Nestled in the embrace of West London, where the Thames weaves tales of tipple and the air is scented with the promise of gastronomic delights, Paddington is rising as a nocturnal haven.
Whether you’re yearning for a rendezvous with a view or simply seeking a spot to unfold your evening tales, W2 has uncorked a realm of possibilities. In the spirit of liquid exploration, we’ve charted the course to unveil the top bars in the area. Join us on this happy adventure!
Vagabond
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Location: 6a Sheldon Square, London W2 6DL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 4599 8611
Calling Vagabond one of the best bars in Paddington is like declaring Shakespeare a pretty decent playwright. This urban winery, born from a small shop in Fulham in 2010, has spread its grapevine across London, with a crown jewel in Paddington.
Their philosophy? Great wine is not an exclusive affair – it’s for everyone.
Here, they’ve got futuristic wine machines, almost as if borrowed from a sci-fi epic, that let you explore over 100 wines in the coolest way possible. And if you’re more of a hops enthusiast, they’ve got 10 self-pour craft beers that practically beg you to get stuck in.
Pergola
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Location: 5 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8187 1035
During the day, you can bask in the glory of Pergola’s perspex roof, enjoying a drink in a sheltered haven. And when the weather decides to play nice, venture towards the open-air spots – rain or shine, Vagabond has you covered. Literally.
Drinking here is always an experience, with four self-service restaurants, two full bars, daybeds that you can book for the ultimate lounging extravaganza, and DJs on the weekend turning the vibe up to eleven.
Darcie and May Green
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Location: Grand Union Canal, Sheldon Square, Central W2 6DS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3935 9045
Darcie and May Green are like the dynamic duo of libation luxury, the Batman and Robin of beverage brilliance. It doesn’t come much cooler than sipping at Darcie and May Green.
Imagine this: a place where the atmosphere is as vibrant as the concoctions they whip up. These bars are crafting liquid symphonies that dance on your taste buds.
And let’s talk about the setting – it’s a visual feast. Nestled on two 50-meter barges floating on the London canal, designed by none other than British pop artist Peter Blake, these bars are without a doubt among the most unique outdoor watering holes in Paddington.
Skylark Roof Garden
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Location: 10th Floor, 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7846 1985
Skylark Roof Garden is like the VIP section of the city’s skyline, where every drink comes with a side of altitude and a splash of sophistication. It’s a cloud-nine oasis and one heck of a brunch spot in London.
Perched on the tenth floor above Hyde Park, Notting Hill, and Little Venice, the place offers views that turn sipping into a celestial affair. It’s an elevated experience, quite literally! The rooftop setting lets you enjoy West London’s skyline while indulging in liquid postcards that pair perfectly with the breathtaking scenery.
Lockhouse
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Location: 3 Merchant Sq, London W2 1JZ, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 7706 4253
With a selection of craft beers that’s like a global beer summit – both draught and bottled, with up to 20 international craft beers on tap – Lockhouse is a liquid journey around the world without leaving your seat.
And if your taste buds start throwing a hunger tantrum, fear not! The Lockhouse’s award-winning burgers and signature dishes are ready to steal the spotlight on your palate.
Cocktails? Premium wines? Oh, they’ve got those too! The Lockhouse isn’t just one of the best bars in Paddington, it’s the conductor of a taste orchestra, ready to elevate your drinking and dining experience to a crescendo.
Huckster
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Location: 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7846 1985
Nestled downstairs from Skylark Roof Garden, this colossal watering hole pays homage to Manhattan and flaunts its vibrant personality with graffiti art that’s practically a visual party.
For those seeking revelry and libations, Huckster is the definitive destination. It’s a nocturnal oasis where the cocktails are the stars of the show, and the ambience is so vibrant that even the ice cubes are breaking it down on the dance floor.
And oh, the adventure doesn’t stop at the drinks. Huckster’s street food, a culinary passport to global flavours, is a gastronomic journey in itself. With international bartenders in the mix, the authenticity quotient is cranked up to 11, making every moment feel like a sip of worldly wisdom.
The Union Bar Paddington
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Location: 4 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7289 3063
In the heart of Little Venice, this bar is the social glue that binds cocktail aficionados, craft beer enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs alike. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best bars that effortlessly combines a relaxing afternoon of drinks and tapas, you’ve just hit the liquid jackpot.
Positioning itself as a modern spin on the classic canal-side bar, The Union not only offers refreshing lunches but manages to turn sipping into an art form. And guess what? It’s not just a place for refined sips and bites, it’s also the reigning champion of sports bars in Paddington.
