Latest reviews in Clapham South, London, United Kingdom

Bar Social - Lovely by mattb112

mattb112 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:10:46 +0000

Review by mattb112

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7223 2000

Website: http://www.barsocial.co.uk/

was shattered after a hard day at work yesterday & wanted to have a long drink, so I popped into bar social as was passing it, never again will I pass by this bar. It is a great find. The selection of drinks is astounding. The staff were more helpful than we are use to in this rush rush day and age.

They also had some great offers on that were more rthan appreciated in these crunch times.

Cant wait for work to finish so as I can go back this evening, theres a cocktail with my name on it waitingwas shattered after a hard day at work yesterday & wanted to have a long drink, so I popped into bar social as was passing it, never again will I pass by this bar. It is a great find. The selection of drinks is astounding. The staff were more helpful than we are use to in this rush rush day and age.

They also had some great offers on that were more rthan appreciated in these crunch times.

Cant wait for work to finish so as I can go back this evening, theres a cocktail with my name on it waiting

Hop & Spice - hop and sexy by herb

herb — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:14:29 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8675 3121

Website: http://www.hopandspice.com/

Tags: good value, lively, romantic

hop and spice was a good place for a business meeting - to impress without being over the top. The bread, delicious butter, olives and almonds were a nice touch as I was starving but the curry and lamb was quite a small portion and the lamb a bit tough unfortunately. The service was top-notch and having just returned from a holiday in France I found it less surprising than my guest that we were chatting in French at one point to the waiter!

hop and spice was a good place for a business meeting - to impress without being over the top. The bread, delicious butter, olives and almonds were a nice touch as I was starving but the curry and lamb was quite a small portion and the lamb a bit tough unfortunately. The service was top-notch and having just returned from a holiday in France I found it less surprising than my guest that we were chatting in French at one point to the waiter!

Northcote Fisheries - Nothing fishy here by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:09:36 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7978 4428

Tags: rare finds

Sadly, due to punative rises in rent imposed by Northcote Road landlords, Northcote Fisheries are now operating from a van parked down a side road off Northcote Road itself. Fortunately they still offer the same good selection of fish and crustaceans and although it seemed initially like they were in danger of being overshadowed by the Fishworks newly opened a few doors down, the poor fishmongery and heavy markups of the corporate joint soon saw their regular flock returning.

Sure, it's not the greatest fishmongers in the world, but it's privately owned, friendly, reasonably priced and characterful. So before Wandsworth council finally admit that their plans for the redevelopment of SW11 involve the flattening of the whole of Northcote Road to make way for a single giant branch of Fat Face, it will continue to get my custom.Sadly, due to punative rises in rent imposed by Northcote Road landlords, Northcote Fisheries are now operating from a van parked down a side road off Northcote Road itself. Fortunately they still offer the same good selection of fish and crustaceans and although it seemed initially like they were in danger of being overshadowed by the Fishworks newly opened a few doors down, the poor fishmongery and heavy markups of the corporate joint soon saw their regular flock returning.

Sure, it's not the greatest fishmongers in the world, but it's privately owned, friendly, reasonably priced and characterful. So before Wandsworth council finally admit that their plans for the redevelopment of SW11 involve the flattening of the whole of Northcote Road to make way for a single giant branch of Fat Face, it will continue to get my custom.

Hennessy's - My favourite butcher by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:52:54 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7228 0894

Website: http://www.hennessybutchers.co.uk

Tags: rare finds, bargain

It may not have the pedigree of Dove's or Moen & Sons, but Hennessey's is an unassuming, straightforward butcher that will sell you decently sourced cuts of meat and poultry without huge markups.

I've never really been that disappointed with anything I've bought here - which is more than I can say about its rivals - and they are generally a cheery lot. It's also the only butchers I know that has a piano.It may not have the pedigree of Dove's or Moen & Sons, but Hennessey's is an unassuming, straightforward butcher that will sell you decently sourced cuts of meat and poultry without huge markups.

I've never really been that disappointed with anything I've bought here - which is more than I can say about its rivals - and they are generally a cheery lot. It's also the only butchers I know that has a piano.

