The Cleveland Arms

Surrounded by families both young and old, girly catch ups and couples alike, The Cleveland Arms appeals to a wide demographic of people both local and visitors alike. From the buzzy atmosphere and approachable staff, to the hearty dishes coming out of the kitchen, it is clear to see why it has been and continues to be a favourite among locals.

Touted as one of the cosiest pubs in London, this dimly-lit pub and restaurant is perfect for seasonal feasting in style.

Alright – we’re a tiny bit loath to talk about this unassuming looking pub. It’s where we quietly come for team days out, to enjoy their incredibly warm welcome and their wine list of dreams but it’s Christmas – and in the spirit of giving – here’s the scoop – this is hands down the best Sunday roast in London. Go to Winter Wonderland if you must, but if you are going on the Lord’s day – for the love of him (or her) – book a table here too. You’re welcome. Merry Christmas. 

Proving that cosy pubs aren’t confined to the countryside, the Cleveland offers calm minutes from the hurly-burly of Paddington. Elisabeth Passédat, a MasterChef: The Professionals contestant, serves seasonal British dishes in its downstairs dining room, a sanctuary where candles and uncovered Tudor brickwork reflect the visual flair of the film-producer landlord Maria Tamander.

Situated in the capital, The Cleveland Arms has a slightly different set of challenges when it comes to creating a communal atmosphere, but also has the advantage of being able to work with other businesses who are based nearby. In addition to the internationally influenced menu – cooked up by Elisabeth Passédat, who has previously worked under leading lights such as Pierre Koffmann and Claude Bosi – the pub has attempted to work with wholesalers to put people directly in touch with their food and drink.

French cheffes are surprisingly few and far between in London (with the illustrous exceptions of Anne-Sophie Pic and Helene Darroze) which makes Elisabeth Passedat‘s rise more exceptional.  Passedat is the new head chef of The Cleveland Arms, Paddington’s local pub since 1852  (owned by Estonian-Swedish Maria Tamander) all the more exceptional. 

The Cleveland Arms is a proper pub and it knows what it’s doing, having been a local in Paddington since 1852. Besides the interesting decor that will ignite your curiosities, you have Elisabeth Passédat in charge of the kitchen. The former Masterchef: The Professionals contestant knocks up banging French-influenced food, but when it comes to Sundays she’s kept things very traditional.

The Cleveland Arms is bursting with personality. Some of that is thanks to owners Maria and John Tamander, who have overseen the entire refurbishment and redecoration of the old pub – but plenty is also down to Elisabeth, who has stamped her own personality onto the menu. When you’re handling a gastropub in this part of London you have to provide for a pretty diverse clientele – Elisabeth’s menus include properly cooked pub classics, but she’s clearly excited about bringing some French flair to proceedings too. 

This Paddington local has been open for business since 1852. So, needless to say, The Cleveland Arms has been around for a while. But the quality of the food? That’s only got better with age. It’s also home to one of the best Sunday roasts in London. A rare slice of topside beef goes down a treat in this West London locale. If you’re feeling like going a bit more on the lam with your Sunday eating you can always pre-order a whole braised lamb shoulder for you and five of your hungriest friends and end your day in a comforting food coma.

The Cleveland Arms is the consummate pub and could sit easily in a Dickensian novel. There’s a veritable forest of oak and dark wood spread throughout: floors, wainscoting, tables, chairs, panelling, bar stools and the bar itself. Otherwise, it’s painted in dark green with Victorian era portraiture adorning its walls, brass wall lighting and old school pendant lighting. Quite simply, it’s a achingly beautiful pub.

Weeknight suppers cry out for cosy pubs where dogs are welcome, the wood is dark and the curtains are made of heavy velvet. The Cleveland Arms offers just that, and is a hidden gem in Paddington (yes, Paddington!) that was refurbished in 2014.