Blog

With coronavirus lockdown measures now being relaxed further to allow groups of six from different households to meet, many people are looking forward to getting out of their house to visit friends and family.

Given the current situation, many people have been wondering: Are hotels closed or are hotels still open in UK? Some are, some aren’t but ours certainly are open are waiting for you! With special new screens, sanitiser gels and social distancing, our hotels are safer than ever to stay in.

Coronavirus aka Covid-19 has caused the streets of London to empty, leaving only the beautiful sunshine, smell of blossom in the air and fresh leaves on the trees of Hyde Park near our open hotels in Paddington. However, the number of people looking for hotels open in London Paddington or hotels open in Kensington has dropped dramatically.

Visit London this February half term and enjoy a fun-filled school holidays in the city. 

Explore the interactive exhibitions and brilliant theatre shows, you’ll find plenty of things to do during the half-term week in London to suit all budgets and ages.

BOOK a night stay now and enjoy these fantastic attractions in the city. 

Santa has swapped his sleigh for a boat and is travelling up and down the Thames from 7^th to 22^nd December, looking to meet budding young adventurers! Experience the magic of London at Christmas with an hour-long cruise past the capital’s most iconic landmarks, whilst little ones have their festive dreams come true by meeting Father Christmas himself!

The spectacular Lord Mayor’s Show returns to London on 9^th November! Join 500,000 people lining the route between Bank and Aldwych as the newly elected Lord Mayor of London travels to Westminster to pledge allegiance to the Crown.

Take your little monsters to ZSL London Zoo this October half-term for some Halloween-themed fun. From 19^th to 27^th October, enjoy a host of activities celebrating the more gruesome side of nature, from weird and wonderful creepy crawlies to pumpkin patch selfies!

The capital’s biggest Christmas celebration, Winter Wonderland, returns to Hyde Park 21st November to 5th January! Now over 10 years old, this extravagant celebration of everything wintery has rightly become a London stalwart: with unbeatable Christmas markets, top-notch entertainment, fairground rides and a host of festive attractions, it’s little wonder it attracts over 3 million visitors each year!

Spread over three vibrant areas, the Oktoberfest is something that is celebrated all over the world and more so in our city London! People from all over the world come over and enjoy a month of celebration, delicious food, unique blends of beer and so much more! 

Bonfire night in London boasts some spectacular firework displays, and Battersea Park’s fireworks are some of the best. Designed by award-winning pyrotechnicians, this breathtaking 22-minute display delights thousands of revellers each year; and, situated on the banks of the Thames, there couldn’t be a more picturesque backdrop for this dazzling light show!

Frieze Art Fair returns to Regents Park from 3^rd to 6^th October: the UK’s most prestigious contemporary art fair, Frieze London showcases art from more than 160 leading galleries from around the world. Whether you’re looking to buy a new piece, or simply admire some exceptional contemporary art, Frieze Art Fair is well worth a visit.

Head to London’s iconic river this September to experience Totally Thames – a month-long, annual arts and culture festival, celebrating everything about the River Thames. Different events pop up along the length of the Thames, with a diverse programme planned to inspire, connect and delight!

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s cult television comedy-drama Fleabag returns to the West End stage next week, straight from a sold-out run in New York. Best known as a BAFTA-winning BBC series, Fleabag actually started as a stage show back in 2013, and Waller-Bridge returns to perform her one-woman show for this last, limited run. As it’s been announced there will be no Fleabag season 3, this really is your last chance to catch one of the country’s most-loved characters in action!

On Saturday 3rd August, London’s central roads will once again be closed to vehicle traffic for one of the world’s leading cycling events, Prudential RideLondon. This free event offers families and friends the opportunity to enjoy a traffic-free cycle past some of the capital’s world-famous landmarks, providing the chance to see London from the saddle like never before!

Suns Out, Guns Out! The summer is finally here with a bang and its time to flaunt our summer bodies with it. We live in the 21st century and by now it's quite prominent that there is no measurement pf a perfect body. But when it comes to health and fitness, we ought to be at the top. Who else would you prefer other than the sensational Jade Joselyn herself! Join her absolutely free workshop everyday Tuesday at the Floating Pocket Park at Merchant Square!

