Christmas in Paddington, our top picks
As Paddington becomes crisp and autumnal and the nights draw in earlier, check out our picks of the best winter spots to eat, drink and party. With venues to complement a variety of budgets and tastes Paddington is without doubt the place to be this Winter.
Best for Classy Cocktails
This is a real hidden gem, like a scene out of a James Bond film, with grand oil paintings, a roaring fire and cosy corner couches, it feels like it has been there for decades. Along with a menu of small plates it prides itself on lists of wine, whisky, gin and cocktails and rather impressively manages to do all of them well.
Cosiest Pub
The interior harks back to the 19th century, with roaring fires, a gorgeous curving bar and numerous alcoves for privacy. It's said that Charles Dickens wrote some of Our Mutual Friend at its tables and the website lists Claudio Ranieri, Ronnie Wood, Damien Hirst, Keira Knightley and Liam Gallagher as patrons.
Best for Groups
Good news! Pergola is back for a dose of winter magic. Returning to the pop-up scene for the most wonderful time of the year, it comes fully equipped with all kinds of festive treats, including fairy lights and a windproofed sparkly roof. That's on top of plenty of fluffy blankets and a toasty heated patio to further ward off the cold.
This is the place to go for where everybody knows your name, and as a little tip don’t just stay for the delicious pizza, it’s a great place to drink with mates and watch the festive lights twinkling on the canal. They also have spaces and private rooms for gatherings or any size.
Something Special
If a Christmas party on dry land is just too hum drum for you, then why not party your way down the Grand Union Canal towards Little Venice on the London Shellco Barge. Siblings Harry and Leah Lobek have ditched their day jobs in order to bring you fresh, ethically sourced seafood. This December they are offering condensed midweek lunch cruises, three courses for £35 on top of their usual evening cruises. They also do private hire and can get up to 20 around one table.
Grab a bunch of mates and get in the festive mood with Cork and Bottles’ Champagne Tasting Dinner on November 20 at 7.30pm. Go in as amateurs and come out as experts on the elegant aromas of Maison Champagne Deutz of Ays, France, a founding member of Champagnes Grandes Marques Houses. To book your places contact Vash on 0207 262 1485.
Best for Families
This is a friendly place, perfect for the entire brood and just opposite the green space of Norfolk Square Gardens. Enjoy a delicious Christmas meal in a choice of different spaces and rooms or go for the buffet option for £19.95.
Best for A Work Do
Take the stress out of planning and leave it to the Hilton London Paddington. They have unique spaces and experienced teams to help you pull it all together, so that you can enjoy a Christmas celebration to remember. Whether you choose to celebrate with a formal sit-down dinner or an informal party with sharing platters, they’ll help you craft your perfect Christmas.
If it’s a good old knees up you are looking for in a jolly place with space then try one of these Paddington pubs:
The Waterway - It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas over there with their delicious mulled wine back on the menu.
The Fountains Abbey has two large Function Rooms with private bars and toilets, perfect for Christmas parties.
Dickens Taverns may have a quaint exterior, but this traditional pub will surprise you, known by the locals as ‘London’s longest pub’.
Sawyers Arms has a whopping six different Christmas Menus to suit your every need this Christmas.
For more festive inspiration and activities in the area click here.
10.11.17
