reviews _

Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide

"The highlight of the Tooting bar scene is the minimalist and funky smoke, a stone's throw from Tooting Bec station. An upbeat electro soundtrack sets the tone and a young, unselfconsciously fashionable crowd drapes itself over the low leather sofas. Long, thin, more clandestine seating and 1960s lampshades define the brick dog-leg nook before the converted courtyard.

There's also a glass brick-lined dining area with bench seating, stylish walnut-veneer tables and obligatory football flat-screens. The wine list favours the New World and offers four of each by the glass. Unusually, they also serve well-priced bottles of Prosecco and Cava (£15/£17.50). Food comes international tapas-style: check out the pan-fried figs with halloumi (£3.75)."

This is London

Smoke Bar Diner is an impressive venue: vintage leather sofas, Seventies coffee tables and letter-boards nestle in the main bar and two large yet cosy nooks.

To add a little colour there's a mural of a tropical beach scene near the dancing area that has a DJ booth through what looks like a serving hatch. It's the best bar in Tooting.

Clapham

This is the first 'trendy Claphamesque' bar in Tooting and we welcome it!"