Set back from the riverside in leafy Richmond, One Paradise Road is a popular place much loved by the local thirtysomething crowd. Despite its reputation as a bit of a pick-up joint, it’s an unpretentious and friendly place to spend an evening.

The Venue
One Paradise Road is in an innocuous part of Richmond, not quite in the town centre and yet not in the main hub of the thriving restaurant and bar scene. It is just a few minutes from the tube and mainline railway station and next door to the bus terminal.

The exterior is not a thing of great beauty and you could be forgiven for walking straight by, so nondescript is the facade. The big glass windows mean passers by can have a good gawp before venturing in and the group of smokers huddled around the unimposing doorway serve to make it as difficult for them as possible.

Inside, the one room is divided into two with the raised level at the back reserved for dining. There are several high tables and stools around the outside of the starkly decorated venue and the oval-shaped wooden bar is central to the space. The stairs up to the toilets can feel like a bit of a trek after a couple of glasses of wine, so if you’re in heels you’ll need to watch your step.

The Atmosphere
The crowd at One Paradise Road is distinctly grown up. Over the years, the mostly thirty and fortysomething regulars have made this a haven for well spoken Richmond singletons bored with the predictability of the neighbouring chain bars. This is a warm and welcoming place to while away an evening with a pal. The regulars are always dressed to impress and the staff, for whom nothing is too much trouble, are incredibly friendly and the music is just as likely to be an unedited Lily Allen as old school Michael Jackson.

The Food
The menu is varied but unsurprising and there is an alternative bar snack selection of sandwiches and Mexican fare.

For starters, a deliciously syrupy deep fried camembert (£5.25) is recommended. Generously portioned, it comes served with onion marmalade and bread. Alternatively, the tasty, beautifully cooked pan fried garlic tiger prawns (£6.50) are worth a try.

Main courses cover most tastes with a compact Cajun burger served with chips and onion rings (£8.95), chicken alfredo (£8.50), Cumberland sausage (£9.50) and fillet steak (£13.50) all good choices for the ravenous, or salmon fishcakes (£9.75), grilled sea bass (£12.50) and goat cheese, spinach and pepper strudel (£7.95) for non-meat eaters. You cannot fail to line your stomach with this grub - the dishes are generous and good vale for money.

The Drink
Wines and Champagnes are popular tipples at One Paradise Road and the selection ranges from £11.50 for a bottle of French white to £30 for the Laughing Jack Shiraz, which goes down well with the sausage and mash. A refreshing Prosecco will only set you back £21.50.

The only beer available on tap is Budweiser, but there is an extensive selection of bottled beers including Tiger, Sol, San Miguel, Peroni and Becks with the newest addition Cusquena.

The Last Word
For an upbeat and lively evening, One Paradise Road is a safe and enjoyable bet. The tried and tested formula of simple food and popular music go down well and create a relaxed and flirty vibe that’s hard not to get caught up in.

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