SMOKE BAR

The deck chair smoking area by the entrance is an indication of the casual retro style of this compact Tooting local. You’ll walk into a corridor-like front room with a glossy walnut bar, low-slung leather armchairs, swirly sixties lamps, and an electric fireplace of the kind you’d find in grandma’s house. At the back is a larger space with a DJ booth, patio and the ‘sun lounge’ – a sunset and palm tree mural-plastered nook that looks like the kind of place where Magnum PI would sit back and unwind (were he allowed) with a cigar.

The beers on tap are pretty straightforward, so this isn’t the place for aficionados of the stuff, but there are great New World wines on the menu, and the impressive array of spirits is put to work by a fine cocktail list that includes delights such as amaretto mojitos and espresso martinis. Food is simple and lives up to the diner moniker; you’ll find burgers, huge organic breakfasts, Sunday roasts and tapas.

These guys keep things moving with a range of activities – on movie night, punters can rent a lounge and chow down on popcorn and hotdogs in front of a film (classic of course) – and the vibe is relaxed and friendly, helped by stylish, energetic staff. At weekends DJs spin eclectic, upbeat tunes to a mixed crowd of chinos, hipsters and townies that keeps the place grounded and attitude-free.