Welcome to Clapham
South London’s Clapham has got it all, from a bustling high street and 220 acres of green space, to streets upon streets of stunning period properties and quick transport links to just about everywhere. Attracting a mixture of professional sharers and families alike, the neighbourhood has a lively, sociable atmosphere which is only encouraged by plenty of bars and restaurants, the idyllic Venn Street Market and the cultural hub of Battersea Arts Centre.
Did you know?
Brilliant transport links
Clapham Junction is the busiest station in England, with 35 trains leaving every hour and just an eight-minute link to Waterloo.
Cycle-friendly area
The Cycle Superhighway CS7 runs through the area, offering a 30-minute route into central London.
Celebrity sightings
Famous faces such as actress Margot Robbie and fashion legend Vivienne Westwood call Clapham home.
Clapham Junction
The station itself boasts links to Waterloo, north and east London via the Overground and plenty of trains to the south coast and south-west of England. There are also plenty of things to do in Clapham Junction; on the surrounding roads you’ll find every supermarket you could ever need, or wander down the Northcote Road for plenty of buzzing bars, restaurants and cafes.
Considering living in Clapham Junction? As well as all the amenities of the Northcote Road nearby, you have some of the best transport links in London. Get to Waterloo in just eight minutes, head out to the South Coast or south-west of England or hop on the Overground to head to east or north London. If you have little ones, there are plenty of excellent schools and nurseries within walking distance of the station, including Abacus Ark, Parkgate House, Belleville Primary School, Eaton House The Manor, Macaulay Primary School, Honeywell Schools, Bolingbroke Academy and Emanuel, to name a few.
Clapham North
With excellent links to Stockwell and Brixton, Clapham North is where savvy residents head to get more for their money- though that price gap is fast-closing as its popularity increases. Wander up Clapham High Street on a Saturday night for bars, pubs, and not to mention the infamous Clapham night out: Infernos.
With property prices being marginally cheaper than the rest of Clapham, Clapham North tends to attract a younger crowd. The lively high street is peppered with bars and restaurants, but you’re still only moments away from the green spaces of Clapham Common. Transport-wise, the area is-well served by Clapham North Underground station (Northern line) and Clapham High Street Overground station- Clapham Common Underground station, which also has plenty of bus links, is within walking distance too. Schools include Early Foundations Day Nursery, Clapham Manor Primary School, and Rann Horizon Independent School.
Clapham South
Genteel in reputation, families put down roots in Clapham South to take advantage of the area’s marvellous schools and nurseries. Abbeville Road has all the cosy coffee shops, premium butchers and smart wine shops that its residents could want, not to mention plenty of boutiques to while away an afternoon in.
Families are attracted to Clapham South thanks to its spacious period properties, slightly quieter atmosphere and well-heeled independent shops. Homes in the area fondly known as Abbeville Village are always at a premium thanks to its idyllic atmosphere and community spirit. Clapham South Underground station provides easy links to central London and The City, while Balham Station is also within walking distance. Those with children can choose from Nightingales Nursery, Elm Park Nursery, Woodentops Nursery, Bonneville Primary School, Oliver House, Lambeth Academy, Harris Academy Clapham, and more.
Clapham Old Town
Perennially popular, Clapham Old Town has big, beautiful period properties and wide, green streets- at a premium price. But with smart and sociable pubs such as The Bobbin and The Sun on your doorstep, not to mention a plethora of other restaurants, cafes and shops, it’s well worth it.
Clapham Old Town’s upmarket atmosphere and beautiful period homes make it one of the most desirable areas in Clapham to live. It attracts young professionals and families alike, and is home to some of the areas most popular pubs and restaurants. Clapham Common Tube station is serviced by the Northern Line, and there are plenty of buses in the area providing links to the rest of south London and beyond. Schools include Bright Horizons Day Nursery, The Willow Nursery school, Linden Tree Nursery School and Clapham Manor Primary School.
The best of Clapham: things to do
Residents in Clapham enjoy a thriving foodie scene, with old favourites such as The Bobbin and Trinity and new restaurants and cafes popping up left, right and centre. Too many places to choose from? To help, we’ve highlighted our top picks for a slap-up meal in Clapham.
The Bobbin
Nestled away in Clapham Old Town, gastropub The Bobbin is one of our favourite spots to eat in the area. With a focus on seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients, the regularly changing menu has something to suit every palate. Cosy and intimate, the pub has a sociable atmosphere that gets lively on a Saturday night.
Trinity
For a special occasion, look no further than Old Town’s Trinity- a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up creative, seasonal dishes that are sure to impress the most avid foodies among us. Around since 2006, it’s a Clapham institution that every resident needs to visit at least once- though we’re sure you won’t be able to stay away for long.
Bistro Union
Located in the heart of Abbeville Village, Bistro Union offers a modern British menu and a warm, colourful aesthetic that makes it the perfect setting for a mid-week dinner or Sunday lunch. We love the restaurant for its wonderful atmosphere- it’s sure to make even a passing visitor feel like one of the Clapham South community.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refined glass of wine, to dance the night away in a cocktail bar, or something in between, Clapham is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. Our recommendations cover local favourites and best-kept-secret spots that are almost too good to share.
The Sun
Talk to a Clapham local, and you’ll probably hear them mention The Sun; it’s a lively, sociable Old Town pub bursting with character. You might have to jostle for space on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, but that’s all part of the charm- and you’ll probably finish your evening having made a few new friends to boot.
No. 32 The Old Town
Another local favourite, No. 32 The Old Town