Only three miles from central London is the desirable area of Clapham, a friendly location with a lively atmosphere. It attracts families and professionals wanting to be close to the city centre.
Fashionable and trendy, with a diverse mix of residents, Clapham has transformed into a vibrant neighbourhood and knows how to put on a good night out. There is an abundance of places to drink and party. If you’re wondering where to head for a refreshing pint, an exotic cocktail or a snazzy wine bar, I’ve rounded up eight of the best bars in Clapham.
The Best Bars in Clapham
Simmons Bar – Party Time
Simmons Bar has a reputation for being some of London’s best party bars. The first bar opened in King’s Cross, and now there are twenty-six, including a Simmons Bar in Clapham.
Clapham’s Simmons Bar offers the trademark five-hour Happy Hour, from 4 pm to 9 pm, Sunday through Friday; it includes various drinks and two cocktails for £10.00 to help get the party started. Opening hours are late into the night, 3 am Thursday to Saturday, 2 am Monday to Wednesday, and 1 am on Sundays.
Simmons provides cocktails, dreams, and disco, so you can have a blast at one of the best bars in Clapham.
Address: 165 Clapham High St, London SW4 7ST
Telephone: 020 3370 6389
Be At One – Cocktails Galore
Be At One at Clapham Common was the original Be At One bar, and they’ve recently celebrated their 25th birthday with a big birthday bash, which the cocktail bar does in style. Over the years, Be At One has established a massive following. People consistently praise the bar for delivering another enjoyable night.
Cocktails score highly on the list, and with over 100 to choose from, there is sure to be something to suit all tastes. The Clapham bar serves twice daily Happy Hours, where cocktails are 2-4-1.
Cocktails start from £9.60 for an Amaretto Sour or a Capri Cooler.
Be At One is a great venue for a night out at a cocktail bar in Clapham Common.
Address: 4 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA
Telephone: 020 7622 9406
The Windmill – Quintessiantly English Pub
Once a traditional English pub, The Windmill has undergone an extensive transformation into a quintessential boutique hotel. However, it has kept the old-style English bar. The hotel neighbours the 89 hectares of Clapham Common grassland, boasting its iconic Victorian bandstand, three ponds, and meandering footpaths.
The bar has a laid-back atmosphere, is dog friendly, and the staff is exceptionally welcoming. The Windmill stocks over 35 gins, a cocktail list, and an extensive wine list.
There is an excellent pub garden for soaking up the summer rays. However, if the weather turns chilly or rainy, the Max Shack is available to book for get-togethers for up to 30 people.
Although The Windmill in Clapham Common has rebranded into a Pub and Rooms, the bar continues to play a central role in attracting customers, both hotel residents and locals.
Address: Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 9DE
Telephone: 020 8673 4578
Vagabonds – Nooks and Crannies and Secret Gardens
Vagabonds is the brainchild of Stephen Finch, and there are now 12 locations, mainly in London. The wine bar produces its own-labelled award-winning wine.
Vagabonds in Clapham is a cosy bar full of nooks and crannies as you thread through to the secret back garden. The unpredictable British weather no longer means you must dash for cover, as the garden features a retractable roof.
The bar’s style is rustic chic featuring a unique self-service system. You select your drink, pay via machine and serve the drink optic style. There are over 100 wines, each with tasting notes to help with your selection. A sample option is available before purchase. Knowledgeable staff members are at hand if you require full bottles. Vagabonds also have beers and spirits if you prefer.
If you fancy snacks to enhance your glass of wine, Vagabonds have you covered with their food menu. CheeseBoards and Meat Boards are £14.00 for small and £26.00 for large. A Vegetarian Board is available.
For wine and nibbles, Vagabonds is a lovely night out with friends, family, or a partner.
Address: 4 Northcote Road, London, SW11 1NT
Telephone: 0204 599 8610
The Old Tavern – An Old Local, Refurbed and Reborn
The Old Tavern has modern décor and an authentic local pub atmosphere. After refurbishment, the bar maintained a cosy environment with an added zing of a Mexican food menu.
