The Loft Restaurant

Like many establishments along the Clapham strip, The Loft is proud of its cocktails, but (unlike some others) it has plenty to show off about. The location seems unpromising (a concrete-lined first-floor room above a bike shop), but inside you’ll find great views of the High Street, & a large, civilised space with wooden flooring, luxurious leather seating & an impressively long bar. It’s an ideal venue for a catch-up with mates during the week, when drinks are cheap & the likes of fishcakes or bangers & mash are just the ticket. At weekends, when the young party crowd hits town, drinks hold sway – plentiful wines & spirits, international bottled beers & cocktails such as cake or death (Appleton rum with chocolate & cherry liqueurs topped with cream) – & the beats get louder.