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Paddington Arms

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

To momentarily escape the high-vaulting trend of those endlessly fashionable boutiques lining Paddington's Oxford Street, you need only step into this airy Irish drinkery for a breather and a beer to match. With unassuming ambience and only a moderately lacquered varnish upon its whistle of Irish decor, the Paddington Arms isn't about to strangle anyone with kitsch or clutter. Arranged with couches and low tables to settle any bustle into place, this bar has a comfortable and casually appealing openness that draws a varied assortment of punters through its doors.

The bistro serves a great list of mains that offer good homely fare, such as herb-crusted lamb rack on sweet potato and rosemary mash, and the risotto primavera with oven-roasted vegetables, alongside a cheaper menu of pastas and parmigiana. The pizzas are also good value. Generously named after their main benefactors, they start from The Vego (oven roasted pumpkin, pine nuts and ricotta) and travel succulently towards The Pig (Ham, Pancetta and Cacciatore sausage). There is also a decent wine list to enjoy meals with, a selection of Australian staples mixed with a few tasty ex-pats.

On the weekends large screens provide succour for the sports-going crowds, frequently filling the downstairs bar to capacity. Meanwhile, upstairs plays host to various music outings. On Thursday night bands and live music are back in the premises, along with cheap drinks and early bird specials from seven o'clock; while on Fridays and Saturdays the DJs spin the crowd pleasers with a mix of new and retro hits.
Geoff Stanton, March 2008