A Dove & Son - Posh by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:47:17 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7223 5191

Website: http://www.doves.co.uk

Tags: delicatessen, organic produce, rare finds

Like many of these "traditional", posh old butchers in posh old parts of London, you really have to know what you're doing to safeguard against ludicrous markups and cynical pricing. The sausages are good enough value and are often very tasty. The bacon tastes nice but is stupidly expensive, but their cuts of lamb are worth trying. I've never thought much of their beef, which doesn't seem to be of a great pedigree, and they needed a lot of persuading to make a decent steak cut, rather than just slicing off a sliver of boring red meat last time I asked.

I usually go to Hennessey's over the road. They may not have a queue snaking out of the door every Saturday, but at least you don't feel like a mug when you ask for 6 slices of bacon and have to hand over a tenner.Like many of these "traditional", posh old butchers in posh old parts of London, you really have to know what you're doing to safeguard against ludicrous markups and cynical pricing. The sausages are good enough value and are often very tasty. The bacon tastes nice but is stupidly expensive, but their cuts of lamb are worth trying. I've never thought much of their beef, which doesn't seem to be of a great pedigree, and they needed a lot of persuading to make a decent steak cut, rather than just slicing off a sliver of boring red meat last time I asked.

I usually go to Hennessey's over the road. They may not have a queue snaking out of the door every Saturday, but at least you don't feel like a mug when you ask for 6 slices of bacon and have to hand over a tenner.

Kisse Bar - by herb

herb — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:49:15 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7924 3360

Website: http://www.kissebar.com

Tags: bar, terrace, dj

what is that you look for when you go out? well good atmosphere and great place to have a drink and to meet other people. kisse bar weill give you all of it

what is that you look for when you go out? well good atmosphere and great place to have a drink and to meet other people. kisse bar weill give you all of it

Donna Margherita - traditional italian by herb

herb — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:32:18 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7228 2660

Tags: italian, lively, good value

were can you find a good traditional italian restaurant?
well...it's hard after a good search i came across that donar margherita is one if not the best around, theres allways the one next door, but donna margherita will give a taste of the best pizza in london.
were can you find a good traditional italian restaurant?
well...it's hard after a good search i came across that donar margherita is one if not the best around, theres allways the one next door, but donna margherita will give a taste of the best pizza in london.

Nanglo - by larakiara

larakiara — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:56:43 +0000

Review by larakiara

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8673 4160

Tags: indian

Last time I visited this restaurant it took us two hours in total to eat a one course meal with poppadums. They were short of staff and hardly apologized for it. We were seated on a dirty table, which took ten minutes to be cleared. It took 30 minutes to get our drinks and after one hour and 30 minutes we received our main meal, which was bog standard at best. We literally had to ask to be served, rather than the 'waiters' waiting upon us. I know it may have only been a one-off but from this experience we will never visit again.

Last time I visited this restaurant it took us two hours in total to eat a one course meal with poppadums. They were short of staff and hardly apologized for it. We were seated on a dirty table, which took ten minutes to be cleared. It took 30 minutes to get our drinks and after one hour and 30 minutes we received our main meal, which was bog standard at best. We literally had to ask to be served, rather than the 'waiters' waiting upon us. I know it may have only been a one-off but from this experience we will never visit again.

Bedford - fun times by ben_e_h

ben_e_h — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:06:20 +0000

Review by ben_e_h

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8682 8959

Website: http://www.thebedford.co.uk

Tags: live music, relaxed, lively

This is a very popular place in Balham. There is a bar area downstairs and then typically a place upstairs with a few small bars and club/music area. It is often very busy and can be quite difficult to get a drink. The kind of people in their can be a bit unfriendly but generally OK. It is a good place to go if you want to stay in one place all night, from bar drinking to a bit of dancing late doors. I dont think this place is that special really but it is popular and has a busy atmosphere.This is a very popular place in Balham. There is a bar area downstairs and then typically a place upstairs with a few small bars and club/music area. It is often very busy and can be quite difficult to get a drink. The kind of people in their can be a bit unfriendly but generally OK. It is a good place to go if you want to stay in one place all night, from bar drinking to a bit of dancing late doors. I dont think this place is that special really but it is popular and has a busy atmosphere.

