Paddington
From the bustling commerce of Paddington Basin to the relaxed greenery of Little Venice, there's something for everyone here.
Nearest tube: Paddington, Warwick Avenue.
London's canal heartland is a great place to relax and enjoy the waterside atmosphere.
Bridge House (Paddington)
Address: 13 Westbourne Terrace Road
Paddington, W2 6NG
T: 020 7432 1361
Little Venice's Bridge House convincingly pulls off the trick of being both pub and theatre. Upstairs is the Canal Cafe Theatre, where the star attraction is topical satire at the regular Newsrevue. Downstairs, you can sink into comfortable sofas in the traditional bar while enjoying a pint. Busy with Paddington office workers at lunchtime and a young lively crowd in the evening.
Cafe Laville
Address: 453 Edgware Road, Little Venice
Paddington, W2 1TH
T: 020 7706 2620
Offering the best canal view in town, Cafe Laville perches on the western portal of the Regent's Canal Maida Hill Tunnel, looking towards Little Venice. Light bites make it a popular stop-off for breakfast and lunch, with salads, pasta and chargrills galore: there's a traditional dinner menu, too. Easy to find on the Edgware Road.
Jason's
Address: Jason's Wharf (Opp. 60), Blomfield Road
Paddington, W9 2PD
T: 020 7286 3428
Best known for the trip-boats that ply the Regent's Canal, Jason's also has a elegant glass-fronted restaurant on land. The regularly changing menu includes a particularly imaginative brunch selection, from black pudding breakfast to seared scallops. The trip-boats are based right outside the restaurant, so there's always plenty of activity to watch on the canal. For larger groups, ask about the Lace Plate party boat with its own waterborne menu.
Starbucks Coffee Co. (Paddington)
Address: 15 Sheldon Square
Paddington, W2 6DL
T: 020 7289 7381
Waterside Starbucks in the shiny new Paddington Basin development, catering mostly to the hordes of office staff now based in the area (Orange, Monsoon, Marks & Spencer etc.). Everything you'd expect from the world's largest coffee shop chain.
The Floating Boater
Address: Waterside, Warwick Crescent Little Venice
Paddington, W2 6NE
T: 0207 266 1066
Though the Floating Boater isn't strictly open to the passer-by, it seemed churlish for us to omit this well-established waterborne eating experience. Its two charter narrowboats, including the 1913 Lapwing, are available for parties of 12 upwards, cruising from their Paddington base along the Regent's Canal. Menus range from the 'Boaters' Picnic' to the cosmopolitan 'Cocktail Menu'. Ideal for an office party or wedding reception with a difference.
The Grand Union
Address: 45 Woodfield Road
Paddington, W9 2BA
T: 020 7286 1886
Now this is an absolute wonder - a gastro-pub specialising in traditional English fare, and especially, pies. We tried, and adored, the potato-topped chicken & mushroom and the filo pastry vegetable pie, and gave especially high marks to the accompanying veg. Though a waitress will come and take your order, the decor is pub-like and there's even a games table to keep you occupied while your food is cooked. The beers are nothing special, so go for wine instead. Mmmmm... pie.
The Waterway
Address: 54 - 56 Formosa Street
Paddington, W9 2JU
T: 020 7266 3557
Stylish canalside restaurant/bar, situated at the point where chic Little Venice turns into the decidedly less glamorous Westbourne Green. The Waterway attracts a young 'in the know' crowd who cherish this off-the-beaten-track venue. Highlights of the menu are the fish dishes - bream, trout, roast cod - while the desserts are particularly creative. The terrace provides pleasant views over the canal.
Waterside Cafe (Little Venice)
Address: Warwick Crescent
Paddington, W2 6NE
T: 020 7266 1066
Quite the most delightful cafe experience. The Waterside Cafe is situated on a narrowboat moored in picture-postcard Little Venice, the junction of the Grand Union and Regent's Canals. Bedecked with greenery and with friendly service, it offers the fastest way for the stressed Londoner to escape the hurly-burly of Paddington and the Westway. Recommended.
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