The Mad Bishop & Bear, Paddington

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#140 of 2,291 Quick Bites in LondonQuick Bites, Bar, $$ - $$$

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The Mad Bishop & Bear, Paddington

Review

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About

A must-visit for every London commuter, The Mad Bishop & Bear is a beautifully ornate pub in Paddington station.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Digital Payments

Discover

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Television

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine and Beer

Location

1st Floor, Paddington Station First Floor, The Lawn, Paddington Train Station, London W2 1HB England

Paddington

Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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Hours

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Closed now

• Opens at 9:00 AM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Monday

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 10:30 PM

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3.9

535 reviews

Excellent

176

Very good

222

Average

Poor

Terrible

jess p

1 contribution

Not what it used to be, sadly!

Mar 2024 • couples

We used to look forward to stopping here, sometimes more than once on our bi-annual trips to London and we’ve never had a disappointing meal…..until this time. I think management has changed since we were last here in November 2023, the menu is a lot more restricted and much pricier, both of which are understandable but the food quality is extremely average now where it used to be excellent. My husband was given a very small pie compared to usual and it wasn’t all that good either, my burger was ok but a little dry and as you’ll see from the photo, my onion wasn’t even a proper slice and had I not taken my burger apart to remove the tomato, I might have chipped a tooth on the root! Also the menu said chips but they were fries, and triple-cooked fries are pretty horrid and extremely greasy. It’s so sad when a favourite place loses its appeal. Normally the server would come and ask how our meals are but I’m guessing they know it’s bad so no longer want to ask!

Written April 14, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi Jesspp140out, Thankyou for your feedback.... in reply to your comments... I am the manager and I have been here for 2 years now so no management change. My Head Chef has been here for 19 years and still not leaving any time soon :) Our suppliers have not changed so the pie size and weight are still the same as last year. I will definitely have a chat with chef about the burger salad as I agree this should be a reasonable portion and edible without breaking a tooth! And the chips we use are chips by Pierre Koffman, a michelin starred chef from France. I'm so disappointed that you feel that you did not have a great visit this time. Please let me know the next time you are passing through Paddington and your first drinks are on me. Kind Regards Lisa

Written April 15, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Robert Brown

Newton Abbot26 contributions

Handy location

Dec 2023 • business

It's on the concourse at Paddington Station so handy as was waiting for train food was very good if a bit pricey 17.50 for Burger and Chips and 5.75 for a pint of beer, but given location and in London I suspect that's par for the course. Pleasant enough atmosphere and as said handy. Would use again.

Written December 12, 2023

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi Wobblybob1! (I love that name! haha) Thank you so much for the amazing review, unfortunately we don't have 'normal' business rates here we have Network Rail type business rates.... you can imagine what they're like :( So we try and make the experience better by our facilities and team members. We truly hope you will visit us again soon. Have a great Christmas and an amazing New Year! Kindest Lisa

Written December 13, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HullPhil

Geneva924 contributions

Great location but seem to be lack of staff

Jul 2023 • solo

I popped in here one late morning for lunch. It’s in a great location on the first floor of Paddington station. The menu is good but not a massive variation like in many pubs but nevertheless the options were good. I chose the burger and fries and a pint of beer. I waited for someone to come and take my order, after being sat there for 15 mins and no one had appeared I realised there was no one taking orders. This is problematic since I had loads of luggage that I could not leave unattended, so going inside to the bar was not an option. Therefore I needed to order on the app, this took another 15 mins since I needed to connect to wifi (could not connect to pub menu on my overseas phone) then find the pub menu online and make the order. This whole process could have been easily solved by having servers walking around or a bell on the table to call for help. A pity since it is in a lovely location and food was nice.

