Alfresco Dining Restaurant in Paddington - Canal-Side Terrace

Smith's sits on the terrace above the Grand Union Canal at Paddington Central.

Smith's sits on the terrace above the Grand Union Canal at Paddington Central, where the canal comes in from Little Venice and widens out towards Paddington Basin. The towpath runs directly below us, so the walk in is along the water rather than along a road, and both the dining room and the bar look out over it.

The Terrace

In warmer months the terrace opens up over the canal. The full a la carte is served outside, not a reduced version of it: whatever you would order inside, you can order out here.

It is where you want to be for a summer lunch, an after-work glass of something cold, or £1 oysters on a Friday and Saturday evenings. It fills quickly on a warm day, so book if you can.

When the terrace opens

Weather permitting, from spring through to early autumn. We do not take terrace-specific bookings, but note the request when you reserve and we will do our best.

Walking the Canal

From Browning's Pool at Little Venice, follow the towpath east. It takes about nine minutes and it is one of the better short walks in London: narrowboats, the pool, the bridge, then Paddington Central opening up ahead of you. From Warwick Avenue it is around thirteen minutes on the same route, from Maida Vale about eighteen, and Paddington Basin is five minutes in the other direction.

On a Sunday, with a bottomless roast in the middle of it, it makes a properly good afternoon.

What to Come For

£1 Maldon rock oysters at the bar, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bottomless Sunday roast from midday.

Saturday bottomless brunch with live music, 11am to 4pm.

A seven-course tasting menu on Friday and Saturday nights.

Private Hire on the Terrace

The terrace can be hired alongside the bar for drinks receptions and summer parties. Talk to the events team about numbers, dates and menus.

Where We Are

Smith's Bar & Grill, 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6EY.

Nine minutes from Little Venice, thirteen from Warwick Avenue, five from Paddington Basin, a short walk from Paddington Station and about eleven from Edgware Road. Full directions.

Book a Table See the menus

Frequently Asked Questions

On the terrace level at Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, above the Grand Union Canal as it comes in from Little Venice and widens towards Paddington Basin. The towpath runs directly below.

Yes, and we would recommend it. About nine minutes from Browning's Pool at Little Venice, thirteen from Warwick Avenue and eighteen from Maida Vale.

Yes. Floor-to-ceiling windows onto the water, so you get the view whatever the weather is doing.

Weather permitting, from spring through to early autumn. The full a la carte is available outside, not a reduced menu.

We do not take terrace-specific bookings, but note the request when you reserve and we will do our best. It fills fast on a warm day.

Yes, we welcome furry friends on the terrace.