Cleveland Arms Pub Exterior

Project Overview

A landmark renovation delivered by Force Builders Ltd: a complete transformation of The Cleveland Arms —
from cellar to roof — while respecting the character of a historic Paddington building. The multi-phase project
included structural reinforcement, full services renewal, heritage finishes, and a new roof in natural slate,
culminating in an elegant pub, an atmospheric basement restaurant, and three beautifully re-planned apartments above.

Ground Floor — The Cleveland Arms Pub

• Strip-out of dated décor and non-original elements.
• Replacement of perimeter structural timber with massive steel beams supporting external masonry and internal floors.
• New commercial electrical, plumbing, CCTV, alarms and fire systems.
• New partitions and traditional ceilings in lime and horsehair with decorative coffered panels.
• Decorative wall cladding, new external doors, custom mirrors and bench seating.
• Original timber floors sanded and oiled; new ventilation and AC.
• Complete redecoration and new oak staircase connecting to the basement restaurant.

Basement — Restaurant Conversion

• Removal of old pub cellar (cold room) and internal walls.
• Installation of large structural steel beams reinforcing the building above.
• Comprehensive damp-proofing to walls and floors; new concrete subfloors.
• New traditional skylights set into the pavement — precision waterproofing and sealing.
• Underfloor heating, new drainage, ventilation and M&E services.
• Engineered wood flooring in guest areas; resin floors to kitchen zones.
• New guest and staff WCs; new cold room and commercial boiler room.
• New restaurant kitchen and extraction; alarm and fire systems.
• Interior finishes: wood panelling, tile mosaic, bespoke seating; full decoration and lighting.

Upper Floors — Three Luxury Apartments

• Replanning: demolition of internal walls and new layouts across three levels.
• New steel beams supporting floors and ceilings; timber strengthening to joists.
• Rear timber extension finished with traditional lead cladding.
• New partitions, fireplaces, oak flooring and exposed feature beams where appropriate.
• All external windows replaced in matching style — hardwood frames.
• Full joinery package: wardrobes, storage, skirtings, architraves; stair repairs.
• New ventilation, electrics, plumbing; new kitchens and bathrooms.
• Fire alarms and safety systems; complete decoration throughout.

Roof & Structural Works

• Reinforcement of roof timber structure and floor supports in the attic.
• New thermal insulation, ventilation pathways and electrical runs.
• Full roof replacement: vapour barrier membrane and natural slates.
• Conservation-sensitive leadwork/flashings and detailing.

Façade & External Areas

• Replacement of windows; repair and partial renewal of external renders.
• Brick repairs and full repointing; parapet and sill restoration.
• New leadwork (flashings); painting of rendered areas and pub signage.
• New external lighting, pub sign, entrance doors and CCTV.
• Perimeter moisture protection; courtyard skylight to restaurant.
• Traditional small-tile mosaic walkway; masonry wall repairs and re-rendering.
• Refurbished metal railings; new planters and soft landscaping.

Outcome

The Cleveland Arms is once again a destination — a renewed pub and restaurant beneath
three elegant apartments, all unified by careful craftsmanship and robust engineering.
From major steelwork to delicate lime plaster and mosaic, every element was delivered
to last. A complex heritage building, brought back to life — and ready for the next chapter.