestly… Helen is the best! So friendly, super welcoming and she has the best waitress skills to go up the most crazy stairs in London. Just my fav place! Also happy hour is on on weekdays!!

Great pub. Lovely outdoor with heaters. Open late and great place around the corner! #bloodorange

One of my fav cafe in Hackney, small, nice and cozy with a great atmosphere and view. Not too much to eat (probably everything was already sold out😢) but definitely a highly recommended place for a coffee. 👍👍

Stopped by for a quick drink, looked like a quirky kind of place. A bit compact overall inside but cosy nonetheless. We sat on the roof terrace, up a very small/right spiral staircase,which was very pleasant with views over the canal. Decor as mentioned was quirky/shabby chic, but dated and old. Drinks were a bit pricey and the staff were generally ok. Nice place overall. We didn't eat here so can't comment on the food.

Just about a month old, By the Bridge is Haggerston's newest coffee shop. While there's loads of competition in the area, what makes this cafe stand out is its location right on Regent's Canal, by the bridge crossing Kingsland Road (as the name suggests...). The space is small but cute, with some tables and chairs inside and a few al fresco as well. The best seat in the house is definitely the table next to the window overlooking the canal, but not surprisingly this one always seems to be taken. I have yet to try their coffee, but both my flatmate and my friend (who tried a latte and a cappuccino, respectively) found their drinks to be just mediocre. I enjoyed my vanilla chai latte, however, which was perfectly sweet and foamy. The usual coffee shop brownies and cookies are available, but if they offered a greater selection of food (even just sandwiches) I would award them another star. Regardless, due to its coziness factor, proximity to my flat, and my love of new independent businesses popping up in the area, I'm sure to return soon. Oh and one last thing -- make sure to check out the sign on the door to the toilets :-)

Beautiful small coffee shop by the bridge (of course). I had a very good cappuccino enjoyed while listening some good ambient music. Nice relaxing place.

Really great chilled vibe in this place. Staff are friendly and the coffee is good. It's quite small but there are about 4 or 5 tables and a breakfast bar with bar stools. I was lucky enough to nab the seat by the window next to the canal where you can watch the World go by. There have been a slew of coffee shops opening around Haggerstone but I would definitely recommend By the Bridge if you need a rest, cuppa and catch up with your emails

Love, love, LOVE this little cafe!! I really can't say enough about the service...all three on staff are super friendly and always with a smile (and for me this makes a huge difference) It's a beautiful spot for a chai tea latte (my favourite) and a quiet read. I'm so happy that they opened their cafe so close to home :)