There’s a transportive quality to Maida Vale. Much like the Italian province, Maida, from which it takes its name, it’s peaceful and picturesque. The neighbourhood is arranged around the intersection of the Grand Union and Regent’s Canal, hence why a small pocket is named ‘Little Venice’. Colourful houseboats lie low along the water, while Italianate villas and red mansion blocks make up the other residences. The bucolic atmosphere here belies its fantastic proximity and transport links to central London – further reason for its growing appeal among city workers, creatives and families alike.
Artists have been living in Maida Vale and Little Venice since the 19th century and there still exists a lively cultural scene with year-round events at the infamous BBC Studios, Canal Café and Puppet Theatre Barge. Nature is abundant, too. There’s Paddington Green, a park filled with scattered trees where London’s ancient rural villages used to exist. Overlooking the canal, Rembrandt Gardens is an oasis of ornamental flower beds next to the weeping willows on Browning’s Island. For a longer stroll, Regent’s Park is close by.
One of the hottest tables in town, The Hero is also a serious contender for London’s most beautiful pub. Think stripped wood, plastered walls and chalkboards of daily specials – order a scotch egg and a cheese toastie (or two). There’s also a separate dining room and grill restaurant upstairs.
Head to Chelo for soulful Persian cuisine. Expect fragrance, flavour and colour as well as its legendary Tachin, a type of saffron baked rice. Be sure to order this alongside a selection of other house specialities and small plates.
Toile de jouy wallpaper, gingham tablecloths and clusters of vintage lighting sets a nostalgic tone at Paulette, which celebrates homemade, generational cooking. Recreate the French classics on the menu at home with produce from the deli, or enjoy a biodynamic wine tasting session.
Little Venice’s most charming eatery, Cafe Laville has a glass-clad veranda that overlooks Regent’s Canal. Serving morning coffees, afternoon teas and leisurely dinners, this Italian eatery is a favourite among locals and an often stumbled-upon gem for waterside walkers.
The Prince Alfred has been a neighbourhood drinking hole since the Victorian era and retains much of its fascinating historic design. There are period glass screens and ornate ceilings in the bar, while downstairs, an original coal cellar is now transformed into an intimate dining space. Located near Lord’s Cricket Ground, it’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post-game pint. Or head over on a Sunday for a roast.
A local for all seasons, The Warwick Castle has year-round appeal. Batten down the hatches in the cosy oak-panelled pub in the winter. Or bag an outside table beneath the hanging flower baskets when the sun shines.
Live music, wine tastings, comedy and quiz nights are among the many events hosted by The Elgin – a hybrid restaurant, bar and lounge. Exposed brick walls, reclaimed wall lighting and low-slung leather sofas provide a stylish backdrop for brunch, Sunday roasts and cocktails.
Every neighbourhood needs a foolproof coffee shop and for the residents of Maida Vale, it’s Ginger. Serving Italian coffee on Shirland Road, the welcome here is as warm as the drinks. The pastries and muffins are a must-try – as is the gelato.
'Maida Vale and Little Venice have been a magnet for artistic types since the 19th century and there still exists a lively cultural scene'
The Everyman needs little introduction. Its plush velvet sofas are some of the most comfortable cinema seats around. The Maida Vale branch on Sutherland Avenue has two screens and a cocktail bar. Order popcorn (and pizzas and sharing plates) straight to where you’re sitting.
One of West London’s most renowned fringe performance venues, the Canal Café Theatre is a hub of cabaret, comedy and creativity. Some of the country’s leading entertainers have performed here, as well as a host of up-and-coming sketch, spoken word and musical artists. The venue is situated above the Bridge House Pub, a convenient spot for post-show drinks.
The Puppet Theatre Barge – the only venue of its kind in the UK – embodies the eclectic, creative spirit of Little Venice. There’s a variety of marionette shows for adults and children, each commencing with the ringing of the ship’s bell. As well as performing traditional tales like Aesop’s Fables and Punch and Judy, the team also collaborate with world-class writers such as Wendy Cope, Finuala Dowling and Howard Barker to offer original, contemporary stories.
Maida Vale is home to the world’s most famous recording venue, Abbey Road Studios. In the 1930s, the Electrical and Music Industries transformed a 19th century townhouse into an avant-garde studio, opening with a formative performance of Sir Edward Elgar’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. From that point onwards, it’s been the epicentre of sonic innovation and legendary music production, hosting a range of industry superstars – most notoriously, The Beatles.
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Little Venice becomes even more colourful with its annual gathering of canal boats. The festival is a celebration of life on the water, with 100 floating homes moored between Blomfield Road, Warwick Avenue and Warwick Crescent. Expect narrowboats decked out with bunting and flowers, while food stalls and Morris dancers line the pathways alongside.
'Colourful houseboats lie low along the water, while Italianate villas and red mansion blocks make up the other residences.'
A family-run chocolatier, florist and café in the heart of Maida Vale. Formosa has partnered with Belgian confectionist Leonidas to sell an exquisite range of hand-crafted chocolates, while coffees and teas are supplied by famed London roasters, Monmouth Coffee. The floral offerings meanwhile showcase the best in season blooms.
Mindfully sourced, free-range produce is the unifying philosophy of this independent butchers. As the name suggests, the team at Provenance Village are passionate about where their meat comes from and work with generations-old family farmers that prioritise animal welfare.
Vogue once voted The Brimful Store as one of Britain’s best boutiques, thanks to its charming interior design and varied range of clothing, homeware, toys and beauty products. Since its opening in 2008, the shop has become a staple in the community for gifts and an ever-growing roster of independent labels.
A local wine shop with international influence. The Winery’s team of connoisseurs travel the world to discover small growers from across Germany, France, Spain, Italy and California. Sample the fruits of these vineyard’s labour at one of The Winery’s informal tastings.
This patch of northwest London has a down-to-earth feel, with a residential set that values its well-preserved architecture, flourishing food scene and expansive green space.
At the northern side of The Westway, things take a spirited turn thanks to North Kensington’s wealth of independent traders and community-minded residents.
