'The world's smallest local': Craft Tooting beer shop and bar is a community within a community

Craft Tooting opened its doors in 2016 as the first ever evening establishment in Broadway Market.

Since its launch four years ago, Tooting's first craft beer bar and shop has created a community out of an admittedly tiny premise.

"We are the world's smallest local," co-owner Mark told Nub News.

Mark co-owns Craft Tooting with his wife Ela along with their second shop 'Craft and Courage' in Crystal Palace.

The love for craft beer is evident in every corner of the establishment - from the pristinely stocked array of colourful independent breweries to the achievements proudly displayed on the wall.

Mark said: "Doing something you're passionate about is such a great feeling."

The Tooting bar and shop stocks a constantly changing selection of beers that keeps even their most regular customers discovering something new.

Mark said: "It is all about getting the new stuff in and discovering something great.

"There definitely could be worse jobs in the world."

When the Market closed due to coronavirus restrictions Mark packed up the shop and operated as a beer delivery company from his home, delivering all of the orders personally.

"I am ready to do it again if I need to," Mark continued.

"It was nice how so many regulars supported us during lockdown by ordering home deliveries from us, which we really, really appreciate."

While Nub News was interviewing Mark - at least five people passed through for a catch up.

Mark added: "We're a community within a community.

"Before the virus even more so."

Social distancing is difficult to maintain in such a small establishment, but Mark says every customer has been respectful of the new rules.

Bar stalls which were once forward facing at the bar have now been removed and a new ordering system keeps customers distanced from staff.

In uneasy times customers have remained loyal to Craft Tooting - whether it's online ordering or popping by for a socially distanced drink.

"I thank them very much for that," Mark said.

The bar and shop is hoping to celebrate its fifth birthday in May.

"We do something special every year but obviously had to rain check due to the virus," Mark said.

"I think we all need a bit of a party."

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