News

Seven of the best… cocktail bars

Everything seems better with a martini in your hand, so we’ve put together a selection of some of Paddington Central’s finest mixologists and gin joints for you to explore.

Beany Green

Not content with producing Paddington’s best coffee by day, Beany Green comes alive in the evening –  in no small part due to their amazing cocktails. With a menu of classics as well as a signature cocktail list that changes by the season, there really is something for every occasion. Personally, we can’t get enough of the espresso martini (Absolut vodka, Kahlua, Creme de Cacao, and their very own house bend Beany Green espresso).

Beany Green
6C Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6EZ

Ayllu

Hidden beneath the hustle and bustle of Paddington Central, Ayllu is a plush, cosy haven and the perfect place to linger a while with friends over innovative Peruvian-Japanese (trust us – it works!) sharing plates and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the pisco sour (a Peruvian classic featuring pisco – a South American brandy – with citrus fruits and bitters), a jug of sangria for the table or, if you’re feeling adventurous, they also have some refreshing beer-based cocktails

Ayllu
25 Sheldon Square (Beneath Smith’s Bar & Grill), Paddington Central, W2 6EY

HUCKSTER

Grab yourself a Koko Loco (Koko Kanu rum, Patron tequila, lime, sugar and soda) and prepare to be transported back to the grit and the glamour of New York in the 80s. HUCKSTER’s team of world-class international bartenders have infused the cocktail menu with the essence the infamous Manhattan party scene in a space that showcases a unique convergence of world-class mixology and graffiti street art.

HUCKSTER
4 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, W2 6BD

Pergola Paddington

A secret hideaway in the heart of west London’s busiest business district, Pergola Paddington is the perfect place to kick back with a cocktail with some of your favourite people. Pergola has a small but perfectly formed cocktail list (the sloe negroni is a fantastic twist on the Italian classic) as well as a delightful selection of spritzers, which are a bit like cocktails for people who love a splash of prosecco.

Pergola Paddington
5 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, W2 6PY

Smith’s Bar & Grill

Smith’s is the perfect venue for a long, leisurely lunch and has an extensive range of aperitifs, cocktails (you absolutely can’t go wrong with their classic Tom Collins), and shots to enjoy before, during, and after your meal. Keep an eye out on their website for buy-one-get-one-free offers that appear from time to time throughout the year.

Smith’s Bar & Grill
25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6EY

The Union

The Union offers a modern take on the classic canal-side bar and its cocktail list changes by the season. You’ll always find a few familiar classics – and the occassional off-beat (but always inspired) one –  but we keep coming back for their Long Island Iced Tea. It’s delightful.

The Union Bar
4 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6EZ

Novotel, Paddington

The Novotel’s buzzing bar offers the perfect place to relax and unwind of an evening. In stylish surroundings – or indeed from the comfort of your own room – choose from a list of cocktail classics (we’re not sure the Bombay Bramble counts as one of your five a day, but there’s definitely real fruit in there) as well as a well-crafted list of mocktails. 

Novotel Paddington
3 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, W2 6BD

Stay up to date with the latest news and events on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and share your favourite cocktail tips and photos with #PaddingtonCentral

Last updated Wednesday 4 October, 2023