The Draper’s Arms in Ealing is a former Victorian clothing factory that has been transformed into a stylish modern pub restaurant.

Stepping through the doorway in High Street, just off Ealing Broadway, and with my wife, I was eager to test the pub’s claims of having "everything sewn up" with its drinks line-up and "proper pub food".

The venue certainly makes a great first impression; it is big and spacious, with boarded floors and exposed brick that offer a traditional feel, with attractive modern chandelier-style lights giving added class. The leather sofas and chairs arranged around coffee tables were enticing and made me think of Central Perk from the TV show Friends – except with better furniture at Drapers. I can see this being a popular place for a Friday evening pint with colleagues.

We visited on a Monday night and found it comparatively quiet with a few clusters of drinkers and diners sat by the windows. We took our seats at one such table and were quickly attended to by the waitress.

The menu was a sheet of A4, which seemed to epitomise the venue’s aim of keeping things simple (though the menu was hardly lacking in flourish). I sampled the Veltins German beer and my wife ordered California Rose wine to accompany our starter, which was a large sharing platter of nachos with melted cheese and sauces. Tasty but expensive for what it was.

For mains I couldn’t resist the 8oz 21 day-aged rib eye steak with ‘double cooked chips’ – this was a new one on us, but they didn’t taste any different to regular chips, just right – and watercress. The steak was perfectly cooked and a real treat, particularly with peppercorn sauce which was an optional extra at £2.

At £17.50 the price was higher than what you might pay for a steak at your average Weatherspoon or local pub but for the location and class of venue, not all that unexpected.

My wife order the West Country beef burger (£10) which came served with a brioche bun and melted Taw Valley Cheddar cheese and fries. She added smoked bacon for £1.25 but could have chosen bacon jam (another new one on us) or pulled pork.

Our main meals hit the spot and left little room for dessert. Nevertheless we persisted and I was drawn to the raspberry and peach crumble with apple sorbet (£5.75). When it arrived I was taken aback by how generous the helping was, literally a whole plate full! Despite my best efforts I was defeated by the crumble and had to leave some. I can certainly recommend the dish but would advise you to eat a less filling main if you are going to attempt it. My wife said the sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream was “divine” and a fine end to a pleasurable meal.

The only downside for us was a loud and inebriated young lady on the table next to us who was a distraction. Always a danger when the venue combines pub and restaurant. However we found out afterwards that The Draper’s Arms has a raised dining area for couples to enjoy some privacy so such things are easily fixed.

We left having had an enjoyable evening and been impressed with this mix of traditional pub food and contemporary flair in the heart of Ealing.

The Draper’s Arms also serves lunch at £10 for two course or £13 for three, as well as Saturday brunch and a Sunday menu.