Planning a drink out in London? Paddington is definitely the place to be. The trendy bars in Paddington and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot to enjoy a night out with friends or colleagues.
And it doesn’t really matter what your preferences are; there’s something for everyone in Paddington – authentic British cafés, upmarket cocktail bars, and even more exotic venues serving food from all corners of the world.
So let’s get started, we’ve prepared the best bars in Paddington for a drink or a night out, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
7 Best Bars in Paddington, London
BrewDog Paddington
- Type: Beer Hall
- Address: Harbet Rd, London W2 1AJ
- Known For: Vegan Mondays and Fizz Fridays
BrewDog Paddington is the perfect spot for beer lovers looking to sample some of the best craft brews, from American Pale Ale to the Belgian Framboise. The bar offers a wide selection of BrewDog’s signature beers, such as the BrewDog VS Evil Twin, as well as guest brews from other top breweries.
And the food is also a must-try – indulge in the Jackpot Burger with a 7oz beef patty, chorizo, black pudding, and blue cheese. Doesn’t this sound like your dream bite?
Alternatively, for some proper snack food, make sure to try the Truffle Cheese Fries with veggie parmesan, truffle oil, garlic butter, and crispy onions.
Apart from that, BrewDog organises events that are also worth coming for. The most notable are the Vegan Mondays and Fizz Fridays, with the first offering 2 for 1 on their Veggie Menu, and on Fizz Fridays, you’ll get a bottle of Prosecco for £15 only.
All in all, with its industrial look, nice terrace outside, and outstanding menu, there’s very little you won’t like at BrewDog Paddington, so book your table today and come over!
Smith’s Bar & Grill
- Type: Bar & Grill
- Address: 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY
- Known For: Tomawhawk Steak served with Peppercorn Sauce and Lady Paddington Cocktail
Our second best bar in Paddington is Smith’s Bar & Grill, a sleek, contemporary lounge bar with leather booths and seats, mood lighting, and canalside tables. The perfect spot for a night out, Smith’s offers a variety of delicious cocktails and a menu of upscale comfort food.
The perfect meal here would be an entree of Pan-Fried Scallops served with Pea Purée, followed by the Lobster Tagliatelle with Chilli and Basil.
Let’s not forget the drinks. Many great cocktails are waiting for you, such as the Aperol Spritz and the Cosmopolitan – 2 of the most famous cocktails. Of course, you can also order one of their wines, and they have bottles from France, Italy, New Zealand, Argentina, and a lot more. You’ll have to come over to try their signature drinks, though.
The staff is ready to help you with anything, making sure that your evening is perfect, and you simply can’t go wrong with Smith’s Bar & Grill.
The Heron Bar and Restaurant
- Type: Bar and Restaurant
- Address: Norfolk Cres, Tyburnia, London W2 2DN
- Known For: The Thai Curries
We continue our list of best bars in Paddington with The Heron Bar and Restaurant, a classic English venue with a catch – they serve authentic Thai food that you’ll find exquisite.
From traditional green and red curries with beef, lamb, or pork straight from Bangkok to seafood salad Phuket and many more dishes, you’ll love it all from the very first bite to the last sip of your pint.
Talking about beverages, you’ll have a great time at their covered beer garden, whether you’re coming during summer days or winter nights.
Vagabond Paddington
- Type: Wine Bar
- Address: 6a Sheldon Square, London W2 6EZ
- Known For: Bottomless Afternoon Wine
Nestled in the picturesque neighbourhood of Paddington near the canal and steps away from Stone Wharf Park, Vagabond Paddington is a charming wine store and bar that offers an extensive selection of wines from all over the world.
Whether you’re looking for a bottle to take home or to sample on-site, Vagabond Paddington has something for everyone. In addition to their comprehensive wine list, they also offer an array of artisan cheese and charcuterie, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine with mates.
While visiting, don’t forget to try the sharing boards, which are what make Vagabond so special, besides the wine. You can choose between the Sharing Plate of Meat with cold cuts from local producers and French or Italy, the Sharing Platter of Cheese with delicious cheese, or a mix of both and please everyone in your group.
