Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Clapham South, London, United Kingdom

Adventure Bar & Lounge - Fun at Adventure Bar by theboytopper

theboytopper — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:50:37 +0000

Review by theboytopper

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8673 4447

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

I discovered this insane asylum of a bar on Halloween...literally by running into the cast of The Wizard of Oz, Jesus, Gothic Fairies and any number of kittens/ghouls/ghosts...oh and I really don't want to mention Michael Jackson and Bubbles the monkey!

Adventure Bar is a cocktail bar based on the really simple concept of friendly service and good drinks, both of which it has in spades. After my original visit, I came back on a quieter night of the week and then again the next weekend.

I can't recommend this bar highly enough at any time of the week if you're looking for fun and good times...rock on with the Jager Bombs!!I discovered this insane asylum of a bar on Halloween...literally by running into the cast of The Wizard of Oz, Jesus, Gothic Fairies and any number of kittens/ghouls/ghosts...oh and I really don't want to mention Michael Jackson and Bubbles the monkey!

Adventure Bar is a cocktail bar based on the really simple concept of friendly service and good drinks, both of which it has in spades. After my original visit, I came back on a quieter night of the week and then again the next weekend.

I can't recommend this bar highly enough at any time of the week if you're looking for fun and good times...rock on with the Jager Bombs!!

Iniquity - Great Saturday by 127645

127645 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:18:21 +0000

Review by 127645

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7924 6699

Tags: relaxed, dj, food

I was in Iniquity last Saturday night after a gig at Brixton Academy, the tunes, staff and my pint was great, the cocktails look awesome as well.

i will be back next time i'm in South londonI was in Iniquity last Saturday night after a gig at Brixton Academy, the tunes, staff and my pint was great, the cocktails look awesome as well.

i will be back next time i'm in South london

Bar Social - Great fun, great crowd by raveboy

raveboy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:44:31 +0000

Review by raveboy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7223 2000

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

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

Was there last Friday and the Music was a good mix and the people were not too showy. Friendly staff (good looking as well), couldnâ¬"t have asked for a better night.Was there last Friday and the Music was a good mix and the people were not too showy. Friendly staff (good looking as well), couldnâ¬"t have asked for a better night.

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, dj, food

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

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.

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!

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.

The Holy Drinker - Holier than thou by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:06:56 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7801 0544

Tags: friendly, cool, relaxed

As one of only a tiny handful of decent bars in the Clapham Junction area, The Holy Drinker is patronised way above its worth. That's not to say it's a bad place, it's not - good selection of beers and wines, pleasant room, friendly bar staff - but it's always just so busy it's hardly ever worth the hassle dropping in.As one of only a tiny handful of decent bars in the Clapham Junction area, The Holy Drinker is patronised way above its worth. That's not to say it's a bad place, it's not - good selection of beers and wines, pleasant room, friendly bar staff - but it's always just so busy it's hardly ever worth the hassle dropping in.

Gigalum - Inexplicably popular by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:18:30 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8772 0303

Tags: conservatory, disabled access, non-smoking area

"A relaxed atmosphere"? Well, I might be getting old but my idea of relaxation is pretty far from the scene in Gigalum of a Saturday night. It's standing room only from about 7pm, the noise is incredible and the drinks and dÃ©cor are only OK so I have no idea why the place is always so rammed. I didn't try the food because the menu looked uninteresting, but even if I had, the idea of attempting to eat a burger and chips in such bedlam brings me out in a rash. Oh, and the toilets are awful. You must be able to do better, even in Clapham South."A relaxed atmosphere"? Well, I might be getting old but my idea of relaxation is pretty far from the scene in Gigalum of a Saturday night. It's standing room only from about 7pm, the noise is incredible and the drinks and dÃ©cor are only OK so I have no idea why the place is always so rammed. I didn't try the food because the menu looked uninteresting, but even if I had, the idea of attempting to eat a burger and chips in such bedlam brings me out in a rash. Oh, and the toilets are awful. You must be able to do better, even in Clapham South.

Microbar - Huge beer selection by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:04:44 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7228 5300

Website: http://www.microbar.org.uk

Tags: cool, relaxed, posh

It is justly famous for its selection of beers, which runs to the hundreds and has examples from all around the world. But rather than the "friendly" service that they have proudly stencilled on their windows from an old Timeout review, I actually find the barstaff a bit grumpy. So I don't go very often. But if you like beer, it should be on your list.It is justly famous for its selection of beers, which runs to the hundreds and has examples from all around the world. But rather than the "friendly" service that they have proudly stencilled on their windows from an old Timeout review, I actually find the barstaff a bit grumpy. So I don't go very often. But if you like beer, it should be on your list.

