Clapham pub guide - information about pubs and bars in Clapham # beerintheevening.com

Clapham pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Clapham - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Eagle Ale House, Clapham

Address: 104 Chatham Rd, Battersea, London, SW11 6HG [map]
Phone: 020 7228 2328
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Nearest tube station: Clapham South (0.7 miles)

Nearest train stations: Wandsworth Common (0.6 miles), Clapham Junction (0.8 miles), Balham (1 mile)

Reviews by BITE users:

Really is a 'proper' pub. Friendly staff, proper ales and cider, nice quiet 'secret' beer garden.

Especially good around the nasty Northcote road pubs (Bank, All bar one, Pitcher & Piano).

22 Jun 2008 15:11

Popped in yesterday with the dog after a wet walk around the park. Superb pub,6 ales on when I visited,Pride,Adnams Bitter,Breakspear Bitter, Sharp's Doom Bar,Harvey's Best and St Austell's Tribute.Tried 3 and all very well kept indeed. Cricket was on a small tv.Terrible music playing and far too loud.

27 May 2008 09:57

great pub, been going in here on and off for a few years now. does great ale and all the beers are well kept. open fire in the winter, always 1 or 2 dogs running around the place. proper pub!

1 May 2008 13:49

The Falcon, Clapham Junction

Address: 2 St. Johns Hill, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1RU [map]
Phone: 020 7924 8041
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Nearest train stations: Clapham Junction (0.1 miles), Wandsworth Town (0.9 miles), Wandsworth Common (1.3 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

A quick one in here on Thursday night while waiting for a train. Nicholson's pub, worth looking in for the impressive decor. Had a walk round the central bar and I could only see 7 beers on: Harvey's Sussex, Black Sheep Bitter, Pride, Ordinary, Bombardier, Spitfire and Everards Tiger. I had the Tiger which was nothing to get excited about. Would come in again if I had a few minutes to kill.

14 Jun 2008 12:18

What a great pub.A wide selection of ales availible , 9 counted when visited. Good frienly staff and fast service. A good traditional english pub with great decor .Well worth a visit.

11 Jun 2008 20:11

I've been to the Falcon a couple of times and really like it. Service is always friendly and fast, and the pub has a really comfortable, interesting interior. I hope it doesn't get refurbished, and stays as it is; a good, traditional pub. Well worth a visit.

1 Jun 2008 13:59

The Coach and Horses, Clapham

Address: 173, Clapham Park Rd, London, SW4 7EX [map]
Phone: 020 7622 3815
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham Common (0.4 miles), Clapham North (0.4 miles), Brixton (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.4 miles), Brixton (0.9 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

As Clapham High Street continues its slow decline, thank goodness for places like this!

1 Jul 2008 12:09

I have been using this pub as my local for a couple of years now, ever since I moved to SW4, and it has never been as good as it is now. It is clear to see the new guys really care about the place and they have managed to make the changes the pub needed without poncifying it or rendering it some horrific soul-less 'wine bar'. The food is great, the beer is great, the sport is great and the service is great. I'm not sure what more you could ask for really?

As for the two people below - Nigel, should a pub have and supply schooners on the basis of a request for one perhaps once a year? And dogbear, if you can't afford to drink glasses of wine I hear Wetherspoons pubs do good cheap deals on booze, you should check one out and leave the Coach to those of us who enjoy it in there.

15 Feb 2008 18:31

quite right dogbear, i'm normally a big fan of the coach and horses, but recently i went in with my mother (who likes a sherry) and asked for a schooner of harvey's bristol cream, only to be told that they no longer do schooners...and the reason? well, the bar person (i think that's the correct way to address them these days) said they were no longer doing schooners do to lack of demand and they were getting quite dusty on the shelf. well we left...good pint of spitfire though

7 Feb 2008 09:43

The Tim Bobbin, Clapham

Address: 1-3, Lillieshall Rd, London, SW4 0LN [map]
Phone: 020 7738 8953
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham Common (0.4 miles), Clapham North (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.5 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.5 miles), Queenstown Road Battersea (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

A lovely pub, good service, nice Guinness and away from all the trendy people who are all in The Sun.

7 Mar 2008 14:30

Live just round the corner and the Bobbin is a great boozer for a quiet evening pint with friends. Totally agree about it being a proper pub in a sea of identikit establishments.

Sunday lunch normally pretty good, hearty helpings of roast meat but the last time I was there the beef was very fatty. Perhaps reduce the portion size and increase quality?

