Paddington pub opens small bar

One of Paddington's favourite pubs this week opened a new wine bar and eatery above its newly re-branded street level public bar.

The team behind Mrs Sippy in Double Bay have created London Fields – a 'delicious offering of wine and cocktails... and selection of rustic dishes designed to be shared' – above Paddington's The London Hotel.

Owners Ben May (pictured) and Andrew Stanway have brought hatted chef Ian Oakes with them from Mrs Sippy and Michael Canavan from Paddington Inn to steer the food offering, which they say includes flavoursome additions such as 'buffalo mozzarella fritters', grilled lamb meatballs and roast spatchcock.

May told TheShout: "Food is no longer the poor cousin to beverage in hotels."

"It is the easiest way for an operator to differentiate themselves from their competition," he said.

"A schooner of VB is no different in my hotel than the next. My food can be better or worse, I'd be a fool if I allowed it to be worse."

He said the small bar legislation has clearly impacted hotels that concentrate on food and beverage as opposed to gaming.

"London Fields is an answer to these smaller venues.

"Strong in concept and design, the idea is to take the patron out of what they might expect in a Paddington pub. Attention to detail in everything on offer from design and service style, to the type of food and beverage. This is what many are looking for."

Accompanying the attention-grabbing menu, Hugo's and Barrio Chino veteran Robbie Stowe is creating a cocktail list focused on fresh local produce, including feijoa, blood plum and ginger syrup.

The London's popular public bar has enjoyed a re-fresh, with a re-located kitchen that provides for a more diverse backbar, a fresh interior, tweaked menu and retro touches like pinball machines.

Source: The Shout, 3 May 2013