Wheatsheaf, SE1

An early 19th century pub rebuilt around 1890 and famous for having its top floor lopped off to accommodate the Crossrail bridge. It’s hard to believe that this industrialised pub is part of the Young’s stable. Totally hipsterfied, with black walls, bare brick, pale grey glazed screens, loud music, a red neon sign, the pub’s website describing Borough Market – bang opposite – as ‘…a raucous den’. Customers were surprisingly mixed, though as the pub was rammed, with probably as many people outside as in, I did the wise thing and took my pint outside. Ales on offer comprised only London Original and Proper Job at a hefty £2.80 a half and not in great condition. This is really just another banging Borough Market pub, light years different from the comparative calm of the Market Porter next door, with its hugely superior ale range; I don’t think I’ll come here again in a hurry.

modernised pub that gets very busy owing to its position on the edge of Borough market. Lots of people spilling out into a covered drinking area at the side as well as in the pub itself. It’s a ripoff pub with a few Youngs ales plus Proper Job, all over £5. The ‘witty’ marketing boards outside don’t mask that this is a pretty ordinary place.

Another packed pub, it took a little persuasion for the bouncer to let me in! 4 beers from the Young's range on. To be honest I spent my time watching the argument between the bouncers and some other potential customers who obviously didn't say the right thing! It made an otherwise standard pub a little more interesting!

The original pub that was forced to close a number of years ago due to the overhead rail works was a great loss, it was a boozer with great character. This was my first visit since its reopening two or three years ago now, and I found it rather disappointing,bright and modern inside, some may argue it has new character but I found it all a little false. Adding the pedestrian Wells and Young beer selection to the equation means I wont probably bother again, a great shame.

A busy Young's pub, opposite Borough Market. The interior is very trendy with an island bar in the main bar and a VW camper van in the room beyond. Bowler hats had been made over into lamp shades, hanging from the ceiling which was different. Seven handpumps with repeated Youngs ales. Busy on a Saturday lunchtime with mostly diners.