Paddington offers endless attractions, such as the floating Puppet Theatre Barge.
Trendy pop-up restaurant Pergola is a popular choice among Londoners. This street food hub is the go-to spot with a fairy-lit rooftop and a sizeable alfresco garden made for summer evenings. With two bars and four rotating restaurant vendors, this place is a haven for everybody, whether you’re looking for a laid-back weekend, after-work drinks, or fancy letting loose and dancing the night away.
Head over to Merchant Square and find Paddington’s very own street food market. Crave runs twice weekly, while Kerb takes place at Sheldon Square every month. If you’re after a more sophisticated dining experience, award-winning seafood restaurant The Summerhouse is a waterside treasure that’s not to be missed. Located on the Grand Union Canal at Little Venice, this eatery features a delicious menu of fresh seafood and posh fish and chips.
While you’re here, explore the surrounding areas and take a 10-minute ride to the alluring streets of Mayfair.
Paddington minicabs too expensive? Try booking a minicab with Addison Lee instead.
Where to drink
Old Mary’s at The Mitre
We love this west London speakeasy. Not just because it’s tucked away underneath the equally terrific Mitre pub. But also because it’s managed to carve out a legitimately stylised cocktail bar in the bowels of an undeniably Victorian building. That exciting blend of cultures is steeped in their delicious cocktail menu too, which offers variety and old favourites aplenty.
24 Craven Terrace, W2 3QH
oldmarys.co.uk
The Victoria
It may not be the biggest pub in Paddington but my word, it’s authentic. Once the local boozer of Winston Churchill himself, this cosy Victorian (surprise!) drinking den is an absolute must-see if you’re looking to whet your whistle while waiting for your train. Don’t expect any glamour though, just proper British beer and a few choice bites.
10A Strathearn Place, W2 2NH
www.victoriapaddington.co.uk
Salt Whisky Bar & Restaurant
Serving a great range of Indian food, this is arguably more of a restaurant than a bar. However, on the merit of the fact that it houses over 200 whiskies and has an exotic cocktail menu, we feel it’s worth a visit if you’re in need of a drink. Located right by Marble Arch tube station, we strongly recommend you drop by.
82 Seymour St, W2 2JB
www.saltbar.com
Where to eat
Pearl-Liang
Considered to be something of a jewel of Paddington’s locale, this Chinese restaurant not only looks luxurious, it serves food to match. Its inky interior and uplit cocktail bar set the mood from the moment you walk in. Allowing you to sink deep into the palatial surroundings while enjoying a plate of their famously juicy dim-sum.
8 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6EZ
www.pearlliang.co.uk
KuPP
There are a number of great places to eat in Paddington Basin but this relative newcomer is one of our favourites. Perched lavishly on the side of the canal, the restaurant and bar serves Scandinavian fodder fit for a woodsman, with great choices for either lunch or dinner. Don’t miss out on their bottomless brunch. You’ll never want to leave.
Unit 53
www.kupp-uk.com/
Smith’s Bar & Grill
Another spot that’s equally well suited to drinks or dinner, Smith’s is ideally located just behind Paddington Station. With its tall glass windows, light just floods in, making it irresistibly inviting. And of course, once inside, the food doesn’t disappoint. A great mix of modern and traditional really defines this brasserie style restaurant.
5 Merchant Square, W2 1AS
www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk
What to do
Hyde Park
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Hyde Park is also one of the largest. Covering a staggering 350 acres of central London’s prime real estate; this lush, bucolic retreat is home to such famous attractions as Speaker’s Corner, the Serpentine Lake and the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. As well as seasonal events such as Winter Wonderland and the BST music festival. Truly a great place to shake off those big city blues.
Little Venice
If all you really fancy is a stroll along the river (and possibly a drink or bite to eat as well), then you’ll be over the moon to discover Little Venice tucked away from all the industrial clamour. A veritable west London treasure. Hidden on a corner snug of Regent’s canal, it offers a little slice of waterside perfection – and a number of terrific pubs and bistros.
Whiteleys
We’d be remiss to talk about Paddington and not mention the shopping. Whiteleys is a shopping centre that has served the hungry hordes since 1911. Its stunning Edwardian structure almost looks too glam to be a mere shopping mall. But once you’re inside you’ll see that it comfortably houses an Odeon cinema, All Star Lanes Bowling as well as all your high street favourites.
Queensway, W2 4YN
www.whiteleys.com
