Suzi D.
Yelp
They say Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth. Despite the long lines, expensive souvenirs and harsh Californian sun, I found when I visited in 1993 that description wholly accurate.
Why? Everyone was smiling. From the staff, to the children, parents, foam models of Disney characters... smiles stretched from ear to ear and, after eight hours of smiling, I had to stop - because my cheeks hurt.
So from Disneyland across the Atlantic to BS8 where the happiest place in Clifton is undoubtedly the Clifton Lido.
A sweeping statement and one made from a brief one-hour visit, I admit. But if happiest is measured by smiles and an atmosphere of unhurried enjoyment, relaxation and excellent food and service, well, maybe it's not so sweeping after all.
My visit was an important one, no doubt - my very best friend's 31st birthday. And it was not without drama or the odd Botox-evasing frown. The Lido was hard to find. Parking on the narrow streets of Oakfield Place was almost impossible. Worse still, we were unable to book in for a massage, due in part to poor planning, in part to staff shortage.
It was also too cold and raining to try out the outdoor pool, enjoyed by the distinguished residents of Clifton since 1849. Sure, some diehards were doing laps in the winter drizzle. Us out-of-towners couldn't even brave the outdoor, beach-hut-style changing rooms to even attempt to wriggle into Lycra.
Still, our Blitz spirit prevailed and, armed with a pile of Sunday papers, we were the first diners in the restaurant for lunch, and almost the last to leave.
Even empty, the upstairs restaurant had real character and atmosphere. It overlooks the pool, and even on cold winter days the sun beaming through the wall-to-floor windows creates a greenhouse atmosphere.
As other diners arrived, we settled in with our favourite columnists and a reviving fresh OJ and lemon and ginger cocktail. It's an eclectic bunch that frequents Sunday lunch at the Lido - sure, there are the Blair-esque students with stiff upper lips and upturned collars, but also groups of 60-something friends enjoying a fine bottle of red, as well as families, special occasion diners and post-swim eaters.
And so to the food. The mains are extensive and exciting: slow cooked ox cheeks and wood roast skate both stood out for me, but we opted for a more informal, tapas-style selection.
The jewel in the restaurant's crown is the wood-fired oven. From it, we enjoyed melt-in-the-mouth, fresh-baked bread; wood-roast quail; plus flatbread, taramasalata and a delicate shaved fennel salad.
Everything was perfectly cooked and built to share. We even managed to avert our eyes from the supplements for long enough to wax lyrical on the food, while our smiley waitress brought real enthusiasm to the table, along with the food.
A green tea and espresso rounded off the meal and we left reluctantly, exchanging unselfconscious grins with fellow customers.
The Lido lunchtime club is not an exclusive one - the prices of the mains, special offers, choice of locally sourced fare and level of service means it's a slice of Clifton everyone can enjoy. And the smiles come for free.