The Old Tavern is fantastic if you like to try new beers. They have 20 beer taps featuring microbreweries and other collaborations, including many leading names. In addition to their beer selection, they serve wines and spirits.
The bar’s menu, titled The Vote For Pedro’s Mexican, is a hit. It showcases many Mexican favourites.
- Esquites are a Mexican street snack for £5.50.
- A sharing option is a Nachos Tray with melted cheese, beans, sour cream & with a choice of toppings from £14.50 to £15.50.
- Monday night is Mexican Monday, with a pint and a Burrito costing £10.00.
- Wing Wednesday is £1.00 per spicy chicken wing in several flavours.
The atmosphere at The Old Tavern is remarkable, and the food and drink selection does not disappoint. It’s the perfect spot for an enjoyable evening in Clapham.
Address: 29 North St, London, SW4 0HJ
Telephone: 020 7642 8642
Wine & Charcuterie – In a WC
Fancy a glass of wine or two in a bar hidden deep under Clapham Common Tube Station? Wine & Charcuterie offers wine, cocktails, and cheeseboards in a unique setting. The tube station’s former Victorian Water Closet dates back to 1848. It lay empty for over 30 years until WC Bars renovated the old public toilets.
WC Bars have preserved many original features, like tiled walls and mosaic floors. The original Royal Daulton porcelains and wooden booths remain in the Gents’ toilets and much of the Attendant’s office forms part of the bar.
The small, intimate wine bar provides a carefully selected wine, cocktail, and spirits menu.
Food includes snacks, small plates, and sharing boards,
- A Charcuterie Board is £22.50
- A Cheese Board is £21.50
- A Plant-based Board is £20.00
A visit to Wine and Charcuterie is an extraordinary experience in an authentic, cosy and quirky place. Its location, next to Clapham Common Underground Station, makes it easy and accessible.
Address: Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA
Telephone: 020 7622 5502
The Perky Nel – Pub & Terrace by The Common
The Perky Nel says they live up to their name with a perky and friendly atmosphere. The large outdoor terrace is a great spot to enjoy the views over Clapham Common.
The Clapham pub embraces everything about a local pub. They have a large bar with local artisan brews and a large dining area to enjoy great British pub grub.
The Perky Nel show various sporting events on their giant-screen TVs in a separate sports area. And if you are looking for a party venue, The Perky Nel says they love a party. Contact them via the online party enquiries form, and they will help you plan.
Several menus are available, from Brunch, All Day and Sunday. They even have a Dog menu with several choices, including a doggy Sunday lunch for £5.50.
A Sunday menu for humans has plenty of meat and vegetarian/vegan options, including an Orchard Farm Pork Belly for £19.00 or a Vegetable Wellington for £17.00.
The Perky Nel in Clapham Common offer several indoor and outdoor areas, and we particularly recommend a table on the terrace.
Address: 7-8 Cavendish Parade, Clapham, London, SW4 9DW
Telephone: 020 8772 0303
Sugar Cane – E Komo Mai (Welcome) With a Tiki Vibe
Sugar Cane brings the tropics to Clapham Junction. When you enter the Sugar Cane bar, you enter a different world. Designed and furnished with all things tropical by the Cheeky Tiki Group, the cocktail bar describes itself as the most stunning venue in South London.
The funky style is all about fun. Whether you choose Sugar Cane for your hen, stag night, birthday celebration, or a fun date, they offer something for everyone.
Saturdays are bottomless brunch days. Enjoy 90 minutes of Prosseco, rum punch, mimosas, and a one-course meal for £35.00 per person.
Learn how to make cocktails, parties of four to forty can choose several options. £32.00 per person includes two cocktails, and a starter from the menu, or £58.00 per person is for three cocktails, a starter, and a main meal.
Sugar Cane has several packages for parties or celebrations on the website to choose from to help with your special event.
Sugar Cane Bar Clapham Junction is a hit for a trip to the tropics.
Address: 247 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 1JW
Telephone: 020 7223 8866
Practical Tips for Choosing Clapham Bars
- What tube line goes to Clapham? The Northern Line goes to Clapham and is the black line on the Tube map.
- Does Clapham have a train station? Clapham Junction is Britain’s busiest interchange station.
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