Whether you’re gearing up for a wild Friday night or seeking solace in a snug pub on a rainy Sunday afternoon, Clapham is the ultimate destination. The sheer abundance of cocktail choices might leave you in a delightful dilemma, but fear not – we’ve got your back.
From the posh vibes around Clapham Common to the down-to-earth charm of Clapham North’s boozers, we’ve curated a guide that’s your passport to the spirited spectrum of SW4.
WC Wine and Charcuterie
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Location: Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7622 5502
Pricing: £££
WC Wine and Charcuterie offers a refined drinking experience in the heart of Clapham. Though the bar is situated in a former Victorian-era water closet, the interior decor and ambience transcend the building’s amusing history.
Patrons can savour libations at the intimate tables while chatting with friends new and old. The mood is elevated yet cosy, set in warm lighting, repurposed wine crate accents, and an eclectic soundtrack.
The highlight is undoubtedly the wine list, expertly curated with small production labels spanning classic regions and modern styles. The charcuterie menu also garners acclaim, with house-made pâtés, terrines, rillettes, and more to accompany your pour.
Sugar Cane
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Location: 247 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7223 8866
Pricing: £££
Upon entering this pub, you’ll be immersed in Sugar Cane’s commitment to the tiki aesthetic, with bamboo furnishings, puffer fish lights, and exotic decor setting the scene.
The experience continues with their menu of artfully crafted, outlandishly garnished cocktails. Balance and flavour still reign supreme in their Zombies, Fog Cutters, and more.
So, next time Clapham’s usual offerings feel a bit tame, head to Sugar Cane for a transportive, theatrical experience. The wild drinks, decor and energy will delight your adventurous spirit.
Humble Grape
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Location: 2 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1ED, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3620 2202
Pricing: £££
Though Humble Grape has several locations across London. Each provides a welcoming ambience that’s easy to love but it’s still the curated selection of wines that takes centre stage for all regulars.
Their shelves showcase smaller independent producers and labels not found everywhere else. What’s more, in addition to tasting and pairing, Humble Grape also hosts enlightening wine education and appreciation classes. Budding oenophiles can even study for WSET certification at their Clapham outpost!
Venn Street Records
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Location: 78 Venn St, London SW4 0BD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3006 5911
Pricing: ££
For a truly rocking night out in Clapham, look no further than Venn Street Records. This venue deftly fuses a record store with a lively cellar bar, creating an irresistibly electric atmosphere.
By day, you can sift through their impressive collection of vinyl records spanning genres and eras. Come evening, the space transforms into a bumping bar with live music and DJ sets.
Matching the vibes are Venn Street’s creative craft cocktails, like the herbaceous Northern Soul and smoky Dark Side of the Mule. The drinks go down easy, making it all too tempting to linger into the wee hours getting lost in the music.
The Latchmere
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Location: 503 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 3BW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7223 3549
Pricing: ££
Though some may quibble over its location, no list of top Clapham bars is complete without the venerable Latchmere. This quintessential British pub has stood as a neighbourhood fixture for generations, much loved for its low-key vibe, classic charm, and lively community spirit.
Beyond its unassuming facade lies a warm, welcoming single-room tavern emanating old-school character. While the decor nods to the past with touches like antique mirrors and a roaring fireplace, The Latchmere appeals to pub-goers of all stripes.
After-work crowds and weekend revellers alike gather here to banter over pints, take in live sports, or enjoy events hosted in the upstairs space. And there’s always a lively buzz thanks to the pub’s eclectic community of locals, travellers, and sports fans.
Little Orange Door
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Location: 16A Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 4513 2429
Pricing: ££
For night owls seeking a lively yet unpretentious late-night spot in Clapham, Little Orange Door hits the mark. Tucked behind an inconspicuous orange entryway lies a supremely fun cocktail lounge emitting speakeasy vibes.
While the decor delights, the bartenders impress with their craft cocktail skills and engaging hospitality. Watch them whip up incredible elixirs with flair as you ponder another round or call it a night. At Little Orange Door, the decision is easy – stay for one more!
Yet the entertainment doesn’t stop come morning. Little Orange Door is revered for hosting one of the best bottomless brunches in Clapham. So, gather your crew to rehash the prior night’s adventures while fueling up on free-flowing brunch cocktails.
SIXTY/FOUR
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Location: 64 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7627 2535
Pricing: ££
Patrons feel transported to 1960s mod culture amidst the vintage vinyl and mid-century modern decor. But the extensive menu of artfully crafted cocktails, divided playfully between “Saints” and “Sinners”, brings you back to the present day.
Here, you can even watch as theatrical bartenders whip up fresh, inventive elixirs with panache. The Dark & Stormzie, with its ginger zing, makes a fine choice. Or take advantage of Happy Hour deals from 5 pm to 7 pm to sample widely.
