Everything Random

It’s amazing how they have transformed the Paddington area into something that’s quaint, and hip, and stylish, and vibrant. I am very familiar with this area because the Paddington Underground Station was my jumpoff point to anywhere I go in London when I studied in the city some 20 years ago and have visited every year or so since then.

I lived in a University of London intercollege housing called Lillian Penson Hall, at Talbot Square, a stone-throw away from the the underground station. The Hilton Hotel that sits atop the Paddington Railway Station on Praed Street is still there, but all the rest of the area has been gradually transformed. Paddington Square, a small shopping mall just opposite the station houses some good coffee shops and restaurants.

I walked around the area towards Paddington Basin on a Saturday morning, looking for a brunch place and found Bondi, an Australian restaurant that pays homage to the famous Aussie beach, that not too long ago was the site of a gruesome tragedy.

The place is really cozy and warm and the crew are welcoming and attentive. The food is good. That morning, I opted for the Bondi breakfast and a glass of orange juice.

The chilli and fennel sausage was delicious, the avocado creamy and fresh, and the mushrooms grilled to perfection. Two organic poached eggs sit on top of the charcoal sourdough. What makes the meal perfect was the house chili pesto – very tasty and out of this world good.

I was reading the book “The Examined Life” by Stephen Grosz, and I was hooked to it so I stayed a little bit while the restaurant was not yet full and patrons are still coming in by pairs or fours. I noticed how tastefully decorated the place was, and how the space was utilised very well to accommodate comfortable seating of your choice and some live plants and good art.

I finally ordered a chocolate mud cake and a flat white. The coffee was good, but you can skip the cake.

It was a good breakfast. Alone or with a group of friends, it will be a place to enjoy a sumptuous meal.

But yes, skip the dessert.