A bustling city atmosphere, luscious green parks and world-class entertainment on your doorstep – these are just a handful of the benefits of living in Paddington. This area is home to an international community of families, students and professionals who take delight in all the experiences the neighbourhood has to offer.
Read on to discover more about life in this cosmopolitan and vibrant area of London.
A glimpse of Paddington’s history
The neighbourhood of Paddington is located in the London borough of Westminster. The name of the area dates back to the 10th century when it was originally written as “Padintune”, and a number of historians claim that it was an Anglo-Saxon settlement. In the 16th century, the settlement at Paddington Green began to develop and later in 1790 St Mary’s church was built. Notably, Paddington station opened in its first and temporary form in 1838. Further development also took place in the surrounding area, such as the construction of Georgian terraced houses and the famous St Mary’s hospital in 1845. The station was later extended and in 1850 permission was granted for a new permanent station to be built. Extensions and refurbishments of the station continued in 1904 and the 1930s, 1990s and early 2000s.
In contemporary times, a number of modern residential developments have been constructed as well as hotels and office buildings. Hence the area features a blend of modern and traditional buildings side by side.
What are the local attractions?
Paddington is close to a number of enticing attractions. For those who enjoy culture and history, an ample selection of museums await. The iconic Alexander Fleming Museum and Madame Tussauds wax museum are nearby, and simply cannot be missed. In nearby Marylebone, The Everyman Cinema on Baker Street offers a charming experience with its café, cocktail bar and lounge. On evenings when you are in the mood to explore Little Venice, nip across to the Canal Café Theatre. There you can enjoy drinks and traditional pub food before watching excellent cabarets, plays and stand-up comedy nights. Moreover, every summer open-air concerts are held just a short stroll away in beautiful Hyde Park, where friends and families meet for picnics and leisurely strolls. In November and December, the enchanting Winter Wonderland opens at the very same park with its rides, amusements and seasonal eateries.
Retail therapy at its very best
Paddington is perfectly positioned for the glorious retail delights of central London. Less than a ten-minute walk away the world-renowned Oxford Street and Regent Street beckon with a vast array of high street and high-end brands, as well as the exclusive department store of Selfridges which sells luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics, jewellery and home furnishings. For those who wish to take a slightly longer stroll, Marylebone High Street is an excellent option with its quaint fashion boutiques, bookstores and accessory shops.
Where to go for a great meal
For the foodies of this world, living in Paddington is a delight. This neighborhood offers the chance to explore a colourful spectrum of culinary adventures. If a classy Italian is what you are craving, the elegant Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli serves up picture-perfect dishes.
To enjoy an authentic brunch spot head to the highly rated Lockhouse in Paddington basin. If you feel like venturing a little bit further, try Café Laville where you can enjoy beautiful views out towards the Little Venice canal.
When planning a romantic date night dinner, book a table at Bel Canto on Bayswater Road where classically trained singing waiters will swoon you with their live opera performances.
If an indulgent late-night Lebanese meal is what you are craving, the renowned Maroush on Edgware Road is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants to visit.
Drinks, anyone?
When in search of an unbeatable and timeless atmosphere, The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is an ideal choice. The award-wining art deco cocktail bar and heated outdoor terrace offer the perfect space to relax and hide away from the bustle of the city with a well-deserved drink and cigar. Indoors you can explore the original photographs and love letters between Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine, which makes for a memorable experience. Contrastingly, a quintessentially British pub experience awaits at The Pride of Paddington, the Victoria and The Beer House by the station.
Getting around – exceptionally good transport links
Arguably one of Paddington’s best features is its excellent transport links. The famous Paddington station offers transport on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as connections to a number of key UK cities via the National Rail network. A key benefit is also the Heathrow Express which takes you from Paddington station to Heathrow airport in only 15 minutes. This makes Paddington a perfect place to live for those who frequently travel and require easy access to an international airport.
Luxury Living – Garrett Mansions
Garrett Mansions is a brand-new and luxurious development in the center of Paddington, London. The development features fully furnished and interior designed 1,2, and 3-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 536 sq. ft. to 1024 sq. ft, all of which enjoy outside space. The beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows welcome ample natural light into the apartments and create a bright and welcoming ambience. Garrett Mansions furthermore offers its residents access to an exclusive selection of luxury amenities including a 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art gymnasium, cinema room, residents’ lounge and conference facilities. Additionally the development features a residents-only spa complete with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatments.
Waterside Living – 4B Merchant Square
4B Merchant Square is located waterside, in the newly developed Paddington Basin. This contemporary block comprises 60 luxury 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments set over 15 storeys, many of them with canal views. This prestigious waterside building benefits from private underground parking spaces, concierge service and round the clock security, as well as penthouses and apartments refurbished in a chic, contemporary style with high specification amenities and furnishings. All the apartments benefit from comfort cooling.
Can you see yourself living in Paddington?
If the area of Paddington sounds interesting to you, perhaps this could be your next London neighbourhood. Call us today on +44 (0)20 7408 5155 or email our lettings team at lettings@residentialland.com to find out more about the stunning rental apartments we have available at Garrett Mansions and Merchant Square.
At Residential Land all of our properties are managed in-house so you will deal directly with the landlord. Furthermore, all of our tenants benefit from the service of dedicated building managers and 24-hour maintenance support. We have a 30+ year track record of success and are one of London’s largest landlords, so you can rest assured that renting with us will be a smooth and seamless process.