Busking around the country has been always been one of the primary ways for musicians to market their solos and gain popularity with the masses. The London Busking Company has always had a prestigious name around the people of London and this time, they're bringing out singer/song writer, Hattie Briggs, live, at the Merchant Square as part of the Summer Of Fun programme.

Is there a better way to enjoy a film than under a starry sky? From 8th to 21st August, Somerset House’s outdoor courtyard will once again be transformed into a beautiful open-air cinema, showing films on London’s largest outdoor screen. There’s no scrimping on quality: cinema-quality surround sound ensures you experience every moment of these unmissable films to the max!

Summer is finally here and there's no way we aren't going to be making the most out of it! Gaming has taken a fast rise all around the world in the past decade. People of all ages have been playing games during their leisure time and a few are even seen making a career out of it! So it's quite obvious that gaming can lead to an income and a good recreational activity.

On the 8th of August, 2019, you can find South London based artist Sherika Sherard perform at the Floating Pocket Park in London.

ANNUAL CHARITY REGATTA RETURNS FOR TWELFTH YEAR

July 2019: The annual COSMIC Dragon Boat Race will return to the Regent’s Canal for its twelfth year. The first starting pistol will sound at 17:00 on Thursday 25^th July at St. Mary’s Bridge where traditional Chinese Dragon Boats will race for 100 metres until the finish line at Paddington Basin.

Looking for ways to keep the little ones entertained this summer? Opening on 31st July is ZSL London Zoo’s brand new Animal Adventure Zone, taking young visitors on an exciting voyage of animal discovery!

Looking for something completely different to do over the summer? Put your detective skills to the test with adventure game CluedUpp – a Cluedo-style, crime-solving, live murder-mystery event like none other! The action unfolds virtually, through an award-winning app that will take you across London in your quest to find witnesses and solve clues.

Summer is packed with theatre and music festivals – but did you know one of the best lies in the very heart of London? From now until the end of September, the Southbank has once again been taken over by Underbelly’s iconic upside-down purple cow! Now in its eleventh year, the Udderbelly Festival Southbank brings you world class entertainment, from music and theatre to cabaret and circus, as well as tantalisingly tempting pop up food and beverage stalls.

Paddington teams will take to the water at Paddington Basin for the milestone annual Dragon Boat race on Tuesday 25 July. This year teams will fundraise for COSMIC, Children of St Mary's Intensive Care. Last year’s race raised over £16,000 for COSMIC and this year we hope to raise even more.

Free movie nights hosted by the Merchant Square team are set to get pulses racing, with some of the best that Hollywood has to offer.

This weekly series of Live Music Sunset Sessions is hosted on the most unique outdoor venue in London, Merchant Square's Floating Pocket Park. Expect performances from 17 talented artists from the London Busking Company. Enjoy a cocktail on the canal with drinks from Lockhouse London and street food from local traders.

What better way to unwind at lunchtime than a spot of gaming on the big screen at Merchant Square. For the first time, Paddington plays host to the biggest multi-player gaming screen in London!

Summer is fast approaching, and there’s plenty to bring you to Paddington! Some of the best pop up events are right on our doorstep:

With all of this just a stone’s throw away, book now to stay with us at the Indigo Paddington and let the summer fun commence!

Climb aboard Paddington's Water Taxi, meet the taxi at either Paddington Central (below Bishop's Bridge, next to Paddington Station's canalside entrance), or at Merchant Square (next to the Floating Pocket Park) for a free 10 minute journey on the Grand Union Canal.

Grab your tickets now for Paddington Covers 2019, tell your friends and family and get ready to party in the sunshine.

BOOK a night stay now at Hotel Indigo London Paddington to take advantage of all the action. 

If you’re passing through London, make sure to visit Madame Tussauds! Rightly world-famous, this collection of wax figures is about as interactive as a museum can be, and is consistently voted one of London’s top visitor attractions.

BOOK night stay at Indigo London Paddington

IWA Canalway Cavalcade

Looking for the perfect way to spend the early May Bank Holiday weekend? The Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice is a must.

Music lovers will already be planning their trip to British Summer Time Hyde Park: attended by hundreds of thousands of people each year, this 10-day festival from 5^th to 14^th July attracts the biggest music acts in the world.

Why not spend a few hours following Paddington’s Pawprint Trail? Developed with the creators of Paddington Bear, Paddington and Co., this delightful series of Paddington-themed family adventures takes you on a journey to discover a number of Paddington themed treasures, including four of the Paddington Bear statues that formed part of the Paddington Trail in 2014. Pick up a Pawprint Trail leaflet from the Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station, and begin your very own journey of discovery.

