Cafe Cairo

I wasn't sure about dinner and drinks in Clapham; it seemed like a silly way to spend a Friday night. But as we marched past the teeming bars and restaurants on the high street and ducked down a side road that seemed pretty barren, I got the idea we were going somewhere a little bit different. Cafe Cairo is a welcome example of originality in that part of London. Once I'd squeezed past the bar and kitchen area, I found myself in the back section of the restaurant, a lovely, dimly-lit cushioned area. Sitting down, and sharing some wine and a shisha, I felt like I was in an authentic North African cafe, a million miles from London. The drinks are expensive, but the mezze are pretty good value (6, 9 or 13 depending on size and content) and the atmosphere is just right for drinks with friends. It was busy - thriving in fact - but the chilled music and the seating layout allows for a relaxed and intimate evening. Very close to Clapham North station.