Away from the cash converters and fried chicken shops of Streatham High Road, a new drinking hole is bringing a little bit of class to an area which has been otherwise neglected.

Pratts and Payne, a pub owned by the upmarket Antic chain, offers quality food and drink in a rustic and imaginative setting.

Old trinkets line the shelves, while vintage chandeliers hang from the ceiling, lighting up an otherwise dark interior.

We order at the bar - the staff are friendly but not too friendly, and the customers appear considerably more refined than the two straggly women I saw lighting up outside.

You'd have to be fairly well off to adopt this kitsch boozer as your regular, but as a monthly treat it works rather well.

We selected a bottle of house white (£13.75) and grazed on packets of posh crisps (£1) with a couple of giant sausage rolls (£2.50) thrown in.

It all went down extremely well, and our barmaid even brought a large portion of ketchup to the table for indulgent dunking. However I think leaving the table covered in pastry crumbs may have been frowned upon.

Some may find Pratts, named after Streatham's former main department store and an infamous local brothel owner, a tad lacking in atmosphere.

The clientele all seemed keen for a quiet drink rather than a proper knees up. And persuading anyone to get drunk on those prices could be a challenge.

But the flip side was it had just enough atmosphere to hold your attention, whilst not distracting you from your drinking partners.

It was perfect for groups of friends or even couples to enjoy a refreshing drink after work, or a pre-clubbing beverage on a weekend.

And if you like your pubs kooky and expensive, then you’ll love it. Just make sure you give the table a quick wipe on your way out.

Bounce, High St, Sutton

Atmosphere: ** Subdued.

Decor: **** Trinkets and vintage.

Price: ** Pricey drinks but bar snacks not expensive

Drink: *** Good range of beer and wine

Staff: *** Sort of friendlyish