One of the things I love the most about living in Clapham how everything you could possibly want is available at your doorstep, from cute bakeries following a weekend run, to Italian restaurants for hearty pizza and pasta, to an array of bars and clubs for a solid night out. Since buying my house in Clapham two years ago, I've been making a conscious effort to explore the local cafés, pubs, and restaurants nearby, and here is a list of the ones that I have tried and my thoughts on them!
Cafés
Joice - Clapham Common
I only recently popped into this café, and although the coffee was decent, we weren't able to stay long as there were others waiting for a table, which of course is fair enough, but also made the experience less enjoyable.
21 Grams - Clapham South
Although I'd passed this café many a time before, I finally gave it a go whilst on a walk with my brother and was very pleasantly surprised! The interior was unique and both the barista and coffee were lovely.
Hopper Coffee - Clapham North
I used to pass this little coffee van several times a week, and was a big fan of the coffee, however only recently did I actually made it into café itself and I really enjoyed it; the space is nice, the coffee delicious and the service great - I would highly recommend!
August bakery - Battersea
Although this bakery is a bit of a trek from my house, I'd seen it all over Tiktok within a week of its opening, so decided to give it a go. I only tried the pain au chocolate, but it was worth queuing in the rain for and the walk across the common to get there was pleasant.
Lockdown bakehouse - Balham
This is another place that's a bit further away but still within walking distance and is dog-friendly, which is an important consideration now that my parents have a pup. I wasn't a huge fan of the ordering system (you just go up and take your pastries, which are out on display), but the staff were lovely and the food on the menu looked delicious, so I would love to go back and try some of those options.
Backstory - Balham
This bookshop offers books, coffee and wine, all of which are things I love, and on top of that there's a loyalty programme and dogs are allowed in! It won't suprise anyone that this is one of my favourite places to grab a coffee, although, once again, it's a bit of a walk away.
Bobo & Wild - Clapham Common
I had passed this place often before finally giving it a go, and was very glad I did! I went with a couple of uni mates and was impressed with both the coffee and food; I'd recommend the eggs royale.
Lane Eight Coffee - Clapham Common
This tiny spot is takeaway only and always has a queue out the door. I found the coffee to be average but it's en route to the common from mine so is very convenient when I want to walk and sip.
Coffee Wake Up - Clapham Common
This is located near the back of the big Sainsburys and has more of a cafe vibe (as opposed to café); I'd recommend the full English.
Pear Tree Café - Clapham Common
This café is in the middle of the common and is very overpriced but offers a good brunch selection and is convenient to meet others at.
Nue Ground - Abbeville Road
This was the first café I visited in Clapham, and in all honestly it wasn't for me - I wasn't a huge fan of the menu and didn't find it particularly memorable but that is more a reflection on my tastes than the place itself.
Pubs
The Landor - Clapham North
This is a popular pub in Clapham, and the last time I went it was filled with what appeared to be uni students, so isn't necessarily the best place for a proper catch up with friends, but could be a good pre-drinks spot before a night out.
The Rose & Crown - Clapham Old Town
I'm a big fan of this pub - it often draws in a good crowd and the option for al fresco seating can be a winning factor, especially as the weather becomes warmer.
The Apollo Arms - Clapham Old Town
I came here for a roast with some friends, and it was a great vibe and offered delicious food; my one complaint would be that the only cauliflower cheese available had truffle, but again that's personal preference.
Prince of Wales - Clapham Old Town
My friend recently moved in so we thought it would be a nice idea to invite the other flats in our building to the pub with us in order to meet a few more of them, and this was the pub we chose. Funnily enough, we'd actually already met all of the people who joined, but it was still nice to catch up with them. The service was great, the wine was nice, and the interior was eclectic, so all around good vibes!
The Old Town Tavern - Clapham Old Town
This pub holds a special place in my heart as I used to go almost weekly for their pub quiz. Although the quizmaster has changed a couple of times since I started going, it's still one of my favourite pub quizzes and our team did actually win once, so I think of it fondly.
The Pig’s Head - Clapham Old Town
This pub is known for its sustainability, which I love, and offers a glorious roast, so I have no complaints and would strongly recommend.
The Sun - Clapham Old Town
As the name suggests, this pub is great in the summer as there's an outdoor area and I remember enjoying an Aperol spritz or two here whilst catching up with a friend.
