When I get to Warwick Avenue,
Meet me by the entrance of the Tube…
The opening lines of Duffy’s 2008 top-three hit still loom large in the British public consciousness. Songwriting legend has it that the Welsh songstress, bemused by her first encounter with the Tube, accidentally took the Bakerloo Line in the wrong direction from Paddington. You can probably guess where she ended up, and thus a modern British classic was born.
Although Duffy undoubtedly had studio sessions or A&R meetings to attend elsewhere, Warwick Avenue is incidentally well worth a deliberate visit. It’s the home of Little Venice, where the iconic Regent’s Canal gives way to a small basin, lined with foliage and imbued with Italian flair.
Stroll through the canalside Rembrandt Gardens, whose flowers bloom with an explosion of colour every spring. Then head over to the independent Clifton Nurseries for your fix of all things botanical. It even features a beautiful café in a vaulted gable.
Grand Junction, a community-run arts centre based inside a converted church, sits alongside the south side of Little Venice. For a family-friendly taste of London’s local arts scene, it’s definitely worth checking out a performance here.
A stroll through the beautiful tree-lined streets, with some of London’s finest late regency architecture, will lead you to the cosy Prince Alfred. It’s one of London’s most intriguing historic pubs. Its most striking features are the original vaulted ceilings, defying its unassuming exterior. Also unusual are the original carved mahogany partitions around the bar. You’ll need to duck though; the partition doors are only four feet high!
For a contemporary gastropub experience (with no risk of bumped heads!) head to The Hero, a short walk away. This historic establishment is run by the same team as the famous Pelican pub in Notting Hill. With four floors, each conveying their own distinct atmosphere, no two visits are the same – and the food is reliably top-notch.
Meanwhile, Real Drinks offers a highly personal beer and wine experience. Half shop and half bar, this very continental establishment features an eclectic selection of worldwide wines, plus unique craft beers and ciders. There’s even a basement equipped with board games, and the expert staff are happy for a chat while they help you find your perfect beverage.
All of this, and much more, is easily accessible via a short canalside walk from Paddington Basin. Here you can stay in modern, air-conditioned comfort in this historic district. Check out our 3-bed, 2-bath home with city views and a 24-hour concierge, just minutes away from Paddington Station. Easily accessible from Heathrow Airport, and minutes away from many of London’s other iconic attractions, it’s the perfect vacation base.
Find out more at stayandescape.com/for-guests.
