A stone’s throw from the station is this beautiful and gorgeously antiquated pub. Hiding in an alleyway opposite KFC, as soon as you enter Tooting Tram and Social you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time.

The Venue
It’s hard to put into words just how stunning this pub actually is. It’s located in a converted tram shed, which has retained its original shell. With high ceilings and a large floor space, you can fit hundreds of people in without a problem. The red glossy brickwork, the little Sixties hanging lamps above the bar and the multitude of old, worn furniture adds to the wonderfully charismatic nature of this pub.

In the main bar area there are three old-style glass chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, which makes it look like a ballroom. Dimmed lighting, artwork, old skool Sixties and Seventies fabric lampshades and the chilled out clientele add to the overall experience of the place. Curiously, there are a multitude of old clocks placed all around the venue, randomly displaying different times.

Above is a mezzanine, used as a dining area. It looks like a granny flat with fascinating artifacts scattered all around. Its eccentricities are what makes this place special.

The Atmosphere
During the week, there are people in their twenties and thirties all huddled around tables chomping on crisps and enjoying drinks with mates. Interestingly, the music here changes quite quickly, flitting from tunes that would be well suited to Heart FM, to jazz and even dark electronic music. The eclectic blend definitely goes with the peculiar nature of Tooting Tram and Social.

On weekends, this venue turns into a club. With great DJs it begs the question, why is this is an over 21s club when there is such a high concentration of the party loving students on the doorstep?

The Drink
Tooting Tram and Social is pretty average when it comes to the wine selection, with a Villa Anita Vivra Chardonnay 2006 for £11.95 a bottle, £4 a large and £3 a small glass. To be honest, it’s not a great wine choice but it does the job for a bit of cheap plonk. The same is true of the reds, so maybe try a wine for a few extra pennies like the Chateau Tricaud 2005 for £19 or Laxas Bianco 2005 also £19. The Champers looks a bit better with a bottle of Phillipe Guidon Brut Premier Cru costing just £29 or the classic Moet for £45.

The beer selection is vast and interesting. The draughts include Carling, Youngs Bitter, Amstel, Grolsch, Grolsch Weiss and Guinness, starting just under the 3 quid mark. For the bottled beers, they have opted for interesting brands such as Tusker, which has an elephant on it and a distinct, unusual flavour.

The Last Word
Tooting Tram and Social offers a different night out and is an utter beauty of a pub. Great patrons, stunning surroundings and enthusiastic and happy bar staff make it a brilliant place to hang out with mates, whether you want a club night or just a drink.

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