The Haven Arms, Ealing Broadway, W5

In a narrow residential side street just to the north of Ealing Broadway is The Haven Arms, a traditional community local. The exterior features an unusual tile hung roof, tiled brickwork and something of a cottagey look. Two separate doors lead into a pub that was probably once subdivided into traditional public and saloon bars. The staple shaped bar is immediately in front of us and here it is quite narrow, but the interior widens out at each end of the bar and also extends around the back. A framed potted history of the pub on the left hand wall tells us that it dates back to 1861, but was rebuilt in 1872. Here is the pub’s most interesting feature – a framed painting of a local inquest which took place in the pub and is now apparently over 100 years old. Further down towards the back of the pub is a pool table, dartboard and drop down TV screen, although, when a big game is being shown on the screen ( Man City v Man U on my visit ), its positioning means that the pool table and dartboard are effectively redundant. The walls here are decorated with some old photos of Ealing and a few framed autographed QPR shirts – Peter Crouch for instance. On the right hand side of the bar is a fine fireplace and, at the back, a dedicated dining area. Normal tables and chairs ( no high tables or sofas) and fine etched windows bearing the pub’s name contribute towards a cosy, traditional pub atmosphere. Three handpumps were serving Wells Bombardier, Theakston Lightfoot and Caledonian Elf Esteem, leading me to conclude that it’s in the Enterprise pub stable. This is a likeable, welcoming pub and it’s well worth the short stroll from Ealing Broadway to seek out.