From delicious dining and twinkling trees to carol concerts and wintry walks; Paddington has Christmas 2021 all wrapped up. Our A-Z guide will provide you with all you need to know on where to shop, feast, party and recuperate this festive season.
A is for Asian flavours at Ayllu and Aloo Tama. Tuck into sumptuous sounding menus of sushi and slow-cooked beef at Ayllu or grab warming Tibetan treats at the Aloo Tama food truck in Merchant Square.
B is all about Bondi at Brunel – a relatively new addition to the Paddington food scene. With double height ceilings, festive cocktails and souffles on the menu for starter and dessert; it’s the location for an extra special Christmas celebration.
C is carols sung by St Mary’s Choir. All are welcome to attend this free concert organised by Paddington Now BID, held under the twinkling tree lights in Norfolk Square Gardens on Thursday 9 December at 6pm.
D for Darcie and May, if you fancy floating whilst you feast. This colourful canal boat will be rustling up Christmas classics with an Aussie twist to help banish the winter blues.
E for essential items. Collections are being held at Paddington Central and Merchant Square for coats, non-perishable food and toiletries to help local foodbanks, homeless shelters and Afghan refugee families in Westminster. Further information about local causes seeking donations this Christmas can be found here.
F is for the Frontline Club; the go-to spot for journalists, photographers and anyone interested in international affairs. The venue boasts an award-winning restaurant where you’ll be able to enjoy plates of Norfolk game terrine, turkey with all the trimmings and bowls of steaming gingerbread pudding.
G means GoBoat gift vouchers – the perfect present for the adventurer in your life. Set sail from Paddington and enjoy a pleasant canal cruise in your self-drive, environmentally friendly electric boat.
H is for hilarity at Huckster, as you let your hair down and sing out your heart in the venue’s private karaoke party lounges. With 900 songs to choose from, there will be something to get everyone up at the mic!
I is us calling out for your support with the Imperial Health Charity’s Winter Appeal. Called Time to Play, the fundraising campaign aims to re-develop the play space at St Mary’s into an engaging and vibrant environment for children facing life-threatening illness. Donate here.
J for a jam-packed programme at Grand Junction – a unique arts and cultural venue located in a restored Grade 1 listed church in Paddington. Events include a two day festival celebrating the arts and culture of Palestine, an evening of relaxed folk music and the captivating sounds of the Fantasia String Orchestra.
K for KuPP – the place to head in Paddington for moreish meatballs, sumptuous smorgasbords and guaranteed hygge vibes. A Scandinavian sanctuary.
L takes you to Lush for the perfect stocking filler. The jingle bell bath bomb is a firm festive favourite and this year boasts a unique basked Alaska flavour. Lush can be found in Paddington Station.
M for musical performances at Paddington Central. From 8:45am – 9:15am on 30 November, 7 and 14 December, pupils from Queens Park Primary School choir will be spreading Christmas cheer as they serenade morning commuters with Christmas carols.
N for the newly renovated aviation themed bar at The Sussex Arms, complete with fittings from an A320 airbus. Located in the heart of Paddington, this unique venue is the perfect spot to grab a Christmas drink with friends.
O for one of a kind cards. Head to Paddington Central at lunchtime on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 November to purchase unique Christmas cards designed by members of local learning disability charitiy, Pursuing Independent Paths.
P has to be for Pergola Paddington. Escape the real world this winter and wonder at the twinkling lights, snow-dusted pine trees and unmissable seasonal festivities at Pergola. From daytime après ski to evening winter-warming festive menu specials, book tickets here.
Quintessentially British pubs in Paddington. The festive pie, on the menu of Paddington’s Greene King Pubs; The Fountains Abbey, The Dickens Tavern and the Sawyers Arms, is filled with an entire Christmas lunch encased in a picture perfect shortcrust pastry, now you don’t get more British than that! Each pub offers a completely unique atmosphere and they have festive menus for every occasion.
R for Roseate House and its indulgent Winter Wonderland package. As well as tickets to the magical Hyde Park extravaganza, you’ll receive complimentary mulled wine on arrival and a hearty cooked breakfast to set you up for the day.
S is switching on the Merchant Square Christmas lights. Join the fun on the Pocket Park on Thursday 25th November from 5:30pm. There will be complimentary mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate, mince pies and live entertainment.
T for tales told by puppets aboard Paddington’s Puppet Theatre Barge. Throughout November and December, audiences will be able to enjoy a magical story about baboons on the moon, captivating light shows and a visit from the original puppet himself, Pinocchio!
U for The Union – the perfect spot for Christmas parties and gatherings with friends and colleagues. There are a variety of festive food and drinks packages available, space for dancing and cocktail making classes available.
V marks volunteering and all that Paddington companies will be doing to give back to the community this Christmas. We’re looking forward to sorting donations, cooking lunches, transforming schools and care homes into grottos and wrapping Christmas gifts for local residents. Read more about how you can support the Paddington community here.
W for wintry walks along the canal towpath. There are so many treasures to spot along the way. Bears, bridges, bronzes and busts can all be admired as you explore the Paddington art trail.
X is the xenial welcome you’ll receive at St David’s. Offering all the warmth and character you could need on a festive trip to the capital, the St. David’s Hotel have 11 newly refurbished rooms including a brilliant family room with bunkbeds. Book now for a 10% discount using the telephone booking code Christmas 2021. There is a free upgrade to the new rooms subject to availability, valid until 27th December 2021.
Y is where to pick up Yuletide treats at any time of day. Head to the Bonne Bouche bakery on Praed Street for mouthwatering festive pastries and cakes.
Zzzzz…there are plenty of places to lay your head and extend your stay in Paddington. Why not check out The Park Grand at Lancaster Gate. They are offering the Capital Christmas package which includes accommodation in a club room, full English breakfast, red velvet afternoon tea and a special Christmas turn down service.