Lavender Spice - by Squiddy

Squiddy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:45:43 +0000

Review by Squiddy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7207 3925

Tags: indian, takeaway

Good value, uncomplicated typical British-Indian restaurant. Very good for takeaways. Excels in creamy curries, but watch out for the butter chicken, as it just a bit too creamy and sweet for my taste.Good value, uncomplicated typical British-Indian restaurant. Very good for takeaways. Excels in creamy curries, but watch out for the butter chicken, as it just a bit too creamy and sweet for my taste.

Banana Leaf Canteen - by Squiddy

Squiddy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:42:41 +0000

Review by Squiddy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7228 2828

Tags: crowded, good value, lively

Yes, it's crowded and you'll probably have to queue, but there's a reason for that. The food is excellent.

The restaurant is similar to Wagamama's and the nearby Pepper Tree with its shared tables and lively atmosphere, but the food is better than either. It a mixture of Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian with a contemporary twist. Everything I've eaten there has been delicious, and having lived in Malaysia for many years I am familiar with the milieu.

As another reviewer has said, it's not the place for an intimate romantic meal for two, but there's a convivial atmosphere and the food is very good for the money.

Service is pretty good too.Yes, it's crowded and you'll probably have to queue, but there's a reason for that. The food is excellent.

The restaurant is similar to Wagamama's and the nearby Pepper Tree with its shared tables and lively atmosphere, but the food is better than either. It a mixture of Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian with a contemporary twist. Everything I've eaten there has been delicious, and having lived in Malaysia for many years I am familiar with the milieu.

As another reviewer has said, it's not the place for an intimate romantic meal for two, but there's a convivial atmosphere and the food is very good for the money.

Service is pretty good too.

The Moon Under Water - Cheap and Cheerful! by loyd

loyd — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:08:04 +0000

Review by loyd

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 0535

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Tags: food, pub chain, standard pub food

Now the smoking ban has stopped visits to this Weatherspoons turning into a smoke fest, this is probably the best place to get a cheap drink in Balham.

There is a larger than average population of elderly gents who are usually keen to partake in any conversation, whilst sipping on a napkin laden pint, but they usually drift off if you bring up anything modern. The pub is good for watching bigger sporting events, and does get quite packed, especially during London derbies, where things can get a little heated.

The toilets are a little on the rough side and I have never had the privilege of walking on a dry floor in the gents.

However, cheap does mean you have to take some cuts and they do not put me off! Cheap drinks, cheap food, nice staff... winner!Now the smoking ban has stopped visits to this Weatherspoons turning into a smoke fest, this is probably the best place to get a cheap drink in Balham.

There is a larger than average population of elderly gents who are usually keen to partake in any conversation, whilst sipping on a napkin laden pint, but they usually drift off if you bring up anything modern. The pub is good for watching bigger sporting events, and does get quite packed, especially during London derbies, where things can get a little heated.

The toilets are a little on the rough side and I have never had the privilege of walking on a dry floor in the gents.

However, cheap does mean you have to take some cuts and they do not put me off! Cheap drinks, cheap food, nice staff... winner!

Friends - Excelent Lamb Kebabs by Oybon

Oybon — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:49:36 +0000

Review by Oybon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7924 6333

Tags: quick bite, takeaway, top food

Easily the best Kebabs in the area, but it has been mentioned there is little competition.

Good food from simple dishes to more complex with nice friendly staff, and reasonable prices.Easily the best Kebabs in the area, but it has been mentioned there is little competition.

Good food from simple dishes to more complex with nice friendly staff, and reasonable prices.

Euro Hotel - Great hotel by manicsfan

manicsfan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:22:49 +0000

Review by manicsfan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8772 1234