Ever fancied being a little greener? Why not try your hand at a relaxed, feel-good flower arranging workshop, and bring some greenery into your life? Whether you’re a complete beginner, or your green thumbs are well-practised, you’ll find these workshops accessible, inspiring, and – most importantly – excellent fun!

Every fancied being your own captain? With GoBoat London you can be just that. The self-drive electric boats can be hired from one hour to eight hours, for groups of up to eight people.

There are so many things to do in London in spring! Enjoy outdoor activities in the best London parks this Spring, visit a rooftop bar or see an open-air show.

From 19 April 2019 to 22 April 2019

Keep the family happy over the Easter holidays with inspiration of the best things to do during Easter 2019 in London.

British Summer Time Hyde Park brings the world's best musical icons to London each summer for a series of shows in the royal park.

Stroll through the magnificent landscapes of Kensington Gardens, past the Round Pond to the Flower Walk, which is always bursting with colour.

Every year London Shell Co close for a bit of nautical TLC during the first part of January. Fear not, they come back to Paddington with a special treat for patient fans, offering 50% off food for the rest of January.

Head to Merchant Square for a little help with your healthy start to 2019. Throughout January, Merchant Square will be handing out free fruit on Tuesday lunchtimes by the fountains.

GoBoat London is the only self-drive, powered boating experience in central London, and its mission is to make London's canals accessible to all. Throughout 2018 captains and crews have been exploring the Regent's and Grand Union Canals, from GoBoat's base in Merchant Square, Paddington, to Little Venice and beyond.

Refined male grooming has arrived at WeWork Paddington, where at Easton London you can have a trim whilst enjoying free Wifi, desk space, coffee, beer and more after appointments.

Following the success of the pop-up performances on Paddington’s Pocket Park last December; community choirs and school ensembles will be wrapping up warm and returning to Merchant Square to entertain this Christmas.

The Imperial College Healthcare Trust invite you to join their annual winter concert on Tuesday 4 December at St James’ Church, Paddington.

An alternative Christmas venue is on offer at Merchant Square this December. Step on board the Electric Sledge and enjoy tucking into your Christmas favourites, with a unique South African twist. Created by Braai specialists, Bring & Braai, delicacies include Chakalaka Turkey, Braaied butternut and piping-hot Potjiekos, all cooked on traditional open-wood fires along the tow path.

Charities across the country, including some here on the doorstep in Paddington, are preparing for seven days of furious fundraising in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Join budding entrepreneurs at free workshops helping you to start your own business.

Paddington is hosting two Christmas clothing collections for the homeless this winter – at Merchant Square and Paddington Central.

On Saturday 17 November, the doors of the newly restored St Mary Magdalene Project will open to the public, for a free, community open day between 1pm and 4pm.

Gather your shipmates for a thrill-seeking pirate themed adventure on board GoBoat London this Halloween.

Head to Merchant Square this Halloween for a free film screening of the cult classic, Hocus Pocus. The 1993 family friendly film combines comedy, horror and fantasy; in a tale about three witches, awakened by a teenage boy after he moves to Salem.

Over the last year, we’ve seen many eateries pushing the boundaries and adding innovative new twists to classic dishes and drinks – particularly here in London.

Young people are being invited through the doors of Marks & Spencer’s Head Office at Waterside House on Wednesday 24 October for a Careers Day organised in partnership with the Prince’s Trust.

PaddingtonNow is pleased to announce it has been awarded a Gold Award by London in Bloom in their 2018 competition.

The popular Pawprint Trail has been updated to include all the latest things to do in Paddington, including family-friendly, foodie haunts.

Delicious pastires await in Paddington at Mille Patisserie, where fresh gâteaux mille crêpes are prepared each day by the on-site patissiere. The mille crêpe, popularised by Kova Patisserie in Soho, consists of layers of gossamer crêpes, separated by flavoured crème pâtissière and stacked to form a delicious cake. The result is simple and sumptuous and an Instagram hit.

If you like your Italian fresh and fast, Coco di Mama is for you.

Hawaiian poké seasoned with a Californian twist, Lords of Poké have set up shop at Paddington Central.

