Wheatsheaf, SE1

I paid my first visit to this pub following its re-opening after a four-period of closure, to find mysef in a pub that I hardly recognised. It’s been given the standard Young’s treatment, so it’s all pastel shades and tall tables and tall stools. There is however an uncomfortable looking upholstered bench on the left (in the old Public Bar part), and at the back is a room with normal tables and chairs, which seemed to be the seating area of choice for those who were dining. The method of of getting your food is a little unusual, with little forms on the table whereon you tick the appropriate boxes and hand it in over the bar. It’s not cheap either with, for example, the Borough’s Beef Burger weighing in at £10. There’s some outside seating through a doorway on the right – That’s new as I recall. The screen at the front that would once have divided the two bars is still there, although there’s no glazing in it now, and the central island servery is still in situ. Being a Young’s pub there are no surprises with the beer, with no guest ale on when I was in. By Young’s standards the refurbishment’s quite restrained, but I still reckon that it’s now a run-of-the mill pub, and nothing like the charming little boozer that I recall.

Now open and it seems that the interior has largly been restored to its old layout.

Popped in to this Youngs pub (previously a Bass Charrington house) before the advent of the construction-work induced closure. It’s a basic, traditional boozer with not much in the way of creature comforts but the atmosphere made up for that. Usual selection of Wells & Youngs beer on, mine was fine. A solid if unspectacular place that will nonetheless be a loss to the area.

During the Christmas break I made a point of visiting here before its untimely demise, which I think is tonight. I'd not been in before, but was welcomed by a cheerful barman and made to feel at home. It's a great shame that this place is closing, especially as I hate to see dartboards disappear! I wish all the management and staff the best of luck for the new year and beyond.