The Stonhouse - Clapham Common
This hidden gem is delightful, with a lovely beer garden, great service, and a good atmosphere. I've had a Christmas dinner here, which I'd highly recommend, and also come to watch the football, which I'd not (not the vibe).
The Railway - Clapham North
I actually came here for a comedy night, which occur regularly, and although the comedy was decent, I recall the drinks being much pricier than anticipated.
The Alexandra - Clapham Common
This is a big pub and often has a table available, and although it wouldn't be my first choice, it does the job and the service is decent.
The Avalon - Clapham South
I'm a big fan of the Avalon - another Clapham classic. It's always got a decent crowd and the drinks are reasonably priced. I have never had a bad time here and would recommend.
The Abbeville - Abbeville Road
This pub is my brother's local so I pass it often and it has a great atmosphere; the Sunday roast is divine and it's a great place to people-watch too.
Restaurants
Lievito Madre - Clapham High Street
This little pizzeria has delicious food at good prices - what more could you want?!
Osteria Mbare - Clapham Common
I came here with a couple of uni friends and found the drinks and pasta to be enjoyable, but nothing to write home about. That said, they offer bottomless pasta, which I could definitely get on board with.
Lina Stores - Clapham Common
Italian is my favourite cuisine, so in keeping with this theme, I had to try Lina Stores. Although the food was good and the tiramisu was note-worthy, I do believe it is overpriced.
Beberè pizza - Clapham Common
This pizzeria was recommended to me many a time, but the only time I went I wasn't very impressed - the pizza was sligtly burnt and too spicy for me, but I'm tempted to deem this a one-off as the pizzas usually look great!
Nardulli - Clapham Common
This ice cream shop is often packed, with queues forming outside during the summer, and rightfully so; although it's not the cheapest ice cream available, it is delicious and offers a wide variety of options.
Minnow - Clapham Common
I've been here for both dinner and brunch and found the service to be great both times. I would deem this more of a dinner spot, as although the option we wanted was not available, the ambiance and menu were both better than at brunch. You also get a little postcard alongside the receipt which, as a scrapbook girly, was a nice touch.
Barsito - Clapham Common
I'm a big fan of Spanish tapas, so of course, I had to try all of my local taparias. Barsito is on Venn Street, which is a cute location, and the food is always delicious here and not too pricey. Furthermore, I have brought a Spanish mate here a couple of times and heard no complaints, so make of that what you will!
Carmen Tapas - Clapham Common
I also visited this other taparia with a Spaniard, and although I enjoyed it, it was fairly unmemorable (either positively or negatively).
Bars/Clubs
Havana Coco - Clapham Common
The best thing about this bar is where I was sat the last time I went: at the window looking out onto the Common, which was perfect for people watching and refreshing in the summer.
Tropix
I came here with one of my best mates post break-up and it was a very unexpected vibe; the music was all latino (which was enjoyable but we knew none of the songs, unlike everyone else in the bar) and it appeared to comprise large groups of families, rather than small groups of friends.
London Cocktail Club - Clapham Common
Similarly, I just happened to try this place whilst on a bar crawl and although I quite liked the place and the drinks, there were a couple of odd customers there so we didn't stay for long.
Venn Street Records - Clapham Common
This bar has a large outdoor seating area, which is lovely in the summer, and offers both drinks and food at fairly good prices, so although it wouldn't be my top choice, it is definitely cheap and cheerful.
The Little Orange Door - Clapham Common
This is a classic bar and great for a girls night out or bar crawl; seating can be hard to find but the atmosphere and music are good.
Red Vine - Clapham Common
This was an accidental find, but after visiting a series of bars, this place was still open and serving drinks so we gave it a go. It's definitely more of a restaurant vibe, as opposed to a bar, but it was enjoyable and I'd probably revisit.
Simmons - Clapham Common
Another classic - you know exactly what to expect and it delivers.
Café Sol - Clapham Common
This place is notorious in Clapham and after a certain time becomes more of a club, with bouncers and a dancefloor. I found the crowd to be very young and it wasn't really my style but I imagine back in the day I would've enjoyed it a lot.
This is, of course, a limited list and ignores all of the big chains such as Gail's, Starbucks and McDonalds, however comprises all of the places that I have passed and been drawn in by. I have also been meaning to try The Bobbin pub in the Old Town and the Falcon in Clapham North, however haven't yet been able to, so these are a definite must for 2025!
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