Fancy a pint at one of the best pubs in Clapham? You’re in for a treat. These cool pubs are all about the best vibe, cold beers and a *guaranteed* good time.
*OK that might not be true.
Clapham is a pretty fancy neighbourhood so it’s no surprise that a host of cool pubs and bars have popped up to keep this trendy clan happy. From pubs with beer gardens to cosy spots for a drink on a cold day, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to the best pubs in Clapham.
The Best Pubs in Clapham
The Abbeville
Clapham South
Walls adorned with Victorian paintings and a rustic and dark interior with candlelit tables is what you can expect at The Abbeville.
It may be a little different (read: quirkier) to the other pubs in this guide, but it’s very atmospheric and one of the cosiest spots for a drink on a cold day.
With 11 keg taps that constantly change with different beers from around the world, the beverage choices won’t bore you and there’s a decent selection of wines (and gins) if beer is not your thing.
They also happen to serve one hell of a Bloody Mary and a hamburger – whether that’s to offset a hangover or kick off the process of creating one, we could never say.
The Landor
Clapham North
When you think of a classic British pub, this Clapham North pub, The Landor, is probably similar to what you’ve imagined.
A dark wood bar lined with velvet bar stools sets the scene, and the rest of the place follows suit. With comfortable and homey feeling table settings as well as a snooker table – you’ll feel the British hospitality in this pub.
Not only that, the pub holds regular events from quizzes, to comedy nights. Indeed, the cast of comics to have performed at The Landor is highly impressive. Tim Key, Mae Martin, James Acaster, Bridget Christie, Josie Long and Joe Lycett are among those to have cut their comedy canines here.
The beer garden has a relaxed atmosphere, and the regular summer parties and BBQ’s make for a great afternoon with friends.
The Bolingbroke
Clapham Junction
Looking for more laid-back café type vibes but still wanting a great drink? The Bolingbroke Pub and Dining Room is your place. As one of the pubs on Northcote Road, you can expect hearty British meals and an extensive drinks menu.
If the weather is a little grey, it’s a cosy spot to enjoy a beverage.
You can expect quality Sunday roasts, sustainably sourced ingredients, and even vegan dishes at this coveted spot. However, if you’re there during the week, you can enjoy properly good London fayre at decent prices.
Pie and pint Monday is a killer way to kick off any week, while Steak Wednesdays can see two of you enjoy an 8oz Sirloin and a bottle of Malbec for just £40. That’s a pretty decent midweek date night in our book!
Add in a 2-4-1 Happy Hour Monday through Friday between 5 and 7pm, and a 33% discount for NHS workers and you’ll see just why The Bolingbroke is one of our Clapham faves.
The Northcote Pub
Clapham Junction
Stroll into The Northcote from Clapham Junction station and it will greet you with chic velvet and leather interiors, especially in the relaxing Common Room, and a lively atmosphere. Sounds pretty good right? It is.
What better way to spend an enjoyable evening than in a place that serves almost anything you could imagine? This establishment aims to keep every customer smiling with a wide selection of ales, beers, cocktails and wines, and a Sunday pub quiz like no other.
It’s also a great place to catch a live sporting broadcast with pretty much any big event screened, including a dash of Aussie Rules and F1.
Meanwhile, the menu champions the best of British produce and ingredients, we were partial to the Guinness Rarebit on toasted sourdough and the chippy board that included crispy cod cheek scampi, fried whitebait, squid and triple cooked chips to serve you and your mates.
The Alexandra
Clapham Common
We had to add a traditional Irish pub to the list, and The Alexandra took first prize. It’s quirky and has 11 beers on tap for you to take advantage of. From the house bitter to crafts and stouts, there’s plenty to choose from. They also have a decent wine selection if you’d prefer.
They whip up some pretty impressive bar snacks, but if you’re hungry, you can’t go wrong with one of their pizzas. This dog-friendly boozer is almost on top of Clapham Common tube station and has a genuinely awesome Darts Club bar, with wood panelling, electric scoreboards to save you having to do the maths, and a properly rustic feel.
Not only that, they show all the big Football and Rugby games, meaning The Alexandra is the perfect spot to hang out with mates on game night, weather during the week or at the weekend.
The Windmill
Clapham South
Along with their wide range of normal and craft beers, The Windmill also offers gluten-free and alcohol-free beers, catering to a wide client base. If you like gin, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as they have no fewer than 35 to choose from!
The interior is elegant and light-filled, while the newly designed garden is a lovely option if you are looking for an awesome pub garden. And you may even be lucky enough to grab a cuddle with the resident pup, Monty.
