Best South-West London Bars

A truly groovy bar, Venn Street Records is aimed at a slightly older crowd than the usual set who cruise the High Street. This is a venue for live-music hipsters who like a decent cocktail and good chat. It’s designed to look like a vintage record shop, with album covers and posters plastered to the (otherwise bare brick) walls. There’s no food menu, but the management promises that one is on its way, offering pizzas, salads and the like – which will make this ‘quirky’, ‘original’ and deliberately retro bar complete. Until then, bottled beers, classic cocktails and a short wine list provide the sustenance, alongside ‘7in-single’ shooters and house concoctions such as Rock and Roll Star. A late-night licence and a gratifyingly long happy hour add to the attraction.

A groovy weekend hangout for the style-conscious of Clapham, for whom the all-pumping High Street has palled. Much care has been lavished on Lost Society’s interior, which contains a series of moderately sized rooms for eating, drinking & partying, each with their own character & wow factor. There’s also a cute garden for smokers. Cocktails are the drink of choice – including a mean caipirinha – but the collection of beers is almost encyclopaedic & there’s a respectable wine list, too. Come expecting a fun night out, helped by great DJs & a crowd intent on enjoying themselves. Surprisingly, the food is also worth a look. Diners can tuck into the likes of goats’ cheese ravioli with elderflower velouté, or honey & mustard marinated pork with pea shoots, without fear of disappointment.