To those of you who haven’t been, the word Paddington probably brings to mind images of teddy bears and train stations not pop-up street food markets and chic restaurants. Luckily for you, we’ve explored the area and found the best reasons to visit Paddington so you don’t have to… No wait, aren’t we trying to convince you to go?! We’ve explored the area and found the best reasons for you to visit Paddington so now you have no excuse! That’s better…
1. KERB’s pop up street food market
[KERB]On the third Wednesday of every month you can find KERB in Sheldon Square hosting Paddington Central’s monthly street food market. Between 12-2pm at least 10 of KERB’s favourite traders will be serving up lunch time delights such as juicy burgers from Mother Flipper, Korean Burritos from Kimchinary or beef steaks from, well, The Beefsteaks! With a wide variety of London’s most renowned street food, away from the bustle of the usual markets, KERB at Sheldon Square is the perfect reason to visit Paddington… every third Wednesday of the month that is.
Sheldon Square, London W2
2. Indulge in fine Italian food at Stuzzico
[Stuzzico]Have you ever woken up in the night intensely craving pasta? Well, we sure have after trying this well loved upmarket Italian restaurant! With a fancy AF selection of meat and seafood dishes as well as delightfully decadent pastas, you definitely won’t leave hungry. I fell in love with the linguine with black truffle pasta, but then the romance continued with the highly indulgent dark chocolate ganache and pistachio tart. Put on your glad-rags, it’s time for a classy night out — go on… treat yo’ self!
24 Kendal St, London W2 2AW
3. Enjoy a quirky cocktail at Old Mary’s
[instagram: Old Mary’s Cocktail Bar]Hidden away below the Mitre, this little speak-easy style gem of a bar serves up fantastic cocktails and craft beer. We recommend the Buor Blower with two types of vodka and gin served with fresh apple juice and bitters. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit quirkier, try one of their changing barrel-aged cocktails. As with most edgy cocktail bars, don’t be surprised if you’re drink comes served with mini pickled onions or edible flowers… it’s all for the Instagram, am I right?!
[photostream.wordpress: Endless Wanders] A particularly picturesque part of London just north of Paddington (a lot of Ps there), this beautiful spot known as ‘Little Venice’ is a must visit for anyone in the Paddington area. Wander merrily along Regents Canal taking in the charming houseboats and waterside cafes in this enchanting London pocket. In fact, you might forget you’re in London at all — instead you’ll be transported to the snaking canals of Venice itself… and that is V nice. (Haha I’ll see myself out).
Paddington, City of Westminster
5. Heist Bank
[Heist Bank]Part art gallery, part bar and part vintage games arcade, this trendy open space restaurant is a cool spot for a casual meal. Self-described as ‘the new playground for grown ups in Paddington’ you can channel both your big kid Londoner and retro hipster as you play on the Nintendo 64 and 90s style Table Football downstairs. The games room is available for private hire and even has a karaoke system and pop-up bar. Enough about the silliness – the pizza at Heist Bank is also pretty sensational (we recommend the lamb, lemon, feta and rocket!) and to really finish off the ‘children’s-birthday-party-esque’ vibe we also suggest indulging in a banana boat, a huuuuge dessert of banana, three flavours of ice creams, popping candy and hundreds and thousands!
5 N Wharf Rd, London W2 1LA
6. Banana Tree
[instagram: bananatreeuk]A short 10 minute walk from Paddington Station and a fantastic excuse to take a slightly longer detour along Little Venice, the Bayswater chain of Banana Tree brings delicious food from the Indochina region at this casual yet chic Asian-Fusion restaurant. Serving up a great selection of Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Singaporean dishes, we recommend the Crispy Seafood Moneybags for a salty, crunchy, fishy delight. Or treat yourself to a Thai classic with the Roast Duck Curry! The communal style table dining and fresh flavours of the food will transport you to a hot Asian climate instead of a dreary London evening… without the expensive plane ticket! For more Asian-fusion restaurants in London, have a look here!
21-23 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, London W2 4UA
7. Sup Yoga
[active360]Paddleboarding is a great new way to do yoga… on water! The Paddington Basin is home to Sup Yoga which is perfect for an alternative workout for you and your friends – you might be surprised by how fun it is!
Merchant Square, Paddington, London W2 1AS
8. Kurobuta
[Kurobuta-London]This energetic and super hip restaurant takes its inspiration from the Izakayas of Japan serving up smaller tapas style dishes. The food itself is unbelievably tasty — so much so that it’s original pop-up stall just wasn’t enough and Kurobuta now proudly boasts two permanent locations, the Marble Arch restaurant being only a 10 minute walk from Paddington station. We absolutely loved the Wagyu Beef Sliders served on steamed buns with crunchy onions, pickled cucumber and Umami mayo for a flavourful, soft yet crunchy mouthful of perfection. Or, for our veggie friends, the mushrooms served on a Hoba leaf with Gorgonzola, miso and pine nuts (featured above) will not disappoint! The buzzing atmosphere and colourful decor gives Kurobuta a chilled out feel so, go on, order yourself that Japanese beer or Asian-inspired cocktail! Better start practicing how to use chopsticks, eh?
17-20 Kendal St, London W2 2AW
9. Visit the Beer House
[the beer house uk]It’s a house of beer people!! I for one feel refreshed just looking at that picture. This charming little pub boasts a huge selection of lagers, ales, bitters and all sorts of other beers. Any booze loving Londoner who finds themselves in Paddington should definitely check out this beer-itful paradise.
[flickr: markheseltine] Okay, so I know I said there’s more to Paddington than the bear, but come on, while you’re there you might as well pay him a visit. He’s at the station and everything… and he’s apawable!
