The Wheatsheaf, Tooting Bec, SW17

This is a very spacious pub opposite Tooting Bec tube, comprising part of the 'Antic' group which operates boozers across London, including The Antelope and The Tooting Tram & Social at the other end of the broadway. There is a large main room as you enter and another back room behind the bar. Inside it is minimally lit and comprises lots of sofas and tables, with all the furniture appearing different as though its been picked up at various car boot sales. It has a not unpleasant dark evening vibe. Apparently this was for a while (and possibly still is) a pop-up pub which would explain the perhaps haphazard fit-out. However on a thursday evening it was very busy with trendy Tooting types. On the beer front, the selection is pretty good; Harveys Sussex Best, Purity Mad Goose and Adnams Lighthouse were available, with Purity UBU and Adnams Broadside having their clips turned around (but they were back on as the evening wore on). Lighthouse at £2.80 was the cheapest non-Spoons pint I've had for some time in these parts, and in good nick. Meantime Pale Ale is also available, albeit not via handpump. Apparently this pub used to be a bit grim so its nice to see its been sensibly turned around and has a few decent beers

This is a large and very grim pub opposite the tube station that has a reputation as a trouble hot spot, although there were no problems during my visit. The big attraction with this pub seems to be the karaoke, which I cannot stand so I doubt I'll return.