Paradise by Way of Kensal Green

 

Most people head up to Kensal Green to have a nose around the famous cemetery. Having worked up a thirst scouring among the stones for long-dead notables, Paradise By Way of Kensal Green could be the perfect pit-stop. The décor is a glorious chaos of chintzy kitsch. Wandering across the sanded floor boards into the calming lime-green interior you'll notice arbitrarily placed plaster angels and solid urns dotted about. The walls are arrayed with numerous modern canvases and funky chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting shadowy halos over the bohemian interior. In the midst of all this obvious attention to appearance, Paradise still hangs on to a welcome trace of British pub. For fans of outdoor drinking they've got a decked roof terrace and a plant-packed garden out the back with heaps of character - though this part is reserved for restaurant diners only. The large, airy and often busy restaurant impresses with its French antique decor and more than decent gastro food with a Eurasian twist. The bar dolls out pint after pint of scrumptious Spitfire which has proved extremely popular. Nearby attractions: Kensal Green Cemetery, Portobello Road Market, Wembley Stadium.