Your guide to living in Clapham
As of 2024, Clapham ranked first place for most searched for areas in London, and there’s good reason for it! Once the bitter end of the Northern Line, now Clapham is one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. On one hand, the green spaces, independent shops and cafes attract a family-oriented crowd, but the vibrant nightlife keeps the neighbourhood buzzing.
Where is it?
Served by not one but FIVE different stations – Clapham is easily commutable. Clapham North, Clapham Common and Clapham South are all on the Northern line and take you directly to London Bridge (and beyond). Or there’s Clapham High Street on the Overground which has great links to pockets of South East and East London that are otherwise tricky to reach.
And, of course, there’s Clapham Junction, with an eye-watering 17 platforms that’ll take you practically anywhere.
Where do the locals go?
Parks:
Clapham is probably most well known for its park - the famous Clapham Common. At over 85 hectares in size, it’s one of London’s largest, and oldest, public open spaces. It contains three ponds, two woodlands and a Victorian bandstand. There are also three cafes, two playgrounds, and a skatepark. So whether you’re looking for somewhere to split a crate of beers on a sunny day, or a place to take your family on the weekend, this is the perfect place.
Events & Activities:
If you live in Clapham, you must catch a show at Clapham Grand. The venue was established in 1900 by some of the most popular performers of the time, including Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy. Today it continues to put on shows almost daily, promising a variety of events from sing and dance along movie nights, bingo, theatre shows, comedy, drag acts and concerts.
Clapham Picturehouse has become a cultural and social landmark in the area. It has four screens and a cosy bar which also serves sourdough pizzas. If you’re a real cinephile, you can become a member of their £1 film club or check out one of their events such as their 1980s summer film mix or 35mm and 70mm screenings.
The best restaurants:
Lina Stores started as an Italian delicatessen in Soho in the 1940s and now has 6 restaurants across London. They offer fresh, homemade pasta, sandwiches and salads good enough for homesick Italians and easy on the purse strings too with most menu items costing £10 or less! ??The Clapham branch also features a breakfast menu on the weekend including truffle scrambled eggs, and freshly baked Fruit Pastries - not to mention some exceptional Italian coffee.
If you’re searching for a restaurant that does it all, Minnow is a fantastic option. Located in Clapham Old Town, the menu features seasonal European dishes and is open every day for brunch, lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts. Check out their happy hour between 3 pm and 7 pm for an aperitivo or £5.50 pint and make the most of their outdoor terrace overlooking Clapham Common!
For something a little more intimate, Barsito is a tapas bar with a genuine Spanish feel. Dried meat hangs from the ceiling and diners eat at the counter or wherever they can grab a seat. The menu has everything you classically crave from a tapas menu and is spot-on for flavour and authenticity. It’s also handily placed near Clapham Common tube and the Clapham Picturehouse if you want to continue the night elsewhere.
The best pubs:
If you’re keen for a night "out-out", you can’t miss a chance to visit Infernos. Championed by none other than ex-resident (and award-winning actress) Margot Robbie as her favourite club in London, this gigantic venue promises sticky carpet, cheap drinks and endless cheesy music. Your dignity may not be intact when you leave, but the stories the next day are well worth the shame.
The Bobbin has been in Clapham for over a hundred years - also known as ‘The Tim Bobbin’ (apart from 2010 when Tim went on sabbatical). Known for its deep-blue exterior, this pub also has a mouthwatering Mediterranean-influenced menu including dishes such as San Marzano tomatoes, trofie pasta and Sicilian aubergine. Don't forget to check out their fabulous sun-kissed beer garden - oh, and they’re dog-friendly too!
Imagine if you could have a house party…but at a bar? Well, The Little Orange Door does just that. The inside is set out just like the inside of a flat - think kitchen, living room and dining room - all with access to a bar serving up signature cocktails. Order from their menu of ultimate sofa snacks and comfort food, and don’t forget to swing by on a Wednesday for £5 pizzas.
The best coffee shops:
Common is - you guessed it - located alongside Clapham Common and is worth the visit even if you haven't got time to lap the park itself! On Fridays and Saturdays, the cafe is open until 11 pm and is the ideal spot to order a charcuterie board and grab a glass of wine with your mates or a date. Plus, its stunning brickwork and green paint make the outdoor seating area a picturesque place to enjoy a coffee and people-watch any time of the day.
Prepare for Bobo&Wild to be your new favourite brunch place. If you’re feeling healthy, try their acai smoothie bowl with homemade granola and chia seed jam, or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, good luck choosing between their cake and pastry selection. And of course, you can get a classic avo on toast with just about any topping. Head down in the evening to check out their burrata bar (yes, really!), and selection of pizzas.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, Hoppers should be your first choice. They started as a horse box outside Bank station but gained such a following that they opened a cafe outside Clapham North Station. The business is Italian and family-run, so you know you can count on a great coffee! They also have a brunch menu which they serve all day, as well as pasta and toasties after midday.
What’s it famous for?
Clapham Junction Station is said to be the busiest train station in Europe, with over 2,000 trains passing through it every day. The Common also has the largest bandstand in London. Some of the most well-known Clapham residents include Gordon Ramsey and Joanna Lumley.
Want to know the average room rent for Clapham, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!