In addition, Vagabond organises Bottomless Afternoon Wine days, offering 90 minutes of bottomless wine with all their most succulent items on the menu to taste. And it starts from £32 only.
With its relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Vagabond Paddington is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and some conversation.
Skylark Roof Garden
- Type: Cocktail Bar
- Address: 10th Floor of the Paddington Central Kingdom Street – 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD
- Known For: Vulcan Pop Shrimp with Mint and Kalamansi Cucumber Raita
When looking for a breathtaking Skyline view of Paddington, one does not have to look any further than the Skylark Roof Garden. This intimate and convivial rooftop bar is perfect for enjoying cocktails and light fare while taking in the sensational views.
The expert bartenders are always on hand to create signature drinks using the freshest ingredients, and the menu features an array of delicious finger foods and small plates.
Let’s start discussing the drinks – they have wines, sparklings, cocktails, and even cocktail pitchers for bigger groups. Make sure to try the Strawberry & Rose Sangria with Fresh Strawberries, and the Aperol Spritz for summer days.
When it comes to food, we can’t help but notice the originality of the menu. The most notable dishes are the Jingwansa Fried Chicken with Smoked Garlic and Dashi Infused Sauce, and the Fushimi Fillet & Shrimp made with Teriyaki Aberdeen Angus Fillet Steak and King Prawn.
To conclude, the Skylark Roof Garden is sure to provide an unforgettable experience to watch the sunset over Paddington.
See Also: Best Pubs in Paddington, London
Pergola Paddington
- Type: Modern Bar
- Address: Paddington Central Kingdom Street – 5 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
- Known For: Wunderbar – the local Oktoberfest
Another impressive bar in Paddington is Pergola, a laid-back, posh-looking, expansive spot with forest decor and different menus to please everyone.
This is a great place to come for a casual meal or night out. The food is exclusive, and you shouldn’t skip the Burger El Pollo with Fried Chiltomate Chicken Breast and Guacamole at BurgerShack. On top of that, at Tacos Dos Mas, you will find some of the nicest tacos you’ve ever had – try the Fish Baja with Grilled Swordfish!
And lastly, the Prawn Ceviche at Crudo Cevicheria will make you the happiest you’ve been this year; thank us later.
On top of that, the staff is very attentive and will guide you with the best available drinks, from the Frozen Tequila Cocktails to the incredible House Cocktails.
And remember, every October, the yearly Wunderbar, the local Oktoberfest, takes place at Pergola, and we’re pretty sure it’ll remind you of your times back in Munich.
Heist Bank
- Type: Laid-back Bar
- Address: 5 N Wharf Rd, London W2 1LA
- Known For: The Chorizo, Red Chilli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza
Last on our list, but surely not the least, is Heist Bank, a specialist craft beer bar featuring unique pizzas in a chic industrial setting. The premises are designed to be comfortable and inviting, with an eclectic mix of furniture and fittings and a large open kitchen that allows guests to see the pizzas being prepared.
The menu offers a range of inventive toppings, including smoked ham, basil oil, and cashew nut feta. And for those who prefer something a little richer, there is also Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Wild Garlic Labneh and the Slow-Cooked Spiced Lamb with Garlic Yoghurt.
Naturally, with its extensive selection of beers, wines, and spirits, Heist Bank is the perfect place to relax and catch up with mates over a few drinks. And with its unique charm and atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this popular pub is fast becoming one of Paddington’s hottest destinations.
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Conclusion
If you’re ever in Paddington and on the hunt for a place to enjoy a cocktail with friends or colleagues, these are the bars that we recommend.
From the famous BrewDog and its unique beers to The Heron Bar and Restaurant and the delicious Thai food to the Skylark Roof Garden that will leave you stunned by the views, we’re confident you know the best bars in Paddington.
Have you ever tried any of these bars? Let us know here below, and we’re all ears if you know any more places worth checking out.