The demise of the Stoney Street Wheatsheaf, a cosy Young’s boozer that was mercifully devoid of the brewery’s usual decorative blandness, was bemoaned by locals, but not for long: this is, after all, an area rich in terrific, traditional-ish pubs that serve excellent beer. Regardless, it soon resurfaced around the corner, under the umbrella of the small Red Car group.
Whereas the original Wheatsheaf was calm, cosy and old-fashioned, version 2.0 is large and modern, and the staff’s attempts to make the capacious room feel more intimate (there are even sofas, anathema to old regulars) haven’t been wholly successful.
But there’s no criticising the beer: you’ll usually find at least nine ales on tap, including many obscure varieties, with a pub grub menu to help keep your stomach on an even keel. Worthy competition to the other pubs in this neck of the woods.
As of December 2012, the original Wheatsheaf has reopened - you can read a review of it here.