Very clean accommodations at a convenient location. We were traveling as a family of five -- ages 10 to 75 and stayed in one room. It was a little tight, but being all in one room saved us money and was convenient. The en suite bath was very large and clean and we were able to use the hallway facilities when needed.
As other reviewers noted, the staff was very pleasant and accommodating. While we had no needs, I feel confident they would have tried to meet them.
We were trying to connect with a friend who currently lives in London and she was able to call the hotel and leave messages for us. They took good, detailed messages. My friend said they even called her back to appologize when they thought we hadn't checked in but had.
The breakfast was good and cooked to order.
The location was convenient to public transporation when needed, but also close enough to walk to some sites.
There was a fan in the room which kept us comfortable when it was getting a little warmer.
I would highly recommend the Euro Hotel to a friend.Very clean accommodations at a convenient location. We were traveling as a family of five -- ages 10 to 75 and stayed in one room. It was a little tight, but being all in one room saved us money and was convenient. The en suite bath was very large and clean and we were able to use the hallway facilities when needed.
As other reviewers noted, the staff was very pleasant and accommodating. While we had no needs, I feel confident they would have tried to meet them.
We were trying to connect with a friend who currently lives in London and she was able to call the hotel and leave messages for us. They took good, detailed messages. My friend said they even called her back to appologize when they thought we hadn't checked in but had.
The breakfast was good and cooked to order.
The location was convenient to public transporation when needed, but also close enough to walk to some sites.
There was a fan in the room which kept us comfortable when it was getting a little warmer.
I would highly recommend the Euro Hotel to a friend.

Pizza On The Green - Great authentic pizzas, always at 'half price!' by andyLDN

andyLDN — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:08:15 +0000

Review by andyLDN

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 3227

Tags: italian, pizzeria, lively

This is a pleasant local Italian restaurant popular with those living in Clapham South.

The restaurant serves the usual mix of pizza and pasta dishes as well as starters and deserts, which are made from scratch by Italian chefs. The main appeal of this restaurant is that main courses are always half the price that is printed in the menu. This means that you pay no more that Â£5 for a large pizza for one measuring about 30cm in diameter. This offer is on all the time at any time of the day.

The decor inside is of a basic cafe style, with a mismatch of different framed photos, the odd forgivable football scarf and televisions which show news / sporting events. There is also a terrace at the front where you can sit when the weather is fine, although it can get a bit noisy.

The restaurant is very popular and always busy, but despite this, I have always been seated pretty quickly and the service is brisk, but friendly.

Overall, its great if you're in the area.This is a pleasant local Italian restaurant popular with those living in Clapham South.

The restaurant serves the usual mix of pizza and pasta dishes as well as starters and deserts, which are made from scratch by Italian chefs. The main appeal of this restaurant is that main courses are always half the price that is printed in the menu. This means that you pay no more that Â£5 for a large pizza for one measuring about 30cm in diameter. This offer is on all the time at any time of the day.

The decor inside is of a basic cafe style, with a mismatch of different framed photos, the odd forgivable football scarf and televisions which show news / sporting events. There is also a terrace at the front where you can sit when the weather is fine, although it can get a bit noisy.

The restaurant is very popular and always busy, but despite this, I have always been seated pretty quickly and the service is brisk, but friendly.

Overall, its great if you're in the area.

Trinity Stores - Uber Ploughman's by GKFH

GKFH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:43:49 +0000

Review by GKFH

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8673 3773

Website: http://www.trinitystores.co.uk/

Tags: friendly staff, coffee, quick bite

Sat down for a light lunch and ordered a Ploughman's. Expected usual. Got exceptional. The cheese was freshly cut Lincolnshire Poacher. Ham was freshly sliced and full of flavour. Came with a little salad. Perfect dressing. Home made chutney was right up my alley. Bread was fresh and crusty. Simple, quality ingredients worked really well to make this the best ploughman I have had since camping as a young man. Sat down for a light lunch and ordered a Ploughman's. Expected usual. Got exceptional. The cheese was freshly cut Lincolnshire Poacher. Ham was freshly sliced and full of flavour. Came with a little salad. Perfect dressing. Home made chutney was right up my alley. Bread was fresh and crusty. Simple, quality ingredients worked really well to make this the best ploughman I have had since camping as a young man.

Jongleurs @ Bar Risa - Ha ha ha by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:28:49 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0870 787 0707

Website: http://www.jongleurs.com

Tags: friendly, hole in pocket, trendy

Jongleurs is one of the original and famous comedy clubs in London, and tends to attract some fairly big names on the circuit. This doesn't always mean a good evening out is guaranteed - our last visit had some great comics spoilt by a useless compere - but it's well worth doing occasionally. It's a huge venue so if you're nervous about having to sit at the front and get picked on, you've more of a chance of avoiding that here!