Aquum
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Location: 68-70 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7627 2726
Pricing: ££
With its sleek decor and inventive cocktails, Aquum brings a taste of upscale sophistication to the Clapham bar scene. Once you descend into this chic basement space, you’ll feel transported to a lavish destination lounge, defying expectations for the neighbourhood.
In addition to molecular mixology magic, Aquum impresses with a mouthwatering Greek-inspired menu. Perfectly seared steaks, succulent seafood, and crave-worthy spreads elevate the experience from a mere night out to a full culinary journey.
From the transportive ambience to the chef-driven fare, each element feels carefully curated towards luxe escapism. Yet the vibe remains lively and fun rather than pretentious.
Northcote Records
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Location: 8-10 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3006 5911
Pricing: ££
For audiophiles seeking a side of cocktails with their crate digging, Northcote Records hits the right grooves. By day, this Clapham hotspot satisfies vinyl junkies with racks of LPs across genres to thumb through.
When the sun sets, the space transforms into a lively bar where quality tunes and drinks flow.
You can settle into a leather booth with a craft beer or classic Negroni and let the perfectly curated soundtrack of reggae, jazz, funk and soul set the mood. The vintage vinyl decor, including a classic jukebox, completes the retro vibe.
The Plough
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Location: 89 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7585 1844
Pricing: ££
In a sea of trendy cocktail bars and swanky clubs, The Plough stands out as a no-frills neighbourhood pub with plenty of old-school charm. No need for mixology or table service here – just honest pints and good banter among locals.
The single L-shaped bar provides a perfect perch for regulars to unwind over a well-pulled ale or lager while trading neighbourhood gossip. Stop in on a Saturday afternoon and you’re sure to catch the football match on their screens.
While decidedly casual, The Plough still dazzles thanks to its preserved Victorian interior. Ornate etched glass, decorative tiling, and bronze lanterns transport you back to the pub’s 19th-century origins.
No. 32 The Old Town
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Location: 32 The Pavement, London SW4 0JF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3535 0910
Pricing: ££
As the summer sun blankets Clapham Old Town, No. 32 emerges as the nucleus of local conviviality. Conveniently perched near the tubes, the common, and neighbouring haunts, it magnetises a crowd that feels more like a kinship gathering than your run-of-the-mill bar scene.
Friday night shenanigans aside, by the way, the real enchantment unfolds on Sundays with the irresistible scent of a hearty roast wafting through the air. No need for extravagant attire – come as you are!
Tonight Josephine
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Location: 38 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8191 9973
Pricing: ££
Bathed in neon hues that make no apologies and fueled by resident DJs who turn the joint into a pulsating hub of energy, good times are practically woven into the atmosphere.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, brace yourself for the bottomless brunch, complete with a throwback to the ’90s. The drag-themed brunch, in particular, takes the concept of high jinx to a whole new level.
So, gather your party squad and prepare for a night where the extraordinary is not just expected but guaranteed. Cheers to Tonight Josephine, where the spirit of celebration never sleeps!
Lotus Bar
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Location: 76 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7720 2516
Pricing: ££
The name isn’t a mere identifier, it’s a nod to the creativity within. Lotus Bar takes inspiration from edible lotus leaves, adding an intriguing botanical twist to some of their signature drinks.
Libations here come with a modest price tag of around £10, offering a gateway to a world of liquid sophistication. Consider Lotus Bar the launching pad for your evening, a spot to kindle the initial spark before venturing into the night’s unfolding escapades.
Lost Society
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Location: 339 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7622 2112
Pricing: ££
Lost Society invites you to kick off your Saturday in style with their iconic Disco Brunch, an early-morning rendezvous that seamlessly blends breakfast delights with infectious beats, ensuring your weekend starts on a high note.
As you traverse the diverse landscape of Lost Society – nestle into a booth in the main bar, where the atmosphere crackles with energy, or venture out to the vine-covered terrace, a sanctuary where creativity flows as freely as the crafted cocktails.
For those with a penchant for global rhythms, Sundays at Lost Society are a Brazilian escapade. ‘Lost in Brazil’ takes centre stage, treating your senses to the vibrant sounds of Brazil.
The Landor
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Location: 70 Landor Rd, London SW9 9PH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7737 3419
Pricing: ££
As a sports pub, The Landor positions itself as the seasonal headquarters in the heart of the Clapham community. Imagine settling in with fellow enthusiasts, catching every thrilling moment of the game while revelling in the camaraderie that defines this charming locale.
And if you fancy a mental workout, The Landor has you covered with its pub quiz and bingo extravaganza every first and third Sunday of the month – a chance to win not just prizes, but also the acclaim of being a pub quiz champion.