The Cleveland Arms — Restaurant in London

I stopped in for a quick bite before catching a train at Paddington and regretted it. The food was well cooked and the server was polite and professional, so no complaints there.

What let the experience down was the atmosphere and the attitude of who I assume was the owner. The dining room at the back was quiet almost empty with just one other table occupied by a family who were finishing up and getting ready to leave, with the rest of the tables free, I chose a sheltered corner seat as the table with kids was noisy, which is exactly what you would expect from kids but if I could avoid it as literally every other table was free then I would have preferred to sit in a quieter corner seat.

I say preferred as no sooner had I sat down on the corner table the owner (at least I assume they were the owner from their attitude, and yes I do mean attitude) came over and told me to move. Not asked, or said hey would you be okay to keep the three seaters free for larger parties if they come, no he told me, move - now. A polite request I could have understood, especially if the room was busy or larger parties were waiting or even expected to come in, but it wasn’t. The room was practically empty and it stayed that way for almost the entire time I was there.

The family left about the time I was ordering but rather than being able to relax the owner swept through the back room several times while I was eating. To be fair to him, he may simply have been checking the space or keeping an eye out for new arrivals, but combined with his brusque manner and the sheer number he times he did it in the short hour I was there it created a mood that felt more managerial and distinctly unwelcoming.

A shame really — the kitchen and waiting staff did their jobs well, but the overall tone wasn’t what you’d hope for in a gastropub, where a warmer, more relaxed approach makes all the difference - owner take note your are letting your staff down.

As it stands I wouldn’t recommend this place and would actively recommend all solo travellers to avoid. Pity given it’s proximity...

I came for dinner on 16.02.19. Walking past it always seems very popular and inviting but I hadn't yet popped in.

It's a lovely traditional pub with quality furnishings and private library-hued walls. The manager, Antonio, was very friendly and put me in a nice spot in a cosy nook though I was on my own (often one feels shunted to the side/the worst table in places but not here).

I confess I was after a good burger and chips or steak and frites but they didn't have those on the menu. What they did have however was a menu of other pleasing, varied offerings (I later discovered it's changed weekly). I ordered the gnocchi with truffle shavings. I am always slightly nervous eating out as, being a keen cook and wine enthusiast, I rarely find meals as good as my own - especially in a pub! But the gnocchi were perfect - hot (without that awful blitzed-in-the-microwave taste) and absolutely delicious with a note of cheese in the white sauce. The rhubarb and ginger crumble was also delicious - the right temperature, and a crunchy crumble with crisp almonds and well balanced fruit. The manager was solicitous without being intrusive and we had a good old gas about food. The (two) glasses of 2017 Spanish Bodegas I had were perfectly chambréd and went exceedingly well with my food.

Music-wise I would have preferred gentle jazz in the background but it's not as though I don't love The Who and Fleetwood Mac! And it wasn't too loud.

In sum it was one of those meals where you're sighing with gratitude for food and drink when something simple is done so well; one where you can feel it doing you good, and you leave in better spirits than when you entered. It probably helps that it is an independent pub but I'm not sure I've eaten better (pub) food in London; Antonio and his team are top notch without being showy.

In short, it's my new favourite place and I'll definitely be recommending...

Beautiful building, lovely food, and very accomodating staff! We came back in May, just before eating inside was an option, so enjoyed our meal in one of the purpose built heated booths. Due to a limited food tolerance I was only able to enjoy something off their takeaway menu, but my mother wanted something off their regular, plus we wanted to dine in and enjoy a drink or two from the bar... I contacted the establishment beforehand and they were very friendly and kind in offering me to be able to order from the takeaway menu but still eat on the premises. If I hadn't of eaten in I would've missed their Salted Chocolate Brownie also, and would've been thoroughly disappointed! All in all it was a wonderful experience and when we visit Brighton again in October I hope to be able to book to eat there again :-) I was even spoken to by a member of staff whom checked my meal was okay and whether I'd ordered what I wanted, which was lovely to be remembered and cared about! 10/10 for myself and my mother and it will definitely be a go to every time we visit.

Ps - I had the Beer Battered Halloumi and Triple Cooked Chops and would...