In appearance and personality the Fleetwood is reminiscent of Scandinavian cool. It has clean functional architecture, square-shaped and pine-brown furniture, and an emphasis on wine by the glass and straightforward cuisine. One could well imagine Inspector Sarah Lund or Lisabeth Salander – she of the dragon tattoo - to be discreet customers. Not that any major crimes have ever been reported there!

The Venue
The Fleetwood is in the imposing Broadgate development at the junction of Wilson Street and Whitecross Place. Rather appropriately, major design input into the 1980s building of Broadgate came from Anglo-Scandinavian architect/engineers, Arup Associates. The exterior has a distinct modernist aspect with an abundance of smoked glass complemented by mottled stonework. The white-ceilinged interior is one of clean contemporary lines with a single servery. Some echoes of Broadgate’s past as part of the old City of London are found in large black and white photos of the Edwardian city’s street scenes, a large Victorian-style clock and decorative blue art nouveau wallpaper. There are lower and raised levels to accommodate the upward slope of Whitecross Place.

The Atmosphere
This is very much a place for City boys and girls. Lunchtimes are primarily for diners and it becomes more crowded in the evening with a focus on drinking and lighter eating. There’s a large TV screen for sporting functions and an unobtrusive level of background music.

Office groups are numerous and they provide a feeling of easy camaraderie. Their loyalty is such that the Fleetwood is increasingly popular as a venue for weekend get-togethers, celebrations and parties. These have to be booked as it normally closes on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Food
Food at the Fleetwood is straightforward. There’s nothing fanciful but it’s of good chef-prepared standard. One notable vegetarian choice is of field mushrooms, chard and taleggio potato bake, and crispy roast butternut squash. For carnivores, the beef and London Pride casserole is particularly popular.

In addition, there’s an extensive buffet menu including three different sharing platters - meat, seafood and a Greek meze.

The Drink
As a Fuller’s house, the Fleetwood offers three handpumps. London Pride is always on offer and the other two provide other Fuller’s ales such as Discovery, Honeydew or Bengal Lancer. Lagers include Kozel, Brooklyn, Erdinger Weisse and Peroni. There’s a good whisky selection that includes Speyside’s Glenfarclas and Glenrothes Special Reserve.

Wine appears to be the most popular drink at the Fleetwood. So there’s an excellent wine by the glass selection among the 25 wines on offer. These include a Cabernet Carmenere from Chile, a Beaujolais Brouilly, Picpoul de Pinet from Languedoc and a Spanish Albarino. The roses are unusual as they include an English one from Chapel Down in Kent. Sparkling options are also well-represented and include prosecco and quality champagnes like Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger and Dom Perignon.

The Last Word
The Fleetwood has Scandinavian style in design and in character. It is good-humoured and welcoming. The cheerful evening crowd spilling onto the outside area only serves to confirm its appeal to local workers.

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