A new community-led art installation will open in Paddington Central this September during London Design Festival. This city-wide celebration of design takes place from 15 – 23 September.

Multi award-winning barbering brand Pall Mall Barbers have recently opened their 6th barbershop, in Paddington Central.

For an alternative shopping experience, head to the Grand Union Canal in Paddington between 29 August and 2 September and enjoy perusing the produce on sale at Paddington’s floating market.

Walk on water at Paddington Basin with the team from Merchant Square.

Record temperatures brought in record numbers this year to Paddington Covers in Norfolk Square Gardens. With everyone looking for some outdoor fun, the atmosphere was electric at this free tribute bands festival under the trees in Paddington.

The Merchant Square Water Maze has become an enticing playground over the past few weeks; with the shrieks and laughter of children cooling down in the water becoming a familiar sound.

Get fit for free this summer with yoga sessions Every Tuesday throughout June, July and August.

Paddington Central's big screen is back for the summer.

Meet fitness celebrities and influencers aboard Paddington's Floating Pocket Park, with free workouts courtesy of the team at Merchant Square.

This weekly series of Live Music Sunset Sessions is hosted on the most unique outdoor venue in London, Merchant Square's Floating Pocket Park.

Free outdoor movie nights hosted by the Merchant Square team are set to get pulses racing, with some old favourites alongside some new blockbusters.

Head to Hyde Park on Friday 1 June for an evening of relaxation at Hyde Escape.

Huckster is set to open at Paddington Central, creating a brand new, immersive 5,000-square-foot, multi-level space offering private dining, karaoke, street food, coffee and cocktails.

With an extensive menu ranging from green juice & ginger lattes to egg protein pots and super salad boxes, Crussh is the destination for anyone with an interest in healthy living.

Sign up to take part in the Imperial Health Charity abseil on Wednesday 16 May and raise money for an important local cause.

Antiques Anonymous pitches its stalls for the second annual flea market.

After a successful trial in 2017, Paddington's Water Taxi returns on Tuesday 17 April 2018, moving to a full weekday service.

Paddington teams will take to the water at Paddington Basin for the milestone annual Dragon Boat race on 26 July.

Pergola is back! West London’s largest alfresco drinking and dining experience is returning as a sunny, summery paradise; a secret hideaway in the heart of Paddington.

Little Venice and Paddington will be putting on all its bells and whistles for the annual Canal Cavalcade over the early May Bank Holiday weekend this year.

St James’s Church, Paddington will be hosting a 90th Birthday concert on Saturday 14 April 2018.

This month is all about Women. We celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and Mother’s Day on March 11.

Enjoy London this summer, perfectly positioned opposite Paddington Station.

Click here make a booking for this Summer, stay from just £144.

Merchant Square are embracing inner peace this March with a programme of activities designed to channel calming thoughts, promote healthy living and encourage creativity.

Creative directors and London born sisters Michela and Lois Wilson bring a fully immersive experience of luxury exclusively to Connaught Village.

Paddington has plenty planned to keep your children entertained this February half term, whatever their age.

On Friday 2 March The Paddington Partnership, in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust, is hosting a community clear-up as part of the national Great British Spring Clean campaign.

The Times voted Bombay Palace sixth in the UK’s 20 ‘secret foodie’ restaurants.

To celebrate the release of Paddington 2 in cinemas The Paddington Partnership has launched a competition ‘Paddington in Paddington’.

They’ll be plenty of club nights, Christmas markets and live music, making this an ideal family outing or a romantic night out.

Enjoy a delicious Christmas with a variety of choice in a semi private or private setting. You can choose three courses from our fabulous festive menu for only £28 per person and with classic favourite on offer that all can enjoy, this isn’t a deal you’ll want to miss.

Paddington Covers is back this summer with a super-hot line-up of your favourite artists’ tribute acts.

Our annual review of waste and recycling in the area, shows 143 businesses recycling through the BID, with 1,588,268 kgs of waste successfully recycled between September 2015 and August 2016.

In September we facilitated an evening reception with Sellar Property Group and Hard Hat Communications for our local hoteliers.

We are delighted to report that PaddingtonNow was awarded Silver Gilt in the Business Improvement District category of London in Bloom 2016.

Our free music festival, Paddington Covers, drew thousands of festivalgoers to Norfolk Square Gardens over three, sunny, summery live music events on the last Fridays of June, July and August.