Discovering Maida Vale in London makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon this great Londoner secret. From useful tips like where to stay, dine, and shop, this guide has it all. I’m so excited for you to have the opportunity to explore beautiful Madia Vale. I’ve thoughtfully curated everything you may need with the help of a local to point you in the direction of a few of my favorite spots in the area and help you on your journey.
*Everything you’ll find here is genuine suggestions, I have not been paid by anyone to promote.
Where to Stay
Boutique Victorian Flat on Airbnb
I cannot say enough great things about this beautiful flat, it’s architecturally stunning and in such a fantastic area. It was even covered in Domino magazine for its striking decor. B and I picked it after making the mistake in Rome of staying in a heavily trafficked area where we were up all night because of the partying outside.
The host, Eva also made us feel so comfortable, answering every single question and helping us navigate. I also enjoy feeling more of the local life while traveling, and considering this is a residential neighborhood we definitely got that. Luckily we were still only a 30-minute bus ride to downtown and 15- minutes to Notting Hill. We enjoy walking so we would take morning strolls over to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill to explore.
Where To Dine
The Little Coffee Tree
215 Shirland Rd.
Take time to enjoy a fabulous panini, perfect for a picnic in Paddington Park. This small cafe gets a lot of foot traffic from regulars, its how you know it’s good!
Weza
119 Shirland Rd.
When looking for a leisurely breakfast either inside or out on a nice day Weza is a cute, quaint stop. If you’re looking for a full English breakfast while in town they offer that as well.
The Bread Boutique
144 Shirland Rd.
The perfect place for a quick pastry and coffee or tea. They also sell amazing bread, perfect for morning toast.
The Waterway
54 Formosa St
Offering Friday night jazz in gilded age fashion in the basement of this cozy bar this is the perfect spot for a drink or dinner. As it rests next to the canals of Little Venice it’s a great spot to end your evening.
Clifton Nurseries
5A Clifton Villas.
This is such a lovely spot to start your day. Not only do they offer a fabulous breakfast but you’re able to emerge yourself in the greenery of Maida Vale. The pictures alone sell this must-see stop in the area.
The Hero of Maida
55 Shirland Rd.
Featured in Elle magazine as one of the top gastro pubs, this stop is a can’t miss in the area. Turn right out of the flat and it will be a couple blocks up on the left.
Where to Play
Arty Club
129 Shirland Rd.
If staying in town for a bit you may be looking to stay close to home base. Arty club is the perfect therapeutic break if you’re looking to take it easy. Join them for their Friday nights wine and paint to mix and mingle with locals.
Formosa St
Stop by Formosa St. between
Enjoy Castellain Rd. and Warrington Cres, just a 10-minute walk up the road from the Airbnb, to explore the local area, and quaint shops.
Lauderdale Rd.
Right up Elgin Ave. and turn onto the corner of Castellain Rd. and Lauderdale Rd. you’ll find an adorable little flower shop, sushi restaurant, English pubs and more. This is perfect for a moment to wander.
Paddington Park
This is just a 5-minute walk up
Essendine Rd. Just turn left out of the flat then take an immediate right on Essendine Rd. and you’ll run straight into the park which features a running track and a quiet garden perfect to relax on a bench and enjoy the views.
Little Venice
The canals of Little Venice are endless and provide a great walk for a beautiful morning. Stop by a boat featuring a cafe or a puppet show with little ones.
Corner of Shirland Rd. & Elgin Ave
This is just a 2-minute walk up the street from the flat and features several of our earlier suggestions lined up one right after the other.
Useful Information
Groceries
Elgin Food & Wine, 97 Elgin Ave, is a 2-minute walk up the street and offers a selection of various items. If you’re on the hunt for a proper grocery store you’ll find it in, Sainsbury’s Local at 478 Harrow Rd.
Food Delivery
If you’re looking to stay in for the night and recover after a long day of museum hunting both Deliveroo and Uber Eats deliver here, and offer a wide selection of restaurants.
Pharmacy
Whether you catch a cold or just need a pain reliever, stop by Browns Chemist, 195 Shirland Rd, and let someone behind the counter know what ails you. They’ll point you in the right direction.
Luggage Storage
Arriving early or leaving late? No problem! Sign up to store your luggage in a nearby shop on Nannybag.com for £6 a bag. They provide insurance as well for your luggage on up to £1500.
Public Transit
To ride the tube you can purchase an oyster card from any train station, airport, or many other shops around the city. Additionally, unless you receive a discount with your oyster card using a credit card with a chip reader, also known as a contactless card, you can save time and possibly money. With a credit card, you will have to remain aware of if your credit card charges you a foreign transaction fee which can double the cost.
Simply scan your card on any bus or tube reader and it will charge your card the same as an oyster card. This saves the headache of tracking down a place to buy an oyster card. Additionally, oyster cards charge a £5 deposit, which, if you don’t return, you’re simply out the money.
Buses run at a set price of £1.50 with transfers free for up to one hour. When taking the tube as opposed to the bus you must remember to tap your card while entering and exiting the station. The tube charges by zones, if you forget to tap on the way out it won’t be able to read how far you’ve gone and it will charge for the furthest zone.
Nearby Transit
Bus
Elgin Ave connect to 6 -187 – 414
Chippenham Rd/Shirland connect to 31 – 36 – 228 – 328 – N28 – N31
Tube
Warwick Avenue Station – Bakerloo line
Maida Vale Station – Bakerloo line
Looking for more inspiration for your next adventure? Head over to Traveling Via NYC to discover so much more!
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