Pitcher & Piano - Brilliant Local by hollyberry

hollyberry — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:52:25 +0000

Review by hollyberry

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7738 9781

Website: http://www.pitcherandpiano.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

Excellent little local. Part of a chain but feels more like an independent. Experienced manager and happy team behind the bar. Easily overlooked among the bigger pubs in Northcote Road but the only one that really appeals to grown-ups. Has a covered outside space for smokers and manages to show rugby AND football when necessary, has a good quiz one night in the week. If the brewery would only smarten it up a bit I'd give it 5 stars.Excellent little local. Part of a chain but feels more like an independent. Experienced manager and happy team behind the bar. Easily overlooked among the bigger pubs in Northcote Road but the only one that really appeals to grown-ups. Has a covered outside space for smokers and manages to show rugby AND football when necessary, has a good quiz one night in the week. If the brewery would only smarten it up a bit I'd give it 5 stars.

Blithe Spirit - OK if not outstanding by mario

mario — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:09:07 +0000

Review by mario

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8772 0082

Tags: beer garden, standard pub food, relaxed

It's a fairly nice place for a drink, but there's not really too much to distinguish it from other pubs. There are other places in Balham with far more character. Having said this, its location is convenient and I do drop in for the occasional pint after doing some shopping.. It's a fairly nice place for a drink, but there's not really too much to distinguish it from other pubs. There are other places in Balham with far more character. Having said this, its location is convenient and I do drop in for the occasional pint after doing some shopping..

Balham Bowls Club - Unique.. by mario

mario — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:21:45 +0000

Review by mario

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8673 4700

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

Quite a unique place, but all the better for it. Totally unmatched, old and worn furniture (seemingly what was left over from when it was an actual Bowling Club), but somehow it works and makes for an incredibly relaxed and comfortable place to have a drink.

They also do something they call "international tapas" and some bar food, but I haven't tried that yet so can't comment. Noticed that they just opened one of the additional rooms as well, with a couple of pool tables in it, which appear to be in regular use already.

And last but not least: it has free Wifi!Quite a unique place, but all the better for it. Totally unmatched, old and worn furniture (seemingly what was left over from when it was an actual Bowling Club), but somehow it works and makes for an incredibly relaxed and comfortable place to have a drink.

They also do something they call "international tapas" and some bar food, but I haven't tried that yet so can't comment. Noticed that they just opened one of the additional rooms as well, with a couple of pool tables in it, which appear to be in regular use already.

And last but not least: it has free Wifi!

The Balham Tup - Decent Boozer by MattDonegan

MattDonegan — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:17:03 +0000

Review by MattDonegan

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8772 0546

Tags: dj, tv for sporting events, balham

I had the good luck to visit this gigantic Balham watering hole last night to watch my team Liverpool go down to a 2-1 defeat in Istanbul. Great large screens for sports, a wide and spacious bar area, and the usual selection of drinks. They've probably gutted the interior since its heyday, but what you're left with a clean and crisp place to enjoy a few light ales. There's comfy looking sofas for larger groups. I'll be paying this place another visit for sure.I had the good luck to visit this gigantic Balham watering hole last night to watch my team Liverpool go down to a 2-1 defeat in Istanbul. Great large screens for sports, a wide and spacious bar area, and the usual selection of drinks. They've probably gutted the interior since its heyday, but what you're left with a clean and crisp place to enjoy a few light ales. There's comfy looking sofas for larger groups. I'll be paying this place another visit for sure.

Revolution Bar - A great place out! by lexie

lexie — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:15:28 +0000

Review by lexie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7738 9104

Website: http://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bars/?bar_id=180

Tags: free wifi

I went to this place on Sunday, after spending 1hr wondering around trying to find a nice place to eat I ended up here!

From the moment I walked in it felt warm and friendly, nice big open rooms with comfortable booths and smart and snazzy decor, I was already very impressed!

Next came the food, the menu was small but all the dishes sounded very nice and I was not mistaken when our food came it was just amazing, nice big portions and very impressive for a pub/bar type place.

The staff was very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to ensure we had a nice experience.

Overall I highly recommend this place, great service great food.
I went to this place on Sunday, after spending 1hr wondering around trying to find a nice place to eat I ended up here!

