Paddington Square

The story

The complex was built as a welcome for travellers arriving in Paddington. Its modern, open interior has glass-fronted shop units that let in plenty of natural light, and a new entrance to the Bakerloo line, with lifts down to the platform, sits within it. Shops include a supermarket, a sweets shop, Holland & Barrett, Mango and a Korean food store, and the canal lies next door. Food is the bigger draw. A market hall spreads stalls across two floors with open seating, Wahaca serves Mexican dishes, and Torino brings a three-storey Italian bakery, grill restaurant and rooftop aperitivo bar. Outside, the steps in the public realm double as lunch seating and host The Square Sessions, live music at lunchtime and in the evening, alongside public art and open-air film screenings.