Where To Eat, Drink & Shop In This Cool London Neighbourhood
THE WALK:
Little Venice & The Pretty Streets
Warwick Avenue, Randolph Crescent & Warrington Crescent
Start at Warwick Avenue or Maida Vale tube station before taking a wander through the surrounding streets. Grand period properties, leafy pavements and elegant mansion blocks give this corner of west London its distinctive character.
Little Venice & Blomfield Road
Follow the waterways around Little Venice, where colourful narrowboats, waterside paths and leafy views make for a lovely afternoon stroll. Blomfield Road is particularly picturesque, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee.
Rembrandt Gardens
If you need a breather, head to this small waterside garden near Little Venice. It’s a peaceful place to pause between stops, especially on a sunny day.
THE FOOD:
Where To Eat & Drink
The Hero
A neighbourhood pub with considerably more going on than a quick pint, The Hero is one of Natalie’s standout spots. Part of the Public House Group, it pairs a traditional pub atmosphere with a more considered approach to food and interiors.
55 Shirland Road, W9 2JD
Visit THEHEROW9.COM
Sushi Murasaki
For Japanese food, Sushi Murasaki is a name worth knowing. The intimate restaurant prides itself on its sushi and carefully prepared Japanese dishes, making it a good choice for a more low-key dinner away from the bustle of central London.
Visit OPENTABLE.CO.UK
Clifton Nurseries
One of the neighbourhood’s most charming stops, this historic garden centre is a destination in its own right. Browse the plants, flowers and gardening accessories before heading to the café, tucked inside a glasshouse surrounded by greenery. It’s a lovely spot for morning coffee, a croissant or a leisurely brunch.
Visit CLIFTON.CO.UK
Waterside Café
For something more casual, this canal-side café is a good place to pause during a walk around Little Venice. Come for a coffee and a relaxed waterside setting before continuing along the towpath.
Follow @WATERSIDECAFE
The Summerhouse
A classic Little Venice choice for a long lunch, The Summerhouse makes the most of its position beside the canal. Seafood is the focus here, with a great drinks list.
60 Blomfield Road, W9
Visit THESUMMERHOUSE.CO
The Waterway
Another good option for canal-side dining, The Waterway has a terrace overlooking the water and a menu suited to everything from a leisurely lunch to drinks with friends. If the weather is on your side, ask for a table outside.
54 Formosa Street, W9 2JU
Visit THEWATERWAY.CO.UK
Laville Restaurant
For Italian food, Laville is Natalie’s pick for rounding off an afternoon in the area. Situated on Edgware Road, it offers a sit-down option for those looking to turn a neighbourhood wander into a longer evening out.
453 Edgware Road, W2
Visit LAVILLERESTAURANT.CO.UK
THE BROWSE:
Independent Finds
Formosa Street
This is the street to explore when you fancy a browse between coffee and lunch. Its independent businesses give the neighbourhood a more personal feel than a conventional high street, with places to pick up flowers, gifts and other finds.
The Brimful Store
An independent boutique to seek out while exploring Formosa Street, The Brimful Store is a good stop for those who prefer discovering smaller businesses to browsing familiar chains.
1 Formosa Street, Maida Vale, W9 1EE
Visit W9MAIDAVALE.COM
Formosa Flowers & Chocolaterie
A florist and chocolatier in one, this is a lovely place to pick up a bunch of flowers or a small gift. It’s the kind of neighbourhood shop that makes a stroll around Formosa Street worth building into your day.
2 Formosa Street, Maida Vale, W9 1EE
Visit W9MAIDAVALE.COM
Planning To Visit? Here Are Some More Maida Vale Spots To Know…
Canal
For a more contemporary take on waterside dining, Canal makes a particularly good addition to the list. Overlooking the Grand Union Canal, the restaurant pairs considered interiors with a modern European menu, making it a destination for a proper dinner rather than just a pit stop during a walk.
11b Woodfield Road, W9 2BA
Visit CANALRESTAURANT.COM
Paulette
Part French bistro, part neighbourhood wine spot, Paulette is a lovely option for an unhurried lunch or dinner. Expect seasonal, comforting cooking, charcuterie, cheese and a thoughtfully sourced wine list.
18 Formosa Street, W9 1EE
Visit PAULETTELONDON.COM
Dhaba@49
For something different from the area's European bistros and canal-side menus, Dhaba@49 serves North Indian-inspired food on Chippenham Road. It’s a useful place to know for anyone exploring beyond Little Venice.
49 Chippenham Road, W9 2AH
Visit DHABA49.COM
Tsiakkos & Charcoal
A neighbourhood favourite for Greek food, Tsiakkos & Charcoal does delicious grilled meat and mezze, all served in a lively, informal atmosphere. It’s less about a polished canal-side setting and more about sharing generous plates with friends.
5 Marylands Road, W9 2DU
Visit TSIAKKOS.CO.UK
Cru ’78
Wine fans should make a beeline for Cru ’78 on Clifton Road. This neighbourhood bar offers a sizeable selection by the glass, alongside bottles to take home, with cheese, charcuterie and small plates to keep things going.
10 Clifton Road, W9 1SS
Visit CRU78.COM
The Prince Alfred
For a pub with real period character, The Prince Alfred is a Maida Vale institution. Its Victorian interiors make it worth a visit in their own right, while the adjoining Formosa Dining Room gives you the option of staying for a proper meal.
5A Formosa Street, W9 1EE
Visit THEPRINCEALFRED.COM
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