From the moment I walked in it felt warm and friendly, nice big open rooms with comfortable booths and smart and snazzy decor, I was already very impressed!

Next came the food, the menu was small but all the dishes sounded very nice and I was not mistaken when our food came it was just amazing, nice big portions and very impressive for a pub/bar type place.

The staff was very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to ensure we had a nice experience.

Overall I highly recommend this place, great service great food.

The Grove - Disappointing by ONscotland

ONscotland — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:56:10 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 86736531

Tags: pub, young professionals, pretentious

The Grove in Balham is part of the Youngs chain, and generally speaking that guarantees certain things - a good range of beers, smart, well kept surroundings and a decent range of food on offer. The pub is surrounded by a little terrace for the smokers, and certainly looks the part.

As far as the pub side of things goes, The Grove is no exception to the Youngs rule, and is an acceptable, if uninspiring venue. There are several real ales and guest ales to choose from. It's tucked away in a side street off Balham High Road, and I don't think it is worth the detour.

Perhaps I visited on a bad day - as I had the most uninspiring meal I think I have ever been served. I can barely remember what it was - a torte, served on a three bean salad, and everything covered in rocket. The dreaded salad leaf that ruins everything. The torte was OK, but the three bean salad was devoid of flavour. How can that happen? It was not served with any dressing, nor was any offered. Imagine if you can, three varieties of pulses being pushed around a plate, crying out for some TLC from the chef.

My friend opted for that great pub fallback - sausages and mash. The sausages tasted like they had been cooked and reheated later on, like the ones you get in supermarket ready meals, and the potatoes...well! Coming from Ireland, I love my potatoes - my friend gave me one taste and it almost put me off them for life. The potatoes had been boiled (but only enough to make them still hard in the middle), loosely smashed, and er, that was it. No salt, no butter, nothing to add any flavour at all. They sat like chalky rocks on a plate, unwanted and unloved. The Grove charges about a tenner per course, which is high for South London. The least you should expect is food that has been prepared with some thought and care. The clientele tend to be Balham and Clapham folk, young, wealthy and ever so loud.

Two stars then, just for the pub side of things, but definitely not worth a return visti.The Grove in Balham is part of the Youngs chain, and generally speaking that guarantees certain things - a good range of beers, smart, well kept surroundings and a decent range of food on offer. The pub is surrounded by a little terrace for the smokers, and certainly looks the part.

As far as the pub side of things goes, The Grove is no exception to the Youngs rule, and is an acceptable, if uninspiring venue. There are several real ales and guest ales to choose from. It's tucked away in a side street off Balham High Road, and I don't think it is worth the detour.

Perhaps I visited on a bad day - as I had the most uninspiring meal I think I have ever been served. I can barely remember what it was - a torte, served on a three bean salad, and everything covered in rocket. The dreaded salad leaf that ruins everything. The torte was OK, but the three bean salad was devoid of flavour. How can that happen? It was not served with any dressing, nor was any offered. Imagine if you can, three varieties of pulses being pushed around a plate, crying out for some TLC from the chef.

My friend opted for that great pub fallback - sausages and mash. The sausages tasted like they had been cooked and reheated later on, like the ones you get in supermarket ready meals, and the potatoes...well! Coming from Ireland, I love my potatoes - my friend gave me one taste and it almost put me off them for life. The potatoes had been boiled (but only enough to make them still hard in the middle), loosely smashed, and er, that was it. No salt, no butter, nothing to add any flavour at all. They sat like chalky rocks on a plate, unwanted and unloved. The Grove charges about a tenner per course, which is high for South London. The least you should expect is food that has been prepared with some thought and care. The clientele tend to be Balham and Clapham folk, young, wealthy and ever so loud.

Two stars then, just for the pub side of things, but definitely not worth a return visti.

Duke Of Devonshire - by Lara_roussel

Lara_roussel — Mon, 21 May 2007 14:39:55 +0000

Review by Lara_roussel

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 1363

Tags: food, real ale, friendly

best new years eve ive ever had. cheap booze,. fabulous early 90s music, oddly positioned fairy lights, and minor celebrities from Shipwrecked. what more could you ask!
the perfect way to see in 2007, and i could walk home via chicken cottage.
result!
best new years eve ive ever had. cheap booze,. fabulous early 90s music, oddly positioned fairy lights, and minor celebrities from Shipwrecked. what more could you ask!
the perfect way to see in 2007, and i could walk home via chicken cottage.
result!