Having moved buildings to make way for the Thameslink rail network in early 2009, the Wheatsheaf is back in a new location on Southwark Street. If location, location, location really is all important then has its new home detracted from its appeal or improved it?

The Venue
The second location of the Wheatsheaf offers a clean, spacious layout with a long curving bar. The pub resides in a cellar, and while the ceiling sits relatively low and no natural light comes in, it still manages to feel open. Curved brick ceilings painted white and arched doorways give the place a sturdy, solid feel. Two private dining rooms, each with a long table surrounded by chairs, are located in the back of the pub. Soft leather couches with a low coffee table sit to your right as you enter. A couple of flat screen TVs show sport or, if you prefer something active, the pub provides a video games console and a separate room for a game of darts.

Rows of black and white portrait photographs line the walls, providing an interesting visual distraction for patrons. Many of the photographs are of local business owners and people who work at Borough Market, which is a nice nod to the area in which it sits.

The Atmosphere
The Wheatsheaf staff provide excellent service. If you’re not familiar with some of the ales on draught the bartender will offer up samples to taste. Getting a preview can help ensure you don’t end up paying for something you won’t enjoy.

Pop music plays over the sound system but the volume isn’t overbearing and seems to sit well with the crowd, which comprises mainly young professionals from the local area and the occasional tourist from Borough Market. A sign near the entrance states the pub will hold jazz and blues nights over the coming months.

The Food
The food menu is inexpensive with everything under £10 and offers a wide range of sandwiches to go with your beer. A honey roast ham sandwich with mixed leaves and mustard, rare roast beef sandwich with horseradish cream and three types of toasties cost £4.50. The pie of the week is £6.95 and the fish and chips (£7.50) is haddock battered with their own ale.

The Drink
The pub offers a selection of nine different cask ales including options like Youngs Bitter, Hewish IPA, Lounge Lizard (a nice, hoppy, bitter ale), Elgoods Double Swan and Red Car Best Bitter. Cask ale pint prices range from £3.60 to £5 for a Kentish Reserve. Peroni and Addlestones Cider on draught provide lighter alternatives.

The Wheatsheaf also offers a decent selection of wine. You can order a glass of wine for £3.25-£6.35. The price for a bottle starts at £13.95 and goes up to £35 for a bottle of Rioja Gran Reserva Coto de Imaz. However, beer takes centre stage in this pub.

The Last Word
The Wheatsheaf offers a good ale selection in a spacious pub with just the right blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

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