Pergola Paddington Closing, End of an Era for London\’s Rooftop Scene

The iconic ​​Pergola Paddington​​, a staple of London’s dining and nightlife scene, closed its doors on January 20, 2024, after six and a half years of operation 🏙️. Its parent company, Incipio Group, confirmed the closure but emphasized that the Pergola brand would live on through its other venues, including Pergola on the Wharf and a soon-to-be-announced new space .

​​Why Did Pergola Paddington Close?​​

Several factors contributed to the closure of this beloved venue. Like many in the hospitality industry, Pergola Paddington faced significant challenges. The venue’s closure appears to be part of a broader business strategy by Incipio Group, which was founded in 2015 and secured new investment in 2022 for a ‘healthy pipeline’ of additional sites. This suggests the decision might have been strategic, reallocating resources towards newer or more profitable ventures within their portfolio, which includes venues like the Libertine in the City and Palm House in Victoria .

The hospitality sector has been navigating a complex landscape of rising operational costs and shifting consumer habits. While not explicitly stated for Pergola Paddington, the broader industry context of financial difficulties, as seen with other closures like Kindle in Cardiff and Green’s in Didsbury, likely played a role in the decision-making process .

​​A Look Back at the Good Times​​ ✨

Since its grand opening in July 2017, Pergola Paddington established itself as a go-to destination. This 850-capacity rooftop venue was renowned for ​​hosting some of London’s most famous parties​​, from Pergola Paraiso to Deck the Halls 🎉. It offered a unique blend of vibrant atmosphere, shared plates, and stunning views, quickly becoming a favorite for large gatherings and casual after-work drinks alike .

​​The Future of the Pergola Brand​​

The closure of the Paddington location doesn’t spell the end for the Pergola concept. Incipio Group has assured that the Pergola name will continue. Their focus seems to be shifting towards their other establishments, notably ​​Pergola on the Wharf​​ and an “exciting space to be announced soon” 🔮. This indicates a potential strategic pivot within the company, possibly targeting different locations or experimenting with new formats that might be better suited to the current market dynamics .

​​A Final Celebration​​ 🥂

True to its spirit, Pergola Paddington went out with a bang. The venue hosted a closing party on January 20th, featuring a lineup of special guest DJs, giving Londoners one last chance to celebrate and reminisce within its iconic walls .

The shuttering of Pergola Paddington signifies more than just the closure of another restaurant; it represents a shifting landscape in London’s dining scene, where even well-loved venues must constantly adapt to survive. Its departure leaves a void in Paddington’s social scene, marking the end of a memorable chapter for London’s rooftop culture.