Pubs in Clapham: a mecca for "kicking it"!

Beer. I love it. In a job where cocktail bar visits are a must, the joy of an anonymous pint at your local cannot be underestimated. And in my area I am spoilt for choice. Also, although I know this does not extends cross all my “trade” friends, if you are interested in different tastes in spirits and wines this tends to cover beer too.

My love for beer started, as silly as this is, when I moved to London. Unfortunately despite the brewing talent in Scotland the offerings in pubs extend to Stella and Guiness only. So it is a delight to live near three fab pubs: The Nightingale, The Avalon and The Grove.

The Nightingale   http://www.youngs.co.uk/pub-detail.asp?PubID=430

Yes, it is a Young’s Pub but they also have a whole range of Meantime, both on tap and bottled. In my time I have tried everything from IPAs to Porters and the highlight is always Tuesday pie night when artisan pies are served with yummy fresh veg and paired to beers – genius.

When I first walked past the pub I was a little afraid it was your standard “old man pub”. You know the type, when you feel like the pub might grow very quiet as you timidly push open the door. But that is not at all true as this tardis manages to encourage a friendly prop-up-the-bar area at the front where I have enjoyed friendly banter with the old timers, darts at the back, tables out front for smokers and a huge garden at the back as well as a fire for when the nights draw in. Winner all round with a brilliant land lord and dogs welcome (to my other half’s delight).

The Avalon   http://www.theavalonlondon.com/

Part of the Renaissance Pub Group these guys offer a more upmarket option, especially when

it comes to dining. Another space of extraordinary size, there is a front, side and back garden; all are huge. The front half of the pub has the traditional sweeping oak bar with sport regularly shown, the back extends into an upmarket dining space, worth looking out for website deals and taste card offers as it can get pricey, gastro-pub style. They think out their wine list well and the beers cover the basics, with a specially brewed offering now to celebrate their 10 years.

Although the crowd can be a little…boating shoes and chinos at dawn kind of thing… it is friendly and a great Saturday night alternative to a big night out as it never feels empty here but there are enough couches, to go with the Victoria cornicing and high ceilings, to tuck yourself away if you want.

The Grove   http://www.grovebalham.com/

Fast becoming a favourite I am afraid to say, despite the outdoor space around the edge of the

building seemingly developed in a wind tunnel so perhaps more Autumn onwards! This pub offers everything from film clubs to sport on the big screens, cookery classes and very good food better priced than the above. Spirits are not the main attraction but the beers are and especially their experiments with unfiltered beers, straight from large casks at the bar (Meantime again).

The lay out is also brilliant with smaller tables at the front (and another curved oak bar) leading to areas separated by draped materials and filled with couches, perfect for larger groups and often accompanied by children, then the bright back area is mainly set aside for dining with a kind of “kitchen table” too but it makes a great viewing area too. Free popcorn during their film if it helps.

Clapham – it may not be pushing the boundaries of cocktails, but to kick back with a beer there is nowhere better. 

Zahra Bar, Clapham: 15/20

Location: The Pavement, Old Town

Website: www.zahrabar.co.uk

Visit: Thursday evening, for the jazz

To Note? This is the downstairs bar of Del'Aziz, entrance through the restaurant

Score

Ambiance 2/5

Design 5/5

Drinks 4/5

Staff 4/5

Extra LBS star: Not yet, but this bar is worth another viist


This visit had a rather inauspicious start. First we could not find the place, then we were told that the jazz did not actually start until 7.30 (despite booking a table for the jazz at 6.30) so we popped into Venn Street Records as a warm up (which was, by the way, awesome: great pizzas, great barmen, great music). 


We headed back at 8pm, and guess what? The jazz started at 8.30! We were the first downstairs but were soon joined by 2 large groups which were much needed to build the atmosphere. The room is great, with lots of space for dancing, seats all the way round, large tables for eating earlier in the evening and an middle eastern theme throughout.

Staff were also knowledgable, friendly and the drinks they made from an interesting menu were tasty and well priced at around 8 pounds a go. They also had a wide range of wines and beers, presumably this comes from the restaurant above. 


Unfortunately the jazz was not so good, a little bit "elevator music" for my tastes but despite their efforts no one seemed to be paying attention, they did not get the attention they deserved let alone the applause and soon gave up and got food! 


So after one drink we headed back to Venn St to carry on the party. 


Apparently the bar gets really busy on a Friday and Saturday and they are extending their entertainment with comedy and djs, so I would not write off straight away returning on a busier night.

POW aka Prince of Wales, Clapham 15/20*

Location: Old Town, Clapham

Website: unlikely!

Visit: Thursday evening, Saturday Afternoon, anytime!

To Note? GREAT date pub

Scores

Ambiance 5/5

Design 5/5

Drinks 2/5

Staff 3/5

Extra LBS star: *

You can already tell from the scores where I am going with this one. You do not come here to ask for a Mojito let alone a glass of Riesling - the closest you will get to fresh fruit here is a slice of lemon in your G&T. You do come here and admire the range of "homemade" - shudder to think where - ciders from quirky named bags-in-boxes in the fridge. The one with the skull and cross bones looked particularly fun and was actually one of the best. We tried all of them, that is why it gets my special star...

This is a local pub and to be completely honest you would not go out of your way to find it. Saying that if you are in the area and thirsty there is always a very friendly atmosphere here. In fact you are unlikely to leave without a conversation with your neighbouring table. As for the staff, they will happily pour you a little bit of something be it beer, perry or cider to try first but they are there to serve and not necessarily with a smile. It is not unfriendly per say, just London!

So what do I keep coming back for? The ceiling!

This place looks like a car on its way to a 1960's inspired car boot sale exploded inside. There is STUFF everywhere - on the walls, the ceiling, the tables, the bar. One day I definitely plan on stealing their lamp. There is so much to talk about here that everyone should have their first date here; and the cider doesn't hurt the conversation flow either.

It is the simply the kind of bar you want around the corner, so pop in and say hello. I will no doubt be perched on a stool admiring the tuba, or the wooden sleigh, or the typewriter...