Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
An oh-so-brilliant spin-off to Robin Gill’s Dairy next door, Counter Culture serves ‘how do you make that’ small plates in a seriously unpretentious setting dominated by counter seating (obvs). Staff are all tattoos and charisma, the music’s old school, booze is strictly BYO and the loos are next door. And you can book!
9 locals recommend
Counter Culture
16 The PavementAn oh-so-brilliant spin-off to Robin Gill’s Dairy next door, Counter Culture serves ‘how do you make that’ small plates in a seriously unpretentious setting dominated by counter seating (obvs). Staff are all tattoos and charisma, the music’s old school, booze is strictly BYO and the loos are next door. And you can book!
Recycled furniture, workshop light fittings, a bar serving craft beers: it might look like another booze and burger joint – or maybe an Italian ‘small plates’ place – but The Dairy doesn’t churn out a formula. Seasonal British ingredients are treated with a level of finesse that would be the envy of many high-end Japanese restaurants.
88 locals recommend
The Dairy
15 The PavementRecycled furniture, workshop light fittings, a bar serving craft beers: it might look like another booze and burger joint – or maybe an Italian ‘small plates’ place – but The Dairy doesn’t churn out a formula. Seasonal British ingredients are treated with a level of finesse that would be the envy of many high-end Japanese restaurants.
In a prime spot at the fashionable end of Clapham Common, Madeleine is one of several cafés with outside tables geared to the passing trade between the Old Town and the tube. It’s also the best of the bunch, is charmingly French and is dedicated to serving breads, cakes and pastries from its (partly visible) in-house bakery.
21 locals recommend
Madeleine
22 The PavementIn a prime spot at the fashionable end of Clapham Common, Madeleine is one of several cafés with outside tables geared to the passing trade between the Old Town and the tube. It’s also the best of the bunch, is charmingly French and is dedicated to serving breads, cakes and pastries from its (partly visible) in-house bakery.
Custom-built for sizzling hot days on Clapham Common, this low-key Italian-run ice-cream parlour serves up mamma and papa’s gelati just as they should be done – smooth, creamy and downright delizioso. They also do proper coffee, affogato, milkshakes, crêpes, waffles and even luscious gelato cakes. It’s a little lick of heaven in SW4.
22 locals recommend
Nardulli
29 The PavementCustom-built for sizzling hot days on Clapham Common, this low-key Italian-run ice-cream parlour serves up mamma and papa’s gelati just as they should be done – smooth, creamy and downright delizioso. They also do proper coffee, affogato, milkshakes, crêpes, waffles and even luscious gelato cakes. It’s a little lick of heaven in SW4.
Drinks & Nightlife
Suburb SW11 specialises in a carefully curated list of drinks and a variety of dining options against an industrial chic backdrop in Clapham. An independent bar with a relaxed attitude, dig into fondue, burgers or sizzling hot stone dishes in the dining area or make straight for the bar, where selected drinks are available at discounted rates for Happy Hour and a Half, between Mondays and Saturdays.
12 locals recommend
Suburb SW11 Bar & Dining
148 Falcon RdSuburb SW11 specialises in a carefully curated list of drinks and a variety of dining options against an industrial chic backdrop in Clapham. An independent bar with a relaxed attitude, dig into fondue, burgers or sizzling hot stone dishes in the dining area or make straight for the bar, where selected drinks are available at discounted rates for Happy Hour and a Half, between Mondays and Saturdays.
With pizzas from £6 and live music six nights a week, Northcote Records is a serious contender for best bar in Clapham. Dedicated to the best music, the venue is decorated with gig posters and vinyl records and stays open til late ensuring you have an amazing party spot south of the river.
36 locals recommend
Northcote Records
8-10 Northcote RdWith pizzas from £6 and live music six nights a week, Northcote Records is a serious contender for best bar in Clapham. Dedicated to the best music, the venue is decorated with gig posters and vinyl records and stays open til late ensuring you have an amazing party spot south of the river.
A former toilet turned wine bar, WC Wine & Charcuterie Bar is based underneath Clapham Common tube station and offers South Londoners an enticing menu of fine wines and delectable charcuterie. With 24 red and white wines behind the bar, alongside a few classic cocktails, the sharing platters and cheese boards produced by the kitchen are all you need after a long day at work.
62 locals recommend
WC Wine & Charcuterie
Clapham Common South SideA former toilet turned wine bar, WC Wine & Charcuterie Bar is based underneath Clapham Common tube station and offers South Londoners an enticing menu of fine wines and delectable charcuterie. With 24 red and white wines behind the bar, alongside a few classic cocktails, the sharing platters and cheese boards produced by the kitchen are all you need after a long day at work.