Risa, the bar next door, is a relaxed and pretty place for a pint or two before or after the gig, and it's one of the few late bars in Lavender Hill so is handy for when you're kicked out of Revolution (or the chippy over the road, depending on what kind of evening you've had).Jongleurs is one of the original and famous comedy clubs in London, and tends to attract some fairly big names on the circuit. This doesn't always mean a good evening out is guaranteed - our last visit had some great comics spoilt by a useless compere - but it's well worth doing occasionally. It's a huge venue so if you're nervous about having to sit at the front and get picked on, you've more of a chance of avoiding that here!

Risa, the bar next door, is a relaxed and pretty place for a pint or two before or after the gig, and it's one of the few late bars in Lavender Hill so is handy for when you're kicked out of Revolution (or the chippy over the road, depending on what kind of evening you've had).

Hamish Johnston - World of Cheese by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:58:25 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7738 0741

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds

My local cheese shop, and how glad I am it exists. Northcote Road has taken a distinct turn for the worse in recent years - the lovely guys of Northcote Fisheries have been turfed out of their old shop to make way for yet another bloody branch of Fat Face (designerware for idiots), and the Lighthouse Bakery has changed hands and no longer knows how to make a farmhouse loaf. But Hamish Johnstone remains, selling excellent cheeses from all over Europe, served by friendly staff who really know their stuff. It can be pricey - good cheese always is - and the accessories and dairy cabinet are probably best avoided (Â£25 for a cheese grater? Are you having a laugh?) but, well, they sell Stinking Bishop. And Mrs Kirkhams. 'Nuff said.My local cheese shop, and how glad I am it exists. Northcote Road has taken a distinct turn for the worse in recent years - the lovely guys of Northcote Fisheries have been turfed out of their old shop to make way for yet another bloody branch of Fat Face (designerware for idiots), and the Lighthouse Bakery has changed hands and no longer knows how to make a farmhouse loaf. But Hamish Johnstone remains, selling excellent cheeses from all over Europe, served by friendly staff who really know their stuff. It can be pricey - good cheese always is - and the accessories and dairy cabinet are probably best avoided (Â£25 for a cheese grater? Are you having a laugh?) but, well, they sell Stinking Bishop. And Mrs Kirkhams. 'Nuff said.

Cinnamon Cay - Wild and wacky by chrisp

chrisp — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:14:57 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7801 0932

Website: http://www.cinnamoncay.co.uk

Tags: international, lively, terrace

I had crocodile croquettas on my last visit to Cinnamon Cay, which should indicate the kind of thing you can expect to find on their menu. A smart, decent local restaurant, Cinnamon Cay still manages to serve very middle-of-the-road food despite the international and exotic ingredients. Scallops were dull and overly salty, a tuna steak overcooked, and springbok a bit chewy, although maybe this is normal, I have no idea. Worth it for the novelty factor, perhaps, but you won't be left with a burning desire to return.

Crocodile, by the way, tastes like tuna.I had crocodile croquettas on my last visit to Cinnamon Cay, which should indicate the kind of thing you can expect to find on their menu. A smart, decent local restaurant, Cinnamon Cay still manages to serve very middle-of-the-road food despite the international and exotic ingredients. Scallops were dull and overly salty, a tuna steak overcooked, and springbok a bit chewy, although maybe this is normal, I have no idea. Worth it for the novelty factor, perhaps, but you won't be left with a burning desire to return.

Crocodile, by the way, tastes like tuna.

Be At One - Be One Amongst Hundreds by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:26:06 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7978 6595

Website: http://www.beatone.co.uk

Tags: friendly, young and fun, pop

A victim of its own success, B@1 serves great cocktails in a funky little room and the staff are charming, but if you can squeeze yourself to and from the bar to order a Caipirinha in less than 40 mins on a Saturday night, you're a better man than me. The options in this area are pretty limited and you can understand why every South Londoner has decided en-masse to patronise B@1, I just wish it wasn't always so bloody busy. Oh, maybe I'm just getting old.A victim of its own success, B@1 serves great cocktails in a funky little room and the staff are charming, but if you can squeeze yourself to and from the bar to order a Caipirinha in less than 40 mins on a Saturday night, you're a better man than me. The options in this area are pretty limited and you can understand why every South Londoner has decided en-masse to patronise B@1, I just wish it wasn't always so bloody busy. Oh, maybe I'm just getting old.