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Returning to the office at Paddington Central

Your Covid-safe guide to work, travel, wellbeing and dining out

If you’ve enjoyed working from home this year, you’ll also know it does have its pitfalls (bad coffee, laptop backache, endless Zoom calls) so as we begin to slowly return to offices this summer, we’ve collated a guide to the best things about being back at work at Paddington Central while staying Covid-safe and confident.

From outdoor and indoor dining and finding a new safe commute to fun things to do including karaoke at Huskster and hiring a self-driving boat to explore Regent’s Canal, read on and make the most of summer in London 2021. 

1. Embrace a new commute

As we start to enjoy more flexible ways of working, the packed commuter hour is hopefully a thing of the past. Transport For London are encouraging people across the capital to rethink their commute so they can walk and cycle to work if possible. 

If you’re thinking of cycling or walking, we recommend you use our handy journey planner here and, if you don’t have your own bike, Brompton Cycle Hire has a locker on Sheldon Square. With the iconic folding bikes available from just £3.50 a day, it’s an incredibly smart way to get round town. There is also a host of Santander Cycles ports around the outskirts of Paddington Central too.   

2. Finally, get a decent coffee

We have excellent news: Beany Green and Darcie & May Green are all open again with some of the best specialist coffee (made from beans sourced by their Aussie stablemates, The Roasting Party) in London. Starbucks (which has its own distanced ordering app) and Pret are also open for coffee, tea and takeaways. 

3. Relax in a safe and welcoming spot

With new signage, one-way systems, deep cleaning and hand sanitising stations alongside Plexiglass and PPE for our teams, we’re making sure that everyone who works and visits Paddington Central feels safe and protected. Read our useful guide here to find out how. 

4. Soak up some sun outdoors

You can enjoy the outdoor terraces of Smith’s Bar & Grill, Vagabond Wines, Beany Green, The Union and Darcie & May Green while catching up with friends or colleagues. See our helpful guide to dining outdoors at Paddington Central. 

5. Eat indoors and out

From 17th May, our cafes and restaurants will be able to deliver safe and distanced breakfast, lunches, brunches and dinner indoors and outdoors whatever the weather. From Pearl Liang’s delicious Chinese dishes to Vagabond Wines’ tasty sharing plates and artisan wines by the glass, explore all of our incredible and acclaimed spots here – you’ll want to book ahead. 

6. Keep an eye on your wellbeing 

Nuffield Health’s spin studio, swimming pool, gym and inspiring classes are open while their experienced and highly trained team are on hand to help you kickstart/boost your workout routine. For barber services and impeccable grooming, Pall Mall Barbers are also on hand to spruce up your look for summer and your return to the office. 

7. See you on the weekend 

Bottomless brunches are back at Pergola every Saturday with food from Filth&Co (“burgers with attitude”), Salt Shed’s barbecue chefs, gyozas and fresh ingredients from Niji Kitchen and Thunderbird’s award-winning chicken wings and milkshakes. Open on evenings too – it’s the perfect way to see friends or spending time with work mates outside the office this summer.

Huckster’s Sun Terrace will be running weekly Brunch parties, safe Karaoke evenings and Aperol and Endless Wings (these are incredibly popular so book ahead!) while London Shell Co are hosting lunch cruises from 17th May – book The Prince Regent or reserve the static The Grand Duchess here. For more information on Paddington Central’s bars and restaurants over the summer – see our Eat, Drink & Shop section. 

8. Take out a GoBoat on the canal

GoBoat is one of London’s most fun days out where you can simply hire a self-drive boat and sail through Little Venice, the 249m Maida Hill Tunnel, Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Camden Lock. From sailing with friends and family to seeing your work team safely outdoors and in person, find out more about hiring a boat here.

Heading to Paddington Central? Plan your visit

Last updated Wednesday 4 October, 2023