The Cleveland Arms

Nestled among the rows of pristine white townhouses in the residential streets near Paddington (and a world away from the chaos that surrounds the station), The Cleveland Arms claims with good reason to have been ‘Paddington’s local since 1852’.

The front of the pub is taken up mainly with punters stopping for a drink at the bar or enjoying a glass of wine by the large windows looking onto Chilworth Street. If you’re feeling hungry, impeccably dressed staff lead would-be diners through the shabby-chic pub to the small and cosy area at the back where the kitsch decor has been done in a subtle and stylish way.

Rising star chef Elisabeth Passédat (previously at Aster in Victoria) heads up the kitchen and her appealingly simple modern European menu changes with the seasons – so don’t get too attached to any one dish.

Roasted beetroot with soft-boiled egg and black mustard dressing or chicken rillettes with sourdough and cornichons might be followed by roasted aubergine with sesame, couscous and za’atar or Barbary duck breast with salsify, polenta and cardamom jus, with a vegan Eton mess to finish.

One thing that does stay static, however, is the Sunday roast. Fresh-tasting smoked salmon with dill and pickled cucumber makes a light prelude to the main event of thinly sliced, melt-in-the-mouth roast topside of beef. It is served with all the trimmings of creamy and subtle horseradish, sweet carrots, crisp roasties and small and fluffy Yorkshire puddings to fill with silky gravy.

Busy with families both young and old, girly catch-ups and couples alike, The Cleveland Arms, like any good pub, appeals to a broad cross section of society. From the buzzy atmosphere and approachable staff to the hearty dishes coming out of the kitchen, its status as Paddington’s favourite local looks safe for some years to come.

Just a stone’s throw from Paddington station, The Cleveland Arms stands as a proper London pub, boasting simple, modern European menus. Steeped in history, the pub dates back to 1852, retaining nods to its former life, but with woven contemporary touches that solidify its place as many Londoner’s local boozer.

The charm starts before you even step inside. Columned windows sit above the pub’s entrance, with planters housing hanging foliage, adding a burst of vibrant greenery to the exteriors. Inside, the rustic, chic atmosphere continues, a cosy warmth that floods through the main dining area. Here, you’ll find wooden floors, sage green walls, plush paisley seating and ornate light fixtures that dot the walls and ceilings offering a warm glow throughout the pub. It's the perfect little neighbourhood spot.

Dishes include elevated versions of your classic pub grub, so you can expect the likes of Dingley Dell pork chop with black pudding ketchup, charred black pineapple and new potatoes, or Gilthead sea bream with crushed New Jersey Royals and grain mustard sauce. Finish up your dinner with a decadent dessert, including the likes of banana sticky toffee with butterscotch and clotted cream ice cream, and lemon posset with raspberry and lemon verbena.

Fancy popping in for a quick bite? A small plate lunch menu is available Thursday to Saturday with lighter options such as burrata with heritage tomatoes and kale and basil pesto, charred watermelon with feta and rocket, and ham hock croquettes with a parsley emulsion and pickled apples. Come Sunday, the team at The Cleveland Arms whip up a rather spectacular roast, offering chicken supreme, rump of beef, pork belly, or celeriac and wild mushroom pithivier, served with all the trimmings.

On the drinks front, The Cleveland Arms offers a wide selection of draught beers, alongside wines, spirits and soft drinks. So there's bound to be something to suit, regardless of your tastes.