Written July 21, 2023

Lisa Mckenzie

Hi Phil, Thanks for the feedback, we will definitely take up your suggestion and try and help out the lone travellers with luggage. As you can imagine we do a lot of sales outside with the QR codes but did not realise that it was hard to connect with a foreign phone. You also visited in the middle of a train strike week where we are obviously affected so we did not have the usual amount of staff on. But, thanks again and we will take everything you said on board! (train ad lib there!) haha Kindest Lisa

Written July 23, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

London_Andy

London237 contributions

Overcharging and smashing glasses - welcome to The Mad Bishop!

Sep 2024 • business

I visited the Mad Bishop & Bear with colleagues at the end of a charity walk. Seeing that there were two Sauvignon Blanc choices on the menu I asked for a glass of the (cheaper) French Sauvignon Blanc. I was then charged for the other, more expensive, wine. I said that I'd ordered the French Sauvignon Blanc. The man serving me said there were two French Sauvignon Blancs on the menu, and I replied that there was only one on the menu I was looking at, the other one being a New Zealand SB. The person serving me took it back, picked up an empty glass, purposefully and forcefully smashed it on the back counter, and then poured a glass of the correct wine. Maybe he was just having a bad day, but I was really concerned for his wellbeing given that reaction, and if it wasn't for the charity organising the drinks there I would have left. The strange thing is that the same thing happened (ordered the cheaper wine, got charged for the more expensive one). Maybe there should only be one wine of each variety if staff can't recognise the difference even when the customer says......

Written October 2, 2024

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi Andy, Thanks for the feedback, I am so sorry this happened during your visit. This is NOT how we usually work here, we do have a new team member on board who was working that night however this should not have been part of your experience. I have spoken to Cat and she said the event had been a success and I even refunded money to the charity that had not been spent the very next day. Raising £25,000 for the charity is an amazing achievement, well done to all of you. I have now included this wine training in our next team meeting tomorrow to ensure all team members are on the same page. I hope you can accept my apology and you will visit us again. Well done again! Kindest Lisa

Written October 2, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jim C

Houston189 contributions

Excellent Pub Grub and some Pints

Aug 2024 • couples

As we were staying at the Hilton London Paddington Station, the Mad Bishop & Bear was conveniently located. The food was hearty and flavorful and, as we had made a reservation, we had table service. Our server, Nimesh, was very attentive and charming, and took excellent care of us. After a long day of touring, this was a nice way to close out the day.

Written August 31, 2024

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi Jim, Thank you once again for the amazing review - Nimesh is delighted with your feedback, as are we. Kindest Lisa

Written September 2, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jo H

4 contributions

Give the crab burger a miss

Jul 2024 • solo

The server wasn't familiar with the crab burger I wanted to order but someone else helped him out. Seemed to be mostly batter and filled with miscellaneous bits that don't really look like any crab I've ever seen. Some weird white bits were poking out of it. Somewhat rectified by the chips but at £18 I think it's a bit of a rip off.

Written August 5, 2024

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi johl719OM, Thanks for the feedback regarding the crab burger. Did you let your server know that you were not happy? I really wish that our guests would let us know at the the time so we can rectify the situation asap and ensure that you leave happy and content. I will most definitely look into this with Head Chef this morning and make sure that the crab burgers are the best quality that we can serve. Kind Regards Lisa

Written August 6, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ivan j

Redditch102 contributions

Watch the service charge

Nov 2022 • business

I went in for a meal which to be fair was ok when I got the bill I was informed there was a 12.5% service charge it was so dark I couldn’t see it on the menu . I have never had a service charge in a PUB . I was told it was because I was in a dining area what a con

Written November 13, 2022

muckymac

Hi Ivan, Thanks for your review, yes we do apply service charge in full table service areas. If you want to order from the bar it would not be applied, self explanatory really. Also with the whole cost of living crisis most pubs are now doing this in their full table service areas to give the teams an extra bit of money. Please feel free to ask your waiter to remove any service charge if you do not think it is warranted: ie poor service. If you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact me at madbishopandbear.paddington-manager@fullers.co.uk Regards Lisa

Written November 13, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dumelarra

34 contributions

Scammed by menu QR code.

