Best Clapham pubs and bars

Join regular events at socially-conscious Bread & Roses. This pub near Clapham High Street is run by the volunteer-led Workers Beer Company, which works with various charities. Beers, ciders and wines can be paired with dude food (think chops, chips and pulled-meat buns) from the Chop & Chip Co.

Let your hair down at Gigalum on the south side of Clapham Common. Having welcomed the likes of Basement Jaxx, Orbital and Roger Sanchez though its doors, this Clapham bar is a fixture of London’s grassroots music scene. Make sure to also check out its weekend bottomless brunches.

Cheer on your team at The Alexandra, which is one of the best sports pubs south of the river. With two projectors and five HD screens to choose from, you’ll not miss a minute at this beer-focused pub peppered with old signs and quirky curios.

Unwind in the gardens or among the elegant interiors of picture-pretty The Avalon, near Clapham South Tube station. Sister venue to nearby The Abbeville, this charming locals’ hangout has an extensive range of classic cocktails and whiskies to work through on sedate Sundays or summer evenings.

Sip on one of the inventive jam jar cocktails at popular The Jam Tree, just north of Clapham Common. Sample the likes of Pearparrazi featuring rum, pear liqueur and pear juice, or Pearl Jam which is a take on the classic Pimm’s. Relax in the garden or venture behind the bookcase into a secret bar. Book now

Sink a pint or two at craft beer-specialist The King & Co, close to Clapham Common. Priding itself on a wide choice of beers and knowledgeable staff, this small but perfectly formed venue has 18 kegs on at any one time. Wine, spirits and food from a rotating line-up of residencies and pop-ups are also draws.

Pick from classic cocktails, craft beers and wines from small-scale producers at dark and seductive The Rookery. This bar and restaurant overlooking Clapham Common is also the perfect spot for an intimate dinner, with seasonal specials served on candlelit tables.

Prepare for a fabulous evening of cabaret and drag at LGBT+ venue The Two Brewers. Hosting a regular line-up of acts, events and activities, this club in Clapham High Street opens until 4am on Saturdays and Sundays, when resident and guest DJs churn out the tunes.

Venture beneath Clapham Common Tube station and you’ll find this eccentric wine bar housed in a former public lavatory. Complete with original tiles, WC – Wine & Charcuterie serves up delicious plates of cold cuts and cheeses alongside Old and New World wines, cocktails and craft beers.

Mingle with locals and their four-legged friends at this pub perched directly on Clapham Common. A traditional pub with a laid-back vibe, The Windmill Clapham puts on regular live music gigs, and serves up modern takes on British classics, alongside classic Sunday roasts.

Head to Venn Street Records for live music, cocktail offers, and devilishly good pizzas. This music bar hosts bands, DJs and other live shows almost every evening; and there’s even a chance to let your inner talents flourish with open mic nights. Also try out sister venue Northcote Records.

Try the numerous cocktails and marvel at the quirky objects in something akin to a time travellers’ workshop at lively Adventure Bar. Visit on Tuesdays, when you can choose the music and even make the drinks yourself; or stop by at weekends when the party vibe is turned up to full throttle.

Cosy up over a glass or two at this wine-lovers’ spot that’s so dedicated to its profession it even has cork walls. Head over to Humble Grape Battersea on Tuesdays for tastings, select Wednesdays for live music, or simply pop in to try one of the 400 or so wines from artisan wineries.

Take your pick from the extensive list of cocktails on offer at cosy Bar Social on Lavender Hill. Find drinks offers on weekdays, and enjoy late-night partying at the weekend, as the venue’s three floors are opened up for its local revellers.

Get your groove on at 1970s-themed The King of Ladies Man, which is only accessible via a secret sliding door from the “launderette” at The Breakfast Club. Once you’ve made it through, settle down among the disco-themed decor and sip on 70s-style cocktails such as pina colada and tequila sunrise.

Try out all manner of craft beers, from lagers and IPAs to stouts, at Draft House Northcote. Just over 10 minutes' walk from Clapham Junction station, this quirky Clapham pub is one of a number of Draft Houses throughout London, each boasting a different beer menu featuring lesser-known beers.

Soak up the atmosphere in this Clapham pub that was once a blacksmith’s forge. Featuring industrial decor reminiscent of its former use, Hawkins Forge hosts sports screenings, live music and karaoke nights alongside a range of cask ales, craft beers and eclectic gin and tonics.

Bring out your inner child at The Four Thieves. This fun pub near Clapham Junction station lays on remote-controlled racing, virtual-reality booths, mini golf and retro arcade games, so there’s never a dull moment. Add to that home-brewed beer and a lively atmosphere, and you have yourself the perfect night.

Meaning “thirst” in French, Soif certainly backs up its name with plenty of substance. Run by the same people as much-loved Terroirs, this wine shop, bar and bistro on Battersea Rise features more than 300 wines from small-scale producers. Keep an eye out for regular wine-focused events. Book now

Head to the corner of Northcote Road and Battersea Rise, and you’ll find imposing pub The Northcote. A typical modern British boozer, with stylish decor, worldwide beers and wines, and all-day dining, this pub in Clapham is a great place to unwind or to mingle with the locals.

Sample 100 different wines by the glass from Vagabond Wines’ clever machines, as you’re guided by the experts at this Northcote Road wine bar. Discover a host of lesser-known wines from independent wineries across the world, and relax with a glass or two in the cosy al fresco terrace.

Party into the early hours every Friday and Saturday night at The Clapham Grand. Having been a theatre, cinema and bingo hall since its inception in 1900, this Clapham Junction music venue hosts weekday gigs and weekend club nights. Enjoy everything from hip hop and R&B, to pop and house. Book now