23 essential places to visit in Paddington

More than just the namesake of a famous bear, this pocket of W2 is packed with good stuff old and new. Explore it with local tips from Time Out Tastemakers.

Best breakfast

‘Pastries from Granier Bakery Café. If you’re around in the evening, it does freshly baked baguettes too!’ Lee Hiang Seah

Best lunch

‘Make your NYC pizzeria dreams come true at Mulberry Street, with either a thin-crust slice or the famous 20-inch giant pie.’ Annette Boateng

‘The lobster noodles at Mandarin Kitchen hit the spot every time! It’s best at lunch as there’s less of a crowd.’ Lee Hiang Seah

‘Coco di Mama’s gluten-free pasta is my go-to Friday treat! Don’t forget the added truffle oil.’ Stephanie Chan

Best dinner

‘Four Seasons for its legendary roast duck. I also love Gold Mine for delicious and authentic Chinese food.’ Edelyn Brawidjojo

‘The best vegan spot is Café Forty One. It offers classics with a vegan twist, based on seasonal and sustainable ingredients, and it even has vegan French patisserie.’ Evie Möller

Best cheap eat

‘Fresco in Westbourne Grove. It has a predominantly Lebanese menu and can get
busy at lunchtime.’ Marianna Meloni

Best thing to Instagram

‘Paddington Basin and its moving footbridges. Find out when the Merchant Square Bridge (aka the Fan Bridge) is in action, or go spot the Rolling Bridge!’ Ioanna Laskari

‘Darcie & May Green is a café and floating piece of pop art by Peter Blake. After taking pics there, have a knees-up or an Aussie-style brunch.’ Annette Boateng

‘The Paddington Bear statue at Paddington station. It’s an iconic thing to see for small and big kids.’ Edelyn Brawidjojo

Best thing to do

‘Rent a GoBoat – it can be for up to eight people – and sail down the canal. So fun.’ Joanne Mortlock

‘Just hang out in Sheldon Square amphitheatre on a sunny day with friends.’ Stephanie Chan

Best place for a date

‘Queens Skate Dine Bowl has 12 bowling lanes, curling and karting on ice, as well as skating. If you’re feeling peckish, dine at Meat Liquor afterwards. It’s a win-win!’ Annette Boateng

‘At Pergola Paddington you can have some cocktails, take your pick of what you want to eat – from burgers to noodles (or have a taste of them all) – and soak up a great view! Can’t go wrong.’ Leena Shah

Best street to walk down

‘Radnor and Bathurst Mews for photogenic houses and the horses from Ross Nye Stables (based in Bathurst).’ Duygu Cook

‘Leinster Gardens, where you can challenge your friends to spot where the fake houses are.’ Marianna Meloni

Best green space

‘Surprise – it’s Kensington Gardens. Its north side is often overlooked but has nice landscapes and gardens. It’s also more relaxed.’ Ioanna Laskari