Smith’s Bar & Grill
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Location: 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7286 9458
If Paddington’s nightlife were a constellation, Smith’s would be the North Star, guiding revellers to an evening of celestial delights.
With a location that practically screams, “Join the party!”, Smith’s boasts a wide selection of cocktails that could rival Paddington’s skyline. Flash the bartenders a cheeky grin, and they’ll embark on a liquid adventure to craft whatever your taste buds desire.
But wait, there’s more! The dinner menu at Smith’s is a culinary journey in itself, offering an array of choices from succulent steaks to fresh seafood, salads, and tempting sides.
BrewDog
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Location: Unit 1, West End Quay, Harbet Rd, London W2 1JX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3026 9769
Nestled not too far from Paddington Station, BrewDog boasts an arsenal of beers, wines, spirits, and even Hawkes cider, making it the ultimate beverage battleground for your taste buds.
And for those who prefer a view with their brew, fear not! You can perch at BrewDog, gaze out at the basin, and contemplate the meaning of life over a burger for lunch.
Plus, BrewDog caters to all, with plenty of vegan beer options and a menu featuring a lineup of vegan delights. Cheers to the brews, the views, and the vegan-friendly vibes!
Ayllu
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Location: Located beneath Smith’s Bar & Grill, 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8054 0385
Located under Paddington Central, Ayllu is a clandestine cavern of love where the beats of the DJ, serenading on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day on Saturday, create a soundtrack for your romantic escapade.
On top of this, Ayllu goes above and beyond by offering Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine, turning your date night into a culinary journey that’s as adventurous as it is amorous.
And let’s talk ambience – Ayllu’s moody interior, complete with irresistibly comfortable seats, sets the stage for a fiery date night like no other.
The Green Man
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Location: 308 Edgware Rd, London W2 1DY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7723 7980
Perched on the corner of Edgeware Road and Bell Street, this fun pub is a gastronomic adventure, and boy, do they know how to flip a patty!
Burgers, you say? Well, forget what you thought you knew because The Green Man has mastered the art of the patty. They’ve elevated it to a level where the mere mention of ‘The Juicy Bastard’ is enough to make burger aficionados weak at the knees.
Pride of Paddington
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Location: 1-3 Craven Rd, Tyburnia, London W2 3RF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7402 2156
The Pride of Paddington is the crown jewel in Paddington’s tiara of tipple, a pub with character and a cosy aesthetic that makes it stand out as one of the best in all of West London.
Here, you can take a seat, dive into a vast array of hearty British eats, and wash it all down with a pint of cask ale, a glass of vino, or perhaps a seasonal cocktail that’s as refreshing as the atmosphere.
Mad Bishop & Bear
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Location: 1st Floor, Paddington Station, London W2 1HB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7402 2441
With traditional mahogany fittings, seven real ales ready to froth at the tap, and a constant flow of hearty British classics, Mad Bishop & Bear is a culinary and liquid symphony.
It opens its doors at 8 am with a hearty breakfast, guiding commuters through the day until late, making it the ultimate pitstop for all your gastronomic and libation needs.
So, stop in early for the most important meal of the day, or swing by for a leisurely lunch featuring British classics like steak pie, fish & chips, and sausage & mash. The signature squad of Fuller’s ales ensures there’s always a frothy companion to your meal.
Heist Bank
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Location: 5 N Wharf Rd, London W2 1LA, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Heist Bank is the brainchild of the maestros behind London hotspots like The Elgin, The Gallery, Ask for Janice and Graphic.
This Paddington hangout, courtesy of the Urban Leisure Group, transforms a commercial space near the canal into a haven of industrial chic, specialising in wood-fired pizzas, fresh blooms, and an array of craft beers.
What’s great about this place is that they have a pool table for that ‘common room’ vibe, three contemporary bars, and a private hangout space. Heist Bank is a design symphony where laid-back aesthetics meet culinary excellence.
The Swan
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Location: 66 Bayswater Rd, London W2 3PH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7262 5204
Dating back to the 1700s when it served as the final libation haven for those unfortunate souls from the Tyburn Gallows (now Marble Arch).
Fast forward to today, and The Swan has gracefully transformed into one of the best pubs in Kensington, standing as a testament to both history and hospitality.
But the story doesn’t end there. The menu at The Swan is a symphony of classic British cuisine, featuring plates like braised Scottish beef feather blade and truffle mac and cheese. Feeling thirsty? This joint stocks some of the capital’s finest lagers, ales, and wines.
