Goldfinch, Tooting, SW17

Official site of Goldfinch - goldfinchsw17.co.uk

Official site of Goldfinch - goldfinchsw17.co.uk

This place certainly doesn’t breach the trade descriptions act, as their straightforward name tells you pretty much everything you need to know about this place. It is indeed a ‘little bar’, occupying a simple bare boarded room with a long bench under the front window, the servery down the left wall and a few small, round marble topped tables down the right and to the rear, each with either chair or low stool seating. Most customers were actually sat on high stools at the bar when I arrived, some chatting to the barmaid, others watching the Tour de France on a TV perched at the end of the bar. The room is painted in fairly neutral shades with the rear wall left as exposed brickwork. Surprisingly, there is a small garden of sorts to the rear, offering additional seating options and a few café style tables were stood out on the front pavement. The remarkable jerry built gents toilet was an experience, although a visit was worth it for the amusing photo of the Cambridge University 1967/68 lacrosse team that hangs on the wall for some reason. There are no hand pumps on the bar, but the fridges contain a few local bottle conditioned beers from the likes of Kernel and By The Horns. I tried the latter’s Wolfie Smith which was very enjoyable and an appropriate choice when drinking in Tooting. The drinks list on the wall seemed mainly focussed on cocktails. This is a fairly nice spot for a drink if you prefer small, intimate bars to proper pubs. The staff were friendly enough and I enjoyed my beer but I’m not sure I’d want to stay here for more than a quick drink.