Area Guide to Paddington

Just shy of the centre of the city, Paddington is usually considered a business destination or known for its old train station, bringing passengers in from the West. Many of its neighbourhoods – Bayswater or Westbourne Park, for example – are actually quite homely. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, but still with plenty of places to enjoy yourself (and within walking distance of the centre) Paddington is your place.

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Coffee

Chances are, you’re going to be passing through the station a fair bit, so you’ll be pleased to find Colicci coffee truck waiting for you with a big smile and baked cookies. These guys started off before the millennium dealing in ice cream across the city, but now they operate vans with a plethora of treats in which to delight – from locally sourced food to freshly baked goods, and – of course – good coffee. Paddington Station /@colicciuk

Do also check out: Kioskafé – In the backstreets of Paddington, you’ll find this Scandinavian-inspired coffee and news kiosk, created by the team who brought Monocle café to the centre of London. Pick up a flat white and a printed-by-demand Zimbabwe Independent. 31 Norfolk Place

Brunch

Beany Green has a number of brilliant brunch spots across the city of London, including along the canal at Little Venice. A sprawling space, offering bottomless brunches, excellent coffee and healthy lunches. Australian-inspired, the theme of all Beany institutes is a life well lived, and an appetite well satiated. Note: it turns into a live music and Gin bar from Wednesday to Friday. 4 Sheldon Square / @daisygreencollection

Dinner

Satay House is a Malaysian Restaurant that has been in operation for over 30 years and has passed through the hands of the family. It has long been loved by locals, far-flung visitors and celebrities alike. Serving a short, simple menu of Malaysian dishes, they give you a taste of authentic, exotic cuisine. 13 Sale Place / @satayhouse

Drinks

A speakeasy, hidden under the Mitre (a Grade II listed pub) in the cellars, Old Mary’s has a resident mixologist continually inventing unique cocktails under the ‘Shants and Bumps’ menu, or ‘Barrel Aged Menu’. For safe choices, refer to the ‘Classics Menu’ for a widely-loved Old Fashioned or Mojito. 24 Craven Terrace / @oldmaryscocktailbar

Do also check out: The Beachcomber – According to these guys, life without cocktails is like a year without summer. Grab a ‘Rum Synidicate’ (a cocktail that serves 10 people) and some Creole saltfish fritters and dance the night away. Note: there’s up to 70% off cocktails during Happy Hour (7-9pm every day). 86 Queensway / @beachcomberldn

First Date

If the dating game is going well, you’re going to need to refuel and there’s nothing better than a sharing platter between two to strike up a little romance (so long as you share nicely). Tuck into a mezze at Massis Lebanese Grill & Bar under the twinkling lanterns. If you register for their Diners Offers, you’ll also get 20% off. Sheldon Square / @massislebanese

Do also check out: Canal Café & Theatre – above the Bridge House Pub. Head here after a few pints for a bit of London’s theatre culture. They have an especially good comedy programme. 2 Delamere Terrace / @canalcafetheatre

Family

The Waterway is a great pub overlooking the Union Canal, with a large summer terrace and a ‘ski chalet’ feel indoors. Known for their Bloody Mary cocktail and weekend brunches, they also serve an a la carte menu that features plenty of good quality takes on a pub classic (think burgers and lamb shanks). Ideal for big groups to gather in the sunshine – if there is any. 54 Formosa Street / @thewaterwayw9

Do also check out: Heist Bank – a casual joint known for its cold beers, pizza and flowers – and a lovely terrace. 5 North Wharf / @heistbank

Walk

Along the canal at Little Venice, spotting the pretty boats as you go along. Be sure to visit the Puppet Show Barge (does what it says), or take a boat down to the zoo. Failing all of the above, just have a nice stroll, yeah?

Public Transport

Bus Routes: 7 / 23 / 27 / 36 / 46 / 205 / 332
Nearest Tube: Paddington
Nearest Overground: Kilburn High Road
Nearest National Rail: Paddington

We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Paddington to find your next home in the neighbourhood.