However, their extensive range of foods clinches The Windmill’s place on this list. Fancy being social and sharing steaks? Grab one of their steak sharers sourced from the local butcher, Ginger Pig. The cut changes daily, and it’s first come, first served. Alternatively, head down on a Sunday for stunning roasts in front of a winter or autumn fire.
The Railway Tavern
Clapham North
A staple establishment in Clapham North, you’ll hardly ever find this place without another person in it. Known most popularly for its music, if you feel like shaking your hips at one of the most loved pubs in the area, The Railway Tavern will give you the beats to do so.
Not only are weekends for throwing shapes with their resident DJs, they hold regular comedy nights at least twice a week, while Tuesday night is Pub Quiz night with entry for just £2.50 each.
You’ll find the usual beers and ales, but if you’re feeling daring, why not try the signature “Magic Rock Common Grounds”. Yes, this drink is as weird as it sounds. It’s a combination of seven different malts combined with seven different coffees, which are all added separately during the ale-making process.
The Bobbin
Clapham Old Town
A hidden gem like no other, not many people know about The Bobbin tucked away on a quiet backstreet in Clapham Old Town. The outdoor beer garden with sprawling roses up the walls is a charming place for a leisurely lunch. It’s pretty small, though, so get there early to snag a spot in the sunshine.
The interior is equally beautiful for a dinner or an afternoon drink, and the well-considered beer and drinks list certainly doesn’t disappoint. The chairs have a well-worn, slightly battered look to them that only adds to this old-school boozer’s indulgent charm.
We also love the ever-changing, but Mediterranean-influenced menu, especially the monkfish and king prawn tagine that comes with saffron tomatoes. All-in-all, this charming free house is truly one of the most delightful pubs in the old town.
The Sun
Clapham Old Town
Come summer, expect flowing drinks and good vibes at this stunning beer garden in the heart of Clapham Old Town.
The pub regularly rotates ten craft beers on tap, highlighting the ever-growing number of South London local breweries, so there’s something new every time you visit to boose your Untapped profile.
It does get busy, so you’ll want to book a table in advance for The Sun, especially in those lovely London summer months.
The pub also holds regular events, from quizzes to live music from local DJs and bands, while serving delicious small plates, mains and afters. Quick tip, the gochujang mayo that comes with the cauliflower wings is delightfully moreish!
Old Town Tavern
Clapham Old Town
An old staple recently given a new lease of life, the Old Town Tavern is a stunning traditional English-style Free House with a slightly West West-ish feel to it. They have a huge selection of beers, with several cool local brewers served alongside old faves like the smooth, creamy goodness of a pint of Guinness.
Tuesday night is Trivia Tuesday, while the weekend starts early with live music and Thursday Tunes.
With a huge range of burgers and loaded fries on offer to provide the perfect comfort food accompaniment to the colossal range of drinks, this friendly local watering hole is a must-visit on any visit to Clapham.
The Clapham Tap
Clapham North
We are huge fans of tap rooms that promote locally brewed beers, and the Clapham Tap comprehensively ticks those boxes.
Located at the site of the much-missed and dear departed Craft Beer Company, at first glance, the pub looks little different from the surrounding houses, albeit more brightly coloured in blue. However, enter through the doors and you’re greeted with an enormous range of beers (more than 20) and gin (more than 50!) in an awesome, friendly wood-lined interior.
There’s seating for more than 100 in the rear garden and plenty of games, such as foosball and table tennis, to add a competitive edge to any summer afternoon or evening.
The Avalon
Clapham South
Whatever you want from a lazy afternoon or exciting evening in Clapham, The Avalon has you covered. A cute pub, with a lovely vibe and stunning pub garden all add up to a charming drinking and eating experience.
The selection of drinks caters to those who like their beer and more than 30 whiskeys to choose from, including a couple from Japan well worth sampling, Nikka and Yamakazi.
If you’re a designated driver or just fancying a night off the grog, you’ll not go thirsty. The Punchy, 0% fruit punch, is simply delicious, as are the cool range of mocktails.
Food-wise, choose from pizzas, burgers, or an awesome range of mains including a wonderful fried aubergine katsu curry. If you don’t mind sharing, grab their Tomahawk steak for two.
The Four Thieves
Clapham Junction
If you were to list out your perfect pub night, you’d probably include a top selection of beers, perhaps with a bottle shop and tap room, a massive selection of gin and flavoured tonics, a pizzeria and main kitchen, and all the arcade games you could wish to play.
Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But it’s not. The Four Thieves is an incredible pub that also has an upstairs room bursting with the best retro arcade games from yesteryear, a VR gaming room, a virtual dance centre, karaoke, and the odd comedy night too.
Just ten minutes from Clapham Junction, this is a wonderful pub night out.
