Clapham is a newly revived part of South London and whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, there are plenty of gems to explore. Here are our pick of the best places to leave you with stories to tell when you get home:
1. Stay
Clapham has a busy train station plus loads of bus and Tube connections, so it’s become a base for young Londoners in the know. Stay in the Clapham Junction Travelodge for an extra comfortable night’s stay, right in the heart of this vibrant neighbourhood. The Clapham Travelodge is a new hotel, complete with feather-soft Dreamer beds, in spacious double rooms.
2. Eat
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Clapham, but a local favourite is Trinity, arguably Clapham’s best restaurant and a star destination for celebrations. Specials include the Balmoral venison with juniper and dates rolled in speck, as well as the chocolate cremosa with blood orange and Aero. For a delightful, but less pricey, brunch head to Madeleine and see if you can resist the French tasties baked in-house, including delightfully fluffy croissants and hot baguettes. For a memorable Chinese, dine at Mama Lan. You won’t be able to get enough of the pork and Chinese leaf Beijing dumplings, washed down with a divine lychee orchid mocktail.
3. Drink
Clapham’s host to more bars than you can count, but the Craft Beer Company is one of the best. This is a lovely neighbourhood pub serving a range of artisanal beers and traditional British snacks, like the humble pork pie. Other wonderful watering holes include SO.UK Clapham, an award-winning cocktail bar and the perfect starting point for a girls’ night out. And the nearby Venn St. Records is a heaving rock ‘n’ roll bar with live music, great DJs and an even greater happy hour. Not to be missed!
4. Walk
A trip to Clapham wouldn’t be complete without a walk on the Common. One of the largest open green spaces in London, the Common has existed for over 1000 years and is a great place to wander or enjoy a vigorous run. Open 24 hours a day, it’s home to three different ponds, dog-free children’s play areas and a number of sports pitches. It’s where locals spend active weekends and lazy summer afterwork hours. If people watching is your thing, then there’s plenty to see on the Common; spread out your jacket, unwrap a snack and watch the world go by for a perfect holiday afternoon.
5. Shop
Whether you’re after a fashion staple from a high-street store or looking for an individual bargain, there should be something for you. The High Street is a great place to start for any basics, but travel a bit further to the Old Town and you’ll be sure to find some gems. Woodlark is home to a treasure trove of vintage furniture, whilst the Trinity Hospice Charity Shop often has great little finds. Hunting for unique pieces in the Northcote Market is a cool way to spend a relaxed day. Satisfy lunchtime cravings with some top-notch street food before browsing the stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, glorious flowers, antiques, clothing and local art.
