Review: The Wheatsheaf, West Wickham (From News Shopper)

Review: The Wheatsheaf, West Wickham

12:12pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Freetime latest news By PubSpy

PUBSPY'S VIEW

It’s always nice to receive opinionated letters from you lovers and haters of PubSpy.

But sitting uncomfortably close to a fan, watching them read my hilariously witty review of a Petts Wood pub, was an altogether new, and slightly awkward, experience.

I’d abandoned my packed plans for the day and, suddenly desperate for a drink, found myself at The Wheatsheaf in West Wickham.

Grabbing a small glass of merlot and a packet of Mini Cheddars (the first meal of the day at 2pm), I was a little taken aback by the cheeky total of £6.10.

Thankfully, the pricey little red number was more exciting than the bland – yet modern and stylish – beige deco.

When you’re out with a friend, as everyone seemed to be on Wednesday afternoon, you can always rely on banter, gossip and reminiscing to keep you entertained.

For the solo drinker, however, it’s always more interesting to have something quirky and fun on the walls to keep you company.

Looking around, it seems all the colour has been posted on The Wheatsheaf’s Facebook page, with signs dotted about the place, encouraging punters to log on and virtually ‘like’ them.

Snazzy pictures of singers who have signed up to perform on various dates in the New Year make the page much more captivating to look at than the actual pub.

All of a sudden though, something captured my attention.

The only other lonely drinker in the pub came and sat right next to me, News Shopper in hand.

After staring our splash for two minutes, he frantically flipped through the pages – he knew exactly where he was going – and landed on my very own handiwork.

It turns out he works at the pub, so here’s hoping he takes my advice and pumps some character into the place to set it apart from every other semi-posh tavern.

The plastic flowers just don’t cut it for me.

After just a small glass of wine, I was surprised to be seeing double when nature called.

Looking like a bit of a div, I walked to one gents’ loo, and then back to the other gents’ about a metre away, thinking my eyes must have deceived me.

Luckily, just seconds before I was about to start scratching my head in cartoon fashion, a very helpful barmaid came to my rescue.

There was only one toilet for women, but at least it had the feel of a spa and actually smelled of flowers – how very lovely indeed.

I did see one curious man use one of the male loos, and then 10 minutes later, the other one.

I think he was just showing off.

With different specials all the time, the food menu looked promising, but alas, I had no time to indulge.

Organise a lunch date at The Wheatie soon, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

But for goodness’ sake, take a funny friend to keep you entertained.

Address: 135 High Street, West Wickham, Bromley, BR4 OLU 

Decor ** (nice and stylish but dull)

Drink *** (not a great choice of beers and lagers but nice wines)

Price ** (ouch)

Atmosphere *** (friendly, relaxed and comfortable)

Staff **** (very nice and helpful)