Tooting Tram and Social

Ah yes The Tram. The Tram with live band karaoke. The Tram with Tuaca shots. The Tram that insisted I sleep on a strangers sheepskin rug.

As far as pubs and bars go in this area, this is one of the best. If you want to large it, have a boogie, make friends with strangers and wake up with a saucepan next to your head, coming here is totally the right way to start your night. This place is part of the same group as The White Hart and The Antelope, which is just a few doors down. It's loved by the cool kids of the south and treated like their mecca. It's a strange mix with funny hair cuts, skinny jeans, plaid shirts who also mingle with white bootcut jeans and tops from Jane Norman. Nothing wrong with it, I'm just saying its a weird mix.

Drinks are reasonable and there is loads of sitting space. It's just a bit of an arse when you get there that they have all been reserved for the rest of the night. The place is just back from Mitcham road and there will be big men on the door. They won't let you in if you come too late though as it gets full quick and becomes one in one out.

The Tram Shed and Social is a well-kept Tooting secret - tucked down an alley by Gala Bingo, it's actually a huge two-level super trendy bar that's busy enough to qualify as a club - the music is a popular mix of whatever's in fashion, from indie to 80s electro to going a bit retro and crowd-pleasing.


It's built in a tram shed, so has a super high ceiling and a second level in the form of a balcony going all the way around the main floor. With an eccentric mix of tables, sofas and chairs and some patio furniture and fairy lights in the approaching alley, the place is welcoming and popular.


Drinks are above average but in line with the feel of the venue.

I'm not one for clubbing anyway, but this place was far too busy. They should let less people in. There was hardly any space to dance, kept getting knocked about by other people and it was difficult to get to the bar and toilets. For the size of the venue, the bar is too small.

The staff here were extremely rude and I actually had an argument with the toilet attendant because she kept shouting at people who weren't even doing anything wrong and told me off for the toilet roll being in the wrong place, even though I had put it back where I found it.

The music was good and they have a photographer in, you can dance on the stage if there's room and there's also an upstairs which I didn't visit.

The smoking area is small and the staff try to cram you into it, or they just don't let you out to smoke.

Never been treated like this, think they need to remember that I'm a customer!

Having lived in Tooting on and off for essentially my entire life, I still am in disbelief that this place is here! Together with Smoke, it gives me hope that I'll be able to persuade my non-south-london friends to venture down here!

The drinks are reasonably priced and good. The bars - there's a smaller one upstairs - are long, spacious and well staffed. There are loads of comfortable places to sit and it's not heinously crowded (because it's in Tooting - if this were in the West End you'd never get in after 5pm). So far, so so what... but the building and its decor is what makes it so great.

The space is vast, being an old tram shed and all, with a mezannine running along two sides, lined with tables, sofas and that extra bar (which never has a wait, as far as I can tell). Every nook and cranny has been thought about - butterfly wallpaper in the loos, antlers way up on the walls, fairy lights liberally scattered throughout. They've turned a big empty space into an eccentric's cosy living room. You can hear yourself think, and each other speak, over the music, which isn't bad.

They just need to start serving food again, I'm not sure why they've stopped temporarily, but it's the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry with friends. And then, if you're a lucky Tooting-dweller, even stumble home.

The crowd is pretty friendly.

More bars should be like this - on the way to dinner, we also passed the Antelope which is owned by the same management and that also looked good. Maybe Tooting will be the new Clapham! On second thoughts, let's keep this one quiet.....

When I was first told a friend's birthday party would be held in an old tramshed near Tooting Broadway, I have admit I was more than a little dubious. However, after jumping in a cab back home to Clapham I'd had a truly excellent night.

My friend had reserved an area upstairs for us, so we could look at all of the minions below fighting for space. Ah! The delight of watching people from above. The room is incredible, what a great idea to sell nice booze and play music in such a huge room!

And the music - Guns N Roses and Nirvana. Need I say more?

I came bought here to chill with some doctor friends. I was pleasantly surprised when i was bought down an old alley way to this oasis of pleasantness. It was as if I was about to join some secret society but whatever. I came with the nastiest sore throat so i knew I wanted something warm. Was about to order a tea when I saw a sign that said they offered "mulled cider" My american ass didn't even know what that was, so I ordered one anyway. BEST APPLE CIDER EVER. Its warm, sweet, spicy and the little lemon and orange bits they add are delightful. Freaking awesome.

I thought the place was an old tube station, no no noooo! Its a old tram station, close but no cigar. All good though, decor is seriously straight out of a second hand shop. A cross between masterpiece theater, abercrombie & fitch, and well...I'll let you figure out the 3rd bit.

Lovely place, highly recommend.

Rock e oake.... Live band = even more fun than your lucky voice experience.. The vibe is cool, the drinks are reasonable and the decor is a tran load of fun and frolics. Downside = no lights in the loos

This pub is usually full of students and young people. Has a lively atmosphere, with everyone having a good time.
The narrow entrance turns into a bit of a smokers ally. Occassionally some trouble breaks out. Not a place for the mature crowd looking for a quiet drink.

The Tram & Social reminds me of my small Hampshire hometown where it is the only club for 20 miles around.

You go there with expectation and it can be a bit disappointing. You go there without any expectation at all and you have the best night ever.

On an average Friday night there is a complete combination of make-up queens, buttoned-up hipsters, swaying 40 year old business men, good time girls, ye old bump 'n' grind and somehow, this works for the Tram & Social.

I love it and wouldn't let anyone say a bad word about it. Check it out on a Friday night. The bouncers are also the kindest I have ever met. I definitely appreciate being asked if I have remembered everything after 5 hours of vodka and cokes.

Word of warning: do not wear white. It's a terrible idea. There is lots of beer being danced about and you will look awful by the end of the night. Sandals are also a no-go. 40 year old business men will attempt to dance.

Quite a pleasant surprise to find such a seemingly trendy bar in a place like Tooting.
The main attraction of this place is the decor, which made me think of Uncle Andrew's attic study in The Magician's Nephew, slightly crazy and old fashioned.
Make your way upstairs if you can, as gazing down from the balcony at the room below is perhaps the most entertaining part of the evening. Quite a nice selection of ales and unusual bottled beer.
On another note, the music is good but unfortunately a little too loud, which makes casual conversation difficult, and no chance of a dance either as the place is really tighly packed.
To sum it up, the place definitely has a trendy vibe and great potential, but loose a few tables and chairs on the main floor, give people the chance to dance, get some live music booked in maybe, live up to the space.