Aug 2024 • solo

Scanned a QR code at the table to order a meal and was told my bank account would be debuted £49 immediately and every month thereafter. My bank automatically put a hold on my card thankfully. I won't be going back there in a hurry.

Written August 26, 2024

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi dumelarra, Thank you so much for letting me know this had happened. I have been investigating the incident with my retail accounting team and my IT team and it seems the QR code has been compromised. We have taken them off all of our tables for now until we know more. Going forward we will be monitoring the code daily and checking that they are originals. Please accept my apologies and please know that we are doing everything we can to prevent this happening again. Kindest Lisa General Manager

Written August 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David Colistra

Croton on Hudson36 contributions

Good for train travelers, not for vacation stop or quintessential English pub experience.

Mar 2023 • none

Solid food but no waiter and waitress service. Visitors should know that this is situated within the London Paddington Train station and our impression is that this may be one of the "go to" places for train travelers to stop and grab a quick pint and fast bite while waiting for a train. We were warned right away that they were out of a lot of ingredients that night and indeed, they did not have the green salad on the menu that evening. Again, the food was solid but this is not necessarily a true pub experience with top shelf food. Cool train gadgets and pictures on the wall.

Written March 21, 2023

Lisa Mckenzie

Hi DColis Thank you for taking your time to review our pub. Unfortunately we have and still are encountering issues with delivery companies. This is across the entire industry I'm afraid at the moment. We do have a restaurant are where we do offer table service but yes the main area and the outside seating is all bar service. Please stop by again if you are passing through. Kindest

Written March 24, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

graduateLancaster

Lancaster46 contributions

Why pay someone to ruin your business.

Feb 2023 • none

Following a resent visit to the Mad Bishop and Bear, I decided to order some food with my excellent pint of fullers London Pride. Unfortunately the BBQ glazed chicken I ordered, was so dry it sucked all the moisture from my mouth even with the sauce on it, combined with the chips which are also very dry. The only saviour for this dish was the coleslaw as it took some of the dryness of the meal away. The questions is, why pay someone to ruin your business, ie when did the manager last taste any food, why does the Chef or cook let food out that looks good but tastes terrible. service was good and efficient but quality was not there. ps for a really good chip use an 8mm- 10mm square cut chipper perfect cooked chips every time and not dried out, and no need to triple cook.

Written February 17, 2023

MadbishopTeam

Hi graduate Lancaster, So sorry your meal was up to our usual standard, I looked at how many BBQ chicken dishes we sold that day and it was 56 and only one complaint?!?!?! Maybe they kept yours in the oven too long? I can only apologise if this happened, as for the chips I do not know if you are aware of the huge lack of staff in the hospitality industry right now so I will let you now. There is a massive lack of staff. Due to this we no longer prepare and cut our own chips but buy in the delightful and delicious Koffman's pommes frites which our customers love. Hope you visit us again the next time you are in town. Regards Lisa

Written February 26, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Galleywench100

Bere Ferrers301 contributions

Poor service by one who spiked the experience

Jan 2023 • couples

Poor rude unfriendly service at the bar who chose not to note I ordered drinks with our food! Not a smile or pleasantly smile to be had. Not an apology from her. Our food came which she knew I was told to order at the bar she looked at me knowing my food was going cold and ignored me until someone else came behind the bar to serve me. Food was fine this woman does not believe in customer service, larger foreign lady.

