Looking for the best cafes in Paddington? Brilliant! This west London transport hub has transformed from a total coffee desert into a thriving speciality scene.
Tucked just north of Hyde Park with fab connections to Heathrow and Oxford Street (10 minutes by tube!), Paddington now buzzes with Australian-inspired brunch spots along the Grand Union canal and cozy independent cafes.
Whether you’re on a flying visit, killing time during a layover, or exploring Paddington Basin’s gorgeous waterside paths, these five cafes will sort you out.
Beany Green
Best For: Canal-side Australian brunch vibes
Beany Green brings proper Aussie vibes to Paddington’s canal-side at Sheldon Square (W2 6EZ).
This roomy, sun-drenched spot serves Allpress Redchurch blend espresso alongside those iconic lamingtons and seriously healthy lunch options.
The big windows frame leafy views of the Grand Union canal, while the outdoor terrace (complete with turquoise wicker seating) gives you a front-row seat to Sean Henry’s life-sized Two Figures sculpture.
Since opening, it’s become the neighborhood’s go-to for flat whites and home-made banana bread, standing out among Vegan Cafes in London. Could happily spend hours here!
Opening: Daily, 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends
Atmosphere: Bright, spacious Australian cafe with stunning canal views and relaxed outdoor seating perfect for lingering
Menu highlights:
- Allpress Redchurch blend flat whites
- Home-made banana bread
- Classic Australian lamingtons
- Healthy lunch bowls and salads
Darcie & May Green
Best For: Unique floating cafe experience
Fancy coffee on actual canal boats? These twin narrowboats moored stern-to-stern in Paddington Basin (W2 6DS) are absolutely brilliant.
May Green handles the coffee (The Roasting Party beans) and cocktails, while Darcie Green serves up Aussie-inspired dishes.
What makes them genuinely special? Peter Blake’s pop art exterior and that dreamy shared roof terrace with pink umbrellas!
On sunny days, grab Bloody Marys for brunch on the lower decks or head up top for summer evening suppers, a vibe that reminds me of the best cafes in Richmond.
One of London’s most unique coffee experiences, honestly.
Opening: Daily, 8am-11pm (kitchen hours vary)
Atmosphere: Quirky narrowboats with Peter Blake pop art, pink umbrellas, and shared rooftop terrace on the canal
Menu highlights:
- The Roasting Party coffee
- Weekend brunch Bloody Marys
- Aussie-inspired breakfast dishes
- Craft beers and cocktails
Daisy Green
Best For: Original Australian all-day breakfast spot
This is where it all began! Daisy Green on Seymour Street (just two blocks from Marble Arch) is the original spot that launched the whole Beany Green empire.
Serving The Roasting Party’s Party Blend with decaf on the second grinder, it’s got that same quirky charm but feels more established than some Cafes Near Oxford Circus.
The all-day breakfast menu runs until late, joined by innovative lunch from 11 o’clock. Upstairs, there’s a delightful mezzanine with a long communal table (though those beautifully-tiled walls can create a bit of an echo chamber when it’s busy).
Full table service makes it perfect for lingering.
Opening: Daily, 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends
Atmosphere: Quirky original cafe with mezzanine seating, tiled walls, and full table service in relaxed setting
Menu highlights:
- The Roasting Party Party Blend
- All-day Australian breakfast menu
- Innovative lunch dishes from 11am
- Aussie-inspired cakes and treats
Treelogy Speciality Coffee
Best For: Expertly roasted coffee pre-train grab
Right next door to Paddington station at 50 Eastbourne Terrace, Treelogy is perfect for coffee connoisseurs grabbing something exceptional before their train.
This stylish spot roasts beans in-house (seriously high quality, ethically-sourced stuff) and has a faithful following of locals who’ve got their regular orders down pat.
Choose from 12 filter coffee options, or stick with espresso. Don’t miss the fresh-baked cinnamon buns with pistachio!
Pro tip: it’s right beside the Real Time Paddington clock by Maarten Baas, where a figure inside literally redraws the time every minute. Worth timing your visit!
Opening: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm; weekends vary
Atmosphere: Stylish coffee shop with in-house roasting, located next to the famous moving Real Time clock
Menu highlights:
- In-house roasted ethically-sourced beans
- 12 filter coffee options
- Fresh-baked cinnamon buns with pistachio
- Focaccia sandwiches and bagels
Harrison’s Coffee
Best For: Chilean coffee and pastries
Harrison’s Coffee at 3 Spring Street (W2 3RA) does coffee the Chilean way, and it’s absolutely lovely.
Just minutes from Paddington’s busy heart, this handsome terrace spot serves home-baked Chilean cakes (think lemon pies, alfajores, or the incredible torta hojarasca con manjar… 1000 layer cake with gooey dulce de leche!).
Settle at a pavement table or head inside for a cosy meal featuring home-made empanadas and Chilean bread.
The Chilean-inspired breakfast and lunch menus are distinctive and delicious. Cappuccinos served in proper ceramic cups, naturally!
Opening: Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-5pm; closed Mondays
Atmosphere: Cosy terrace cafe in period townhouse with pavement tables and Chilean homemade specialities
Menu highlights:
- Home-baked Chilean lemon pies
- Alfajores and torta hojarasca
- Home-made empanadas
- Chilean bread and inspired breakfast
Final Thoughts
Paddington’s coffee scene has genuinely transformed!
From Australian-inspired canal-side spots to that brilliant Chilean cafe, there’s proper quality coffee throughout the neighborhood now.
Whether you’re catching a train, exploring Paddington Basin’s waterside walks, or just fancying excellent brunch, these five cafes showcase what makes this area so special.
They’re all within walking distance of Paddington tube station, making them super accessible for visitors and locals alike.
Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your favorites!
