Guidebook for London
Food Scene
This is our FAVOURITE restaurant locally. It's high-end, and you definitely need to book in advance (unless you can manage a boozy lunch here!). The service is wonderful and the food is to die for. It's relatively traditional, but totally deserving of it's Michelin star. I'd always recommend any starter with crab/tuna if they offer them, they're normally wonderful!
84 locals recommend
Chez Bruce
2 Bellevue RdThis is our FAVOURITE restaurant locally. It's high-end, and you definitely need to book in advance (unless you can manage a boozy lunch here!). The service is wonderful and the food is to die for. It's relatively traditional, but totally deserving of it's Michelin star. I'd always recommend any starter with crab/tuna if they offer them, they're normally wonderful!
Another AWESOME restaurant. Lots of small plates. It's noisy, fun and the plates are smaller, so you'll need to order a few to share. It's a lovely walk (or short taxi) across Clapham Common. Let the team guide you through the menu and pick whatever takes your fancy. Definitely need to book in advance. If it's summer, sit outside. If it's lunch time AND it's summer, have rose and people watch. A real favourite for me (if you've a big appetite, order LOTS...!)
88 locals recommend
The Dairy
15 The PavementAnother AWESOME restaurant. Lots of small plates. It's noisy, fun and the plates are smaller, so you'll need to order a few to share. It's a lovely walk (or short taxi) across Clapham Common. Let the team guide you through the menu and pick whatever takes your fancy. Definitely need to book in advance. If it's summer, sit outside. If it's lunch time AND it's summer, have rose and people watch. A real favourite for me (if you've a big appetite, order LOTS...!)
Blimming LOVELY coffee, cakes, eggs and bread. Generally DREADFUL service, but it's totally worth it as the coffees are just lovely and the bread is gorgeous. If you're staying for more than a couple of days, get a card that they stamp each time you go - visit 10 times and get a free loaf of bread (I recommend the olive bread....yum!)
20 locals recommend
GAIL's Bakery Northcote Road
64 Northcote RdBlimming LOVELY coffee, cakes, eggs and bread. Generally DREADFUL service, but it's totally worth it as the coffees are just lovely and the bread is gorgeous. If you're staying for more than a couple of days, get a card that they stamp each time you go - visit 10 times and get a free loaf of bread (I recommend the olive bread....yum!)
The BEST ice cream in town. Queues out the door in the summer, but 100% worth it. We go about 4 times a week (don't judge us!) If they have it, go for Salted Caramel or Mascarpone and Fig.....mmm....I'm salivating!
13 locals recommend
Oddono's
69 Northcote RdThe BEST ice cream in town. Queues out the door in the summer, but 100% worth it. We go about 4 times a week (don't judge us!) If they have it, go for Salted Caramel or Mascarpone and Fig.....mmm....I'm salivating!
Parks & Nature
Clapham Common is at the end of our road and is absolutely beautiful. There are water areas/fountains in the summer. If it's the weekend, try 'Mud Club' at the Spinney on a Saturday morning. It's exactly what it says on the tin - mud! It's £5 per child and perfect for kids who can walk and upwards. Mud, painting, and general outdoor fun. Also a great spot to meet other families.
136 locals recommend
Clapham Common station
Clapham Common is at the end of our road and is absolutely beautiful. There are water areas/fountains in the summer. If it's the weekend, try 'Mud Club' at the Spinney on a Saturday morning. It's exactly what it says on the tin - mud! It's £5 per child and perfect for kids who can walk and upwards. Mud, painting, and general outdoor fun. Also a great spot to meet other families.
Battersea Park is a short drive (good parking) and/or bus ride from the house, or about a 30 minute walk. It's BEAUTIFUL. It's right next to the River Thames. There's also a children's zoo inside it. We love spending time here with our kids at the weekend.
935 locals recommend
Battersea Park
Battersea Park RoadBattersea Park is a short drive (good parking) and/or bus ride from the house, or about a 30 minute walk. It's BEAUTIFUL. It's right next to the River Thames. There's also a children's zoo inside it. We love spending time here with our kids at the weekend.
Essentials
Great nearby spot to grab last minute essentials, but also to grab really high quality read meals. I LOVE their instant mashed potato and custard (not together....)!
19 locals recommend
Marks and Spencer
2a Balham HillGreat nearby spot to grab last minute essentials, but also to grab really high quality read meals. I LOVE their instant mashed potato and custard (not together....)!
Tesco - our leading grocery store - is a 5-8 minute walk from the house. Great for everything you need. Personally I prefer online shopping (!) so try www.tesco.com for online deliveries if you're lazy and don't like walking like me....! Good price grocery retailer
20 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
128 Clapham Common South SideTesco - our leading grocery store - is a 5-8 minute walk from the house. Great for everything you need. Personally I prefer online shopping (!) so try www.tesco.com for online deliveries if you're lazy and don't like walking like me....! Good price grocery retailer
Getting Around
Clapham South station
Balham HillLocal tube stop. Lovely flower shop and fish shop outside!