Written January 22, 2023

MadbishopTeam

Good Morning Galleywench100, Thank you so much for sharing your feedback/experience, all I can do is apologise. We do not usually receive reviews like this and I was not here yesterday so all I can assume is that she was having a 'bad day'! This is by no means an excuse and I will be talking to her when next on shift. Again, I apologise that this happened and hope it does not put you off visiting us again. Kindest Lisa

Written January 22, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Global Fox

Grantham342 contributions

Disappointing Given Good Memories

Jan 2023 • solo

Been using this pub for years as it is a good location. Always considered it a good atmosphere and fair prices. The place was deserted, the staff surly so not the most welcoming of starts. The menu now is quite limited. I ordered pie mash and greens with a red wine gravy. Delivery was prompt which suggests it’s microwaved or I was extremely lucky. The pie was acceptable but boy the portion of mash and greens was extremely delicate. The gravy had passed by the red wine I think. Overall for the price it’s OK but there is probably better near by which is a shame. May have to venture further afield in future.

Written January 30, 2023

MadbishopTeam

Hi Johno, Thanks for he feedback.... To address your points we have a new menu starting from Wednesday where we will have 3 new burgers and as you know on the menu it says 'pie of the day' when we currently have 3 different pies on sale. Maybe we should name all of the pies on the menu? We use a combi - oven here which improves cooking times whilst keeping the pies fresh, I can guarantee that we do not use microwaves here. I will also talk to chef to make sure the portion sizes are correctly managed. I hope you do return to see us, post Christmas and amidst all the train strikes we really do value all of our customers and take all feedback very seriously. Kind Regards Lisa

Written January 30, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Travelcrazed1987

Cornwall127 contributions

Nothing to write home about

Sep 2023 • friends

I visited with a friend after a considerably delayed train service meant we had no time to go into London itself. The food was nice and my steak was cooked well. The cocktails are quite overpriced. They came really quickly so I'm pretty sure they're just made from pre-mixed cartons rather than completely from scratch. We had 2 x pornstar martinis and 2 x daiquiris, no garnish or decoration whatsoever, and both served in gin glasses with a LOT of ice the second time round (neither of these cocktails are usually served with ice?). At £9.50 a pop I expect at least a little bit of effort to be put in to the presentation. If you're pushed for time then it's a good place to eat, but perhaps consider your drinks choices!

Written September 6, 2023

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Hi Travelcrazed, Thanks for honest feedback, I am truly amazed that your server got this SO wrong. Yes, they are pre made cocktails made from our great supplier Funkin but they still should have been served correctly. Please accept my apology and more training will definitely be given. So glad that apart from this you had a good visit, and we hope to see you again the next time you are travelling through Paddington. Kindest Lisa

Written September 10, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Melina B

Reno210 contributions

Inside Paddington Station

Jun 2022 • none

I walked in here because I wanted to watch an important soccer match which I was able to see on a small TV screen. Also great for those folks who don't want to be bothered by sports on TV. Due to pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff and terrific beer and food, I went here twice while staying at the Hilton next door (inside the train station, escalators up one floor). Upon my request, they mixed me a 'killer'Shanti with strong local beer and 1/3 7-Up, loved it. I had one of the best fish and chips. I can also recommend the salad and deserts, yummy. Once order was placed, the food came out quickly both times. I hope to return here again one day.

Written June 13, 2022

MadbishopTeam

Hi Melina, Wow, what an amazing review! Thank you so much! We are so glad that you had a great time and took the time out to write this, when you do return please let us know and your first shandy is on us! Kindest Lisa

Written June 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Neal P

1 contribution

Great team, super food (thank you)

Nov 2023 • family

Food and selection of beers superb, plenty of great options for the traveller. I have visited the Mad Bishop on many journeys into and out of Paddington and always found the staff helpful and chatty. The pie and mash was delish, which helped me on my journey and the house team even helped me recover some lost property too. Highly recommended. I'll be back!

Written November 8, 2023

Mad Bishop and Bear Paddington

Good Morning 715nealp! Wow, wow, wow! Thank you SO much for the fabulous review! Please drop me a line when you come into Paddington again and your first pint is on me to say thank you. MadBishopAndBear.Paddington@fullers.co.uk Kindest Lisa

Written November 8, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.