But overall, a great little pub.

16 Feb 2008 12:21

The Alexandra, Clapham

Address: 14 Clapham Common South Side, London, SW4 7AA [map]
Phone: 020 7627 5102
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham Common (0 miles), Clapham North (0.4 miles), Clapham South (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.3 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.7 miles), Queenstown Road Battersea (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Used to rate this place as the best boozer that side of Clapham (you'll have to head down past the Old Town for proper pubs), but swiftly fell out of love with the place when they started randomly deciding to be an Over 21 establishment. I used to come in here with my father very often to watch the GAA and rugby, even before I started drinking, and then afterwards by myself to watch the soccer. However when I go in there with two friends my own age, all of us sober and all of us with valid ID, we're told it's Over 21s.

Refusing people service based on their age, with the piss poor (and false) excuse that 'under 21s cause more trouble' is discrimination. You wouldn't refuse a black person because you think more black people carry knives so how a pub gets away with this is beyond me. If I ran this place and wanted to filter the clientèle, I'd be taking a look at the loud Australians or the suit & tie Cityboys, rather than your one-time regulars.

3 Jun 2008 07:13

Have been in a few times and have always enjoyed it. Personally I think there's a bit too much cr*p up on the walls but other than that it's pretty good. The Thai food I've had there was tasty and reasonably priced. The service was good and even though it felt busy enough to create a good atmosphere I could still easily find a table.

8 May 2008 13:56

A completely unpretentious place, which is saying something for Clapham. Quick service even when busy, and always a good chilled atmosphere. My favourite place in the area.

31 Mar 2008 12:11

The Royal Oak, Clapham North

Address: 10 Clapham High St, London, SW4 7UT [map]
Phone: 020 7720 5678
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham North (0 miles), Clapham Common (0.4 miles), Stockwell (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.1 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.6 miles), Brixton (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The Royal Oak has been my favourite haunt for the last two years. Close to home, great wine and good food - lots of local friends gathered here regularly however something has changed. The former set of staff who were friendly, welcoming and who basically made the pub the success it was, have been replaced - all of them.

It's just not the same anymore which is sad. Some people need a lesson in manners...

20 May 2008 17:29

Difficult to assess really, seems like a pub trying to reinvent itself as a bar/restaurant, and failing miserably. There were two Adnams pumps but didn’t feel I could trust them so had a Kronenbourg . The menu included oysters, calamari fritti, wild boar sausages, getting the idea? Good background music but clearly too loud for the size of the place and number of clientele - only a handful at 5pm on a Saturday. Finally, for a place looking to go upmarket the gents toilets were a disgrace.

11 May 2008 20:11

I haven't been to the Oak for over a year and what used to be a well cared for pub; looked shabby and in need of some TLC. The tables need a varnish and the ladies toilet could do with tarting up....its a shame! It was my favourite pub in Clapham and at the moment, there are newer pubs in the vicinity that is vying for the Oak's clientele, so it should take note! Food and wine up to standard though.

28 Apr 2008 19:59

The Manor Arms, Clapham

Address: 128 Clapham Manor Street, London, SW4 6ED [map]
Phone: 020 7622 2894 / 020 727
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham Common (0.2 miles), Clapham North (0.3 miles), Stockwell (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.1 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.5 miles), Queenstown Road Battersea (1 mile)

Reviews by BITE users:

Decent enough smallish local, but little to distinguish - beer was OK.

11 Apr 2008 23:01

Gorgeous Pub! Great Location....after recently moving to South London I was hoping to find a nice local!
BUT...if you are not a regular you may feel 'out of place'as I did, I was spoken to very rudely and mocked by one particular member of staff who turned out to be the owner. Not good!

4 Apr 2008 18:29

Great little pub - good atmosphere, lovely front seating area for summer evenings and relatively clear of the preening twunts that infest the High Street. Staff are friendly enough and the prices are decent for the area.

Coming from outside London I made it my mission when I moved to Clapham to find somewhere that had a local pub feel rather than a chain pub or bar, something that I found very difficult. One of my favourite pubs, along with The Clarence in Balham (which is admittedly a bit poncier!)

The only thing I don't get is the seating area out the back - some kind of gazebo thing but you can't smoke in it? Bit of a wasted space in winter, but hey, I just nip out the front..

