A friendly, family-run pub on a quiet road in Ealing, The Haven Arms has all of the hallmarks of a successful neighbourhood boozer – ales, a roaring fire, good food, a substantial outdoor area, footie on the telly and even a pool table – without ever coming across as forced or contrived.

The Venue
Recently immortalised in a series of Abbot Ale joke-telling adverts starring the human boom-box Brian Blessed, The Haven Arms might be in Ealing but it could easily be out in the countryside such is the traditional feel of the décor and the warm first-name banter between staff and punters.

Initially you’re presented with a tight space at the rickety main wooden bar but the venue stretches round either side, with a pool table and big screen on one side and a newer-looking dining area in the other. The dining space has neat wallpaper with a butterfly print and a QPR football top signed by Stan Bowles – a nod to the gaffer’s allegiances – on the wall. Unlike a lot of pubs that are moving into gastro-territory complete with highly stylised décor, The Haven Arms again chimes as honest and unfussy rather than in anyway forced. An enclosed outdoor area also offers shelter from the elements and a screen for footie fans to enjoy whatever the weather.

The Atmosphere
It’s rare to find a pub in London run by a family these days, but at The Haven Arms, a husband and wife have the lease for the pub and they’re ably supported by their son and various other fresh-faced members of staff. This results in an intimate atmosphere, where the staff are on first-name terms with most of their punters and look after them like they're extended members of the family.

The Food
During the week, burgers, steaks, fish and chips and a risotto are on offer and they also do a very good-value roast on Sundays. At less than £10 per person, you can choose from half-a-chicken, roast beef, lamb or a veggie option. There’s even a smaller kids’ portion of the beef available. The beef is thinly sliced and served pink (it is stated rare but it’s more like medium). A fresh Yorkshire pud, carrot and swede mash, roast potatoes, brocolli and kale and plenty of gravy make up the rest of what is a very enjoyable plate of food. The chicken is equally as good, although it hefty size may be too much for smaller appetites to work through.

For afters, a cheese plate – including goat’s cheese, brie, cheddar and a blue cheese – is served with crackers, grapes and a lovely chutney for £5 – fantastic value. If you want something sweet there’s usually a couple of options and the chocolate brownie with homemade ice cream is delicious and different – it has sliced glace cherries embedded in it.

The Drink
Three rotating ales are on offer (the Abbot is usually present due to the Blessed effect), along with the likes of Heineken and Peroni. House wine is more than adequate too - the Marques de Calado Tempranillo is fruity, easy to drink and undemanding.

The Last Word
The biggest compliment that you can give to The Haven Arms is that it feels different to pubs across the capital – and the secret? It’s a family-run operation with the enjoyment of its regular customers at its heart.

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