Looking for the top places to eat and drink in and around Paddington? Our ultimate guide has got you covered. From the best Paddington Basin restaurants to cozy pubs and watery activities, we've tracked down everything you need for a perfect day out.
While Paddington may be known for a certain bear, the neighborhood also offers easy access to Regent's Park and Hyde Park, as well as the picturesque waterways of the Paddington Basin. Historic pubs and bars line the streets, but trendy cafes and venues are also popping up in the area. Get ahead of the crowds and discover these hidden gems now.
Our guide includes a knock-out dinner experience on board the Prince Regent and the ultimate Instagram spot, so don't forget your camera. Plus, by visiting these businesses post-lockdown, you'll be supporting small businesses in the area.
Don't miss out on the best Paddington Basin restaurants and other hidden gems - start exploring today.
Paddington and Little Venice: 7 Ideas for a Great Day Out
Eat at London Shell Co's restaurant on board the Prince Regent
There's probably no London location more fitting for eating the finest British seafood than on a gentle cruise along the canals, spotting giraffes at London Zoo and picnic-ers in Regent's Park (and yes, you can feel smug that your meal will definitely be better than theirs). You'll be treated to five courses of UK-fished seafood, all served at your candle lit table. Oh yes, this is very, very romantic – and it beats three months of TV dinners. Go on, you deserve it. One of the best restaurants in Little Venice.
Learn to paddleboard
Everyone's seen that classic paddleboarding Insta shot: you're gracefully perched on the board, gliding on the water with ease. The reality is probably a bit less, erm, steady than that. But our private paddleboarding masterclass for two gives you time to master everything to need to know, plus a trick or two, over the course of a 1.5 hour session in Kew Bridge, Brentford Lock or Paddington. Stand up, make sure the camera's getting your good side, and watch the likes stream in.
Soak up the vibes at Pergola Paddington
Sunny day? Make for the rooftop at Pergola, where you can sip a drink or five underneath blue skies and flower garlands. Come here for lunch, and you can nibble at plates from some of London's best street-food traders: Salt Shed, Temaki Bros, Babek Brothers and Thunderbird's crispy fried chicken, and gently ease yourself into your day out with a beer or and G&T.
Be master of your own ship
(image: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas)
Aye aye, captain! Take the wheel and sail your beloved along the waterways of Little Venice, packing an Aperol Spritz for max dolce vita vibes. Don't knock it till you've tried it – it's much closer (and cheaper) than a Venetian gondola.
Eat coffee and cake at KuPP
(image: domanske)
After a day of gentle cruising and boozing, perk yourself up with fika (coffee and cake) from Scandi-inspired cafe KuPP. Who needs holidays when you've got Paddington, eh?
Have a nightcap at The Heron
The Heron is as British a boozer as they come, complete with Windsor memorabilia, grandfather clocks and more, which means it's the perfect antidote to a day of carousing.
Don't miss: The Merchant Square Water Maze and Paddington Bear Statue
(image: markheseltine)
If you didn't Instagram it, were you even there? Give yourself to stop and find the photo opps on your adventures: try the glittering fountain in Merchant Square if you want to make a splash, or pat Paddington Bear on the head for luck on your way out of Paddington station.
main image: Dumphasizer
FURTHER READING: Not enough pubs for you? We've got all the pubs right here.
