The Cleveland Arms, Bayswater

The Cleveland Arms is under new management. The hops, pool table and dart board have been removed, and the walls have been painted a steely blue. In many ways it is an improvement, but the staff seems to be changing on a weekly basis, - and while they are an attractive young bunch they are inexperienced. You can buy a plate of charcuterie or smoked salmon, with a few hunks of bread with no change for a tenner. IPA has remained at a reasonable price, but all other beers are pricey. Also one pound -fifty for a weak lime and soda is exorbitant in my book. It's an attractive Victorian back street boozer and has been a friendly local for the Bayswater community for many years. In it's present form it is slightly pretentious, soulless, and a bit of a rip off, which is unfortunate.

9 Oct 2014 17:48

The Union, Paddington

I have been going to The Union occasionally since it opened as I live locally. I have always found it a pleasant pub , and have no complaints. Last Saturday I met up with a friend who had just arrived off the Heathrow Express. We waited at the bar and were studiously ignored. The pub was almost empty. Eventually a guy said, 'I'm not working ,' but took our order for two beers and some food. We waited for the food for ages, and when we politely enquired where it was it transpired that the order hadn't been put through. The man who took our order was literally feet away from the open kitchen. I asked to see the manager who didn't seem too fussed and offered to put it through again. By then we had waited for so long that we decided to get a refund and leave. They couldn't have cared less and were nonchalant to the point of rudeness. It wasn't a very good introduction to London for my friend, and it is a great shame that the standard of service has deteriorated to such a degree. I shall not be going there again.

23 Jan 2012 18:08

The Cleveland Arms, Bayswater

A pleasant enough reasonably priced local boozer with a pool table and a dart board. Good guest ales, free nuts & seriously mediocre microwaved food. Has gone down hill recently as some of the more eccentric regulars can be a bit off putting to the uninitiated. Also with the smoking ban now in place - running the gauntlet of the people blocking the door puffing is not for the feint hearted. Amusing Quiz Night on Tuesday, indifferent bar staff...one or two downright surly...and the landlord is professional with a sarcastic twist. All in all The Cleveland is a proper neighbourhood pub, which appear to be a dying breed.

13 Dec 2007 15:53