Clapham is known for its youthful crowd, cracking pop-ups, a renowned chippie and one darn lovely Picture House. When you're on the hunt for a drink? From hipster-heavy haunts and half-price cocktails, to lush beer gardens and off-kilter boozers, we've cultivated a list some of the best bars to go to in Clapham. Can we count you in?
And for the hungry in Clapham... our guide to restaurants in the area.
Open from dawn 'til late, Little Orange Door is a beautiful Clapham bar serving up the best in handcrafted cocktails, tasty brunch plates and oh-so-gorgeous interiors. From cosy nooks with comfy daybeds to futuristic corners, this spot is a feast for the eyes.
Following a full-scale renovation, this iconic venue has emerged as a multi-level playground for grown-ups. You'll find something for every type of night - from live music and karaoke to immersive events by House of Dinosaur and Twisted Time Machine.
Upstairs, The Thieves Gambit arcade offers high-octane fun with R/C racing and retro gaming, while the bar pours cocktails that match the energy. With food by Balans and a capacity for up to 500 guests, The Thieves is what happens when a pub grows up… but never gets boring.
Whether it's a romantic date, a birthday, or a group celebration, La Rueda delivers with rustic interiors, a lively rooftop bar, and over 40 years of Spanish culinary expertise. Enjoy tapas, paella, and croquetas alongside sangrias, cocktails, and Spanish wines.
With DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights and weekly deals like £15 sangria jugs, Tapas Tuesdays, and £8 cocktails, the good vibes are guaranteed.
Boasting both style and substance, Botanica Hall is the place to go for a drink in Clapham Junction. Not only can you enjoy a fantastic lineup of creative cocktails, but also gin distilled in-house. Topping it off? The mouthwatering Italian food and weekend DJ sets.
Check out Duo Clapham, a spot that blends handcrafted cocktails with bold design and irresistible energy.
From creative signature serves like the Handbag and Stiletto Cocktail Shoe to lively brunches and supper clubs, Duo promises great drinks and atmosphere. Whether you're sipping, socialising, or dancing the night away, it's a great venue to check out with your mates - there's even karaoke nights.
Teasing cocktails on the terrace, boozy brunches on the weekend and hearty plates come dinner; if you're looking for one of the most beautiful bars in Clapham, you've found it. Not just a New England babe with interiors that impress, No. 32's Old Town plot is prime for sunshine drinks and nights out with friends.
One of the leading options for a slightly alternative night out in Clapham, Venn Street Records is a vinyl-clad, rock 'n' roll drinkers den. Noticeable for the large neon sign outside, the venue hosts regular live acts and DJs while the team at the bar mix up cocktails like the AC/Daquiri. #CheapDate night offers 2 drinks and 2 pizzas for £15 and happy hour runs every day at this fun-time bar that refuses to take itself too seriously.
Looking for a late-night bar in London that offers a good time with no fuss? Head straight to Afters on Clapham High Street. This dive bar is the definition of no-frills fun, with low lights, great tunes, and a menu of pints and hard liquor to keep the party going.
Whether you're challenging your mates to a game of pool or just letting loose after a long week, Afters is the place to be when you're looking for a night that goes into the early hours. No need to worry about the time - when the fun's this good, it's all about the vibe.
Lost Society is a fun bar and restaurant based on Battersea Park Road in South London. Expect party vibes, live DJs, bottomless disco brunches, Sunday roasts and alfresco drinks when the weather calls for it.
All warm light and exposed wood, La Terraza brings all the vibes of a Mediterranean tavern to Clapham's Bedford Road. With quiet corners, lines of stools at the bar and a late-night terrace, there's spot here with your name on it.
Abuzz most nights, it kicks things up a gear at the weekend. Fridays sees its signature Sabor Latino night, full of infectious Latin rhythms, while Saturdays are more about mixed-genre DJ sets.
Aquum is buzzing venue with a basement bar and a split level VIP lounge overlooking the main dance floor. With great special guest DJs playing the best in party mash up tunes, regular burlesque performances and even fire eaters, this is a night out with a difference, so enjoy a memorable knees up with your favourite mates.
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.
For cocktails, pizzas and some very impressive performers, this Clapham watering hole make it its aim to give you an unforgettable night with great drinks and a buzzing atmosphere as waitresses turn in to live singers for the night.
Located just moments away from Clapham Junction, Hannah is one of South London's quirkiest bars. With a 'pour your own' policy, the spot allows drinkers to help themselves to a selection of 48 wines and 16 beers - with tasty bites to accompany too.
Tropix is a tropical escape in the heart of Clapham. Perfectly placed on the High Street, it offers a wide range of worldwide flavours with an innovative cocktail menu and exotic food selection, making for a perfect retreat to drink, eat and dance.
For an Irish bar in Clapham? O'Neill's comes out on top thanks to its friendly hospitality, affordable prices and amazing food to back it all up. Think pints of Guinness and all your other favourite pours washing down burgers, bottomless brunches and more.
An intimate candle-lit venue housed in a vintage apothecary bar, Common Late prides itself on meticulous care, attention to detail and crafty cocktails. From the raspberry gin-infused 1934 cosmopolitan to the thyme signature bramble, their drinks are sure to impress.
Undeniable close to Clapham Common tube station and overlooking the green grass itself, The Perky Nel is brunch spot, wine bar and sports bar combined. With tables out from for the sunshine and regular offers, it's a comfy local with a bit of flair.
Searching for the best places to drink around Clapham? Blame Gloria is a great choice for cocktails lovers and good-time seekers. Along with happy hours and weekend parties (including some of Clapham's wildest brunches, this gorgeous bar is also one hell of a looker with big prints, glitter and colour splashed all over.
Looking for the best bars in Clapham? When it comes to wine, you can't go wrong with this SW spot. Boasting charming interiors and mouthwatering menus in equal measure, you can devour seasonal plates, charcuterie platters and more, all washed down with a wide wine selection.
Located on Clapham High Street, Simmons is a first-class haunt that's perfect for those of you looking for discounted drinks or party vibes. Head to this fabulous venue to dance 'til late to a DJ spinning boogie-worthy beats, all while quaffing happy hour cocktails.
Looking for a hidden bar in Clapham that comes up as one of the finest gems in South London's cocktail crown? Then you best be making a visit to King of Ladies Man. Notable for its retro and luxe interiors, this sophisticated bar offers some of the finest in unique cocktails.
Megan's Old Town may be famed for its Mediterranean menu, but when you're not lapping up the brunch options or small plates, why not have a crack at the cocktail list? Or, if you fancy sunset drinks on the common, you can visit its sister site, The Terrace by Megan's.
Head over to Battersea Rise where this plush pink cocktail spot is offering some of the finest mixes in South London. R Place is fronting a beaut aesthetic that mixes swish furnishing with fun and playful fixtures to create one of the best drinking experiences in Clapham.
SiXTY/FoUR is hands down one of the best bars on Clapham High Street. Not only is it offering cool vibes and daily 2-4-1 happy hour cocktails, but the drinking den also plays host to a range of DJs who spin everything from house to funk and soul.
A party spot with tiki cocktails and Polynesian interiors on the brain, stunning cocktails and cool club nights take place at this great bar in Clapham, whether its weekday drinks or weekend all-nighters.
