The Gateway to London from the West (Paddington Station)

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	Paddington Station
Date:	30/01/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Big, Clear Screens, Kept Clean, Ample Seating

Disadvantages: Platform information isn't declared until quite late.

This year, I have had to go into London for various reasons on several occasions which is quite unusual, and because I live in South Wales, I have to go via Paddington Station. This review details my experience with waiting around in the station in between trains and also my experiences with actually moving through the station itself.

Getting off the train in paddington, the first thing one notices is the rather large area that the station covers, and particularly the old "Victorian Train Shed" style roof, which is in itself quite a spectacle. Paddington is an impressive station, and it's size seems to allow for when it gets busy.

Ticket Barriers are always in operation, and it seems I am always unlucky, and my ticket never seems to activate the barrier. Luckily, there is usually a member of staff on hand that is able to manually open the barrier providing you show him your ticket. Unfortunately, there was a rude member of staff once that seemed to be treating the majority like a herd of children, and shouting abruptly with instructions as a teacher would to a child. This seems to be an isolated occurence though, and the majority of the train staff at Paddington are exceptionally easy to talk to.

Unlike at Kings Cross, the link between underground and railway areas is not at all confusing, and it's very easy to navigate between tube and train, which is a particularly useful asset, especially when time is of the essence.

There are loads of great stalls and shops at London Paddington including Burger King, A Pick and Mix Wagon, A Bagle Shop, A Sushi Bar, A Newsagent, A WHSmith and a Paddington bear stall to name a few. Another great thing about Paddington is that cleaners always seem to be on hand to keep up the general appearence of the station, and there has never been a shortage of seating when I have been there.

Operations seem to generally be very efficient, the Screens are large and easy to read, often one wishes they would update the platform information a little sooner than they do, but I suppose they don't want to end up with blocked platforms. There are regular anouncements about trains that are boarding at different platforms, and security seems to be taken very seriously.

Overall I have had a good experience passing through Paddington, and would recommend it to anyone wishing to enter the City of London.

Summary: My experience with Paddington has been quite pleasant.