11 Mar 2008 15:08

The Rose and Crown, Clapham Old Town

Address: 2 The Polygon, Clapham Old Town, London, SW4 0JG [map]
Phone: 020 7720 8265
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham Common (0.2 miles), Clapham North (0.5 miles), Clapham South (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.4 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.6 miles), Queenstown Road Battersea (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Best pub in the area by far, great beer and they have just started serving their own food, in my opinion the best pub grub i have tasted in London, much better than the gastropubs and excellent value....the homemade fish finger sandwich is a must (much better than Captain Birds Eye)or if you a more of a meat eater the steak sandwich is a belter

8 May 2008 17:03

The best pub in the area, great ales, lovely...... no gorgeous barmaids and customers who aren't knobheads.
They also have a deal with a pizza resturant over the road who deliver!..................Sorted.

12 Dec 2007 10:51

I used to be a regular at this pub until as pointed out on here it started to go downhill. However there has now been a change in management and the difference is staggering. The new landlord is very friendly and has instilled the same attitude in his rather lovely female staff. The toilets are clean and it generally feels like a different place.

If your drinking in Clapham and you don’t want to be in a bar full of idiots (such as the Sun) then this is by far and away the best choice.

Rumours have it (well the landlord informed me) that they will be doing good food soon although at the moment they are happy to pop over the road and get you a pizza from the local Italian – now that’s what I call service!!!

12 Dec 2007 10:22

The Abbeville, Clapham South

Address: 67-69, Abbeville Rd, London, SW4 9JW [map]
Phone: 020 8675 2201
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham South (0.4 miles), Clapham Common (0.5 miles), Clapham North (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.8 miles), Balham (1 mile), Wandsworth Road (1.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I went to The Abbeville with a group for a friends birthday lunch and was extremely impressed. The waitress was friendly and returned after every course to check how the food was. The sausages and mash, steak and burgers were amazing although the lamb shank appeared to be mutton rather then lamb. For dessert the group either had the brownie and the banoffie pie - both were delicious. The wine menu was great with a large selection of both white and red from around the world.

My friends and I would highly recommend this pub for a relaxing lunch with friends.

6 May 2008 17:26

Great food (although a little expensive) and great beer. The South African chap behind the bar is superb - friendly, and incredibly efficient. The Tim Taylor Landlord is to die for...

3 Jan 2008 17:31

Fantastic food, if not a little expensive for a pub. Sat in front of the cosy fire, enjoyed our delicous meals while being served by friendly wait staff, was worth spending a the extra for a great dinner.

28 Dec 2007 16:28

Babel, Clapham Junction

Address: 3-7 Northcote Rd, Clapham, London, SW11 1NG [map]
Phone: +44 20 7801 0043
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Nearest train stations: Clapham Junction (0.4 miles), Wandsworth Town (1 mile), Wandsworth Common (1 mile)

Reviews by BITE users:

Babel has been refurbished with lots of lamps hanging from the ceiling with reproduction 60s wiring and seating like a school staff room from the same decade. It's very dull and boring in there. Regarding a comment below about the toilets... the men's were long overdue a new soap dispenser! It seems that's all they replaced.

Like All Bar One opposite, they still try to attempt a table service only routine at given times during the week. THIS DOES NOT WORK IN THE UK! If there is an empty bar on walking in to an establishment, we will go and stand at it to buy a drink! We Brits have no time to sit at tables and be served, we are in too much of a hurry going nowhere!

2 Jun 2008 22:28

I'm loving this place after work at the moment. Great to unwind in the sunshine after a hectic day.

8 May 2008 10:57

Had a great time here the other night. Love the look of the place and the food was pretty good as well. Can't wait for the summer so they can open up the front.

18 Apr 2008 16:23

Bread and Roses, Clapham

Address: 68 Clapham Manor Street, London, SW4 6DZ [map]
Phone: 020 7498 1779
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham North (0.3 miles), Clapham Common (0.4 miles), Stockwell (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.2 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.4 miles), Queenstown Road Battersea (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Can one of you not say anything about the beer/s???
Not managed to get to one of their festivals - do they still have them?? Do tell. Oh I love this - feels like power.

3 Jun 2008 18:25

Unfortunately this place was overrun with small kids when I visited (4:30 on a Saturday), which didn't lead to a pleasant drinking experience. Good range of beers (pricy though) means I would come here again, but only in the evening.

6 Apr 2008 12:43

Excellent place for conversation, beer and all the rest. One avoids it now, due to sensitive, sweet memories of a Clapham lady friend but time heals all, as they say, so maybe in the future I shall once more make the trip. Definitely recommend the place.

5 Feb 2008 13:53

The Landor, Clapham

Address: 70 Landor Road, London, SW9 9PH [map]
Phone: 020 7274 4386
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham North (0.2 miles), Stockwell (0.5 miles), Brixton (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.4 miles), Brixton (0.6 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

A cosy welcoming regulars place, fairly big, ales on tap.
Sounds like it has a couple of charms to it from previous posts
More a ramshackle look to it, may not become a best of on my list but future visits would not be out of the question. If your in this neck of the woods, worth a pop in.

28 Mar 2008 12:38

Great pub. And as regards the 'warm beer' issue... in my experience, beer that should be served at room temperature, the Landor serves... at room temperature! Maybe Carling Cold drinkers would get more joy elsewhere?

8 Jan 2008 10:16

Pleasant place with lots of different sofas, benches and tables and chairs. You can walk round the back of the Victorian bar and play pool. There's a big boat hanging from the ceiling and it's all very amusing and pleasant to pass time in. The theatre is fantastic, particularly its musicals.
I know it's according to taste, but the comments about the warm beer are true, and I'm not keen. Even the last time I was there there was no real ale at all - this must be a one-off.

11 Dec 2007 23:24

Arch 635, Clapham North

Address: 15-16 Lendal Terrace, Clapham North, London, SW4 7UX [map]
Phone: 020 7720 7343
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Nearest tube stations: Clapham North (0 miles), Clapham Common (0.4 miles), Stockwell (0.7 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.2 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.6 miles), Brixton (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Went there last weekend. Was great and vibrant, to say the least. Was such a great place to hang out. The art work is excellent as well and found myself dancing to some great tunes! Well worth the visit.

29 Feb 2008 12:46

Since I put my last comment on I have asked for it to be removed. The reason being is that I have complained to the bar and their response has been top notch, including baring the person and reviewing the security arrangements, so since my last comment was so damming it is only fair to add this until the comment has been removed.

25 Feb 2008 23:26

This place is a disgrace. I was there last Saturday and some guy was hassling this girl in a bunch of girls who were dancing and enjoying themselves. When one of her friends asked him to stop and stepped in front of her friends, the little bully pushed her to the floor sneered and walked off.
The girls were ok but were embarrased and left, yet I saw this little a/hole being spoken to who I presume was security and thought he would get kicked out. Yet 20 minutes later he is strolling round the bar still drinking. Any woman should avoid this place if that is how it treats security. The place is ok but too packed but if it condones this kind of thing it deserves no praise.

18 Feb 2008 21:36

The Windsor Castle, Clapham Junction

Address: 36 St Johns Hill, London, SW11 1SA [map]
Phone: 020 7228 1708
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Nearest train stations: Clapham Junction (0.1 miles), Wandsworth Town (0.9 miles), Wandsworth Common (1.3 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Almost tearfully horrific, unless you sit in the garden. In which case, just about bearable. Some fit cadet boys sometimes appear here. Phwoar!

15 Jun 2008 17:36

Grand old pud with dark wood and patterned carpets. A good pint of london Pride but lacks something, well, customers, and atmosphere (sorry).

4 Feb 2008 18:19

Ban news. This pub is due to be demolished next year to make way for the restructuring of clapham junction.

19 Jan 2008 09:46

The Railway, Clapham North

Address: 18 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UR [map]
Phone: 020 7622 4077
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Clapham North (0.1 miles), Clapham Common (0.4 miles), Stockwell (0.7 miles)

Nearest train stations: Clapham High Street (0.1 miles), Wandsworth Road (0.6 miles), Brixton (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I spend fifteen minutes waiting to be served on Saturday. I left in the end because it seemed no more likely than when I arrived. This is an okay place during the week, but they need more staff when its busy!

17 Mar 2008 10:02

I usually drink in the Royal Oak, but my girlfriend and I went to check out The Railway as it looks good through the window.

The bar staff were fine. I was given a pint of Guinness that was off, the barman acknowledged that something has happened to the gas when he poured it and went to replace it.

The Landlord on the other hand started arguing with me about it. Despite trying to explain about the gas he kept interrupting me. He only stopped when I walked away and sat down.

To be fair, it was a good pint when replaced, but I won't reward this kind of attitude with my custom.

7 Mar 2008 14:50

Good Sunday roast. However the comments about the miserable staff are spot on. What's wrong with them? Don't they check out this website?

10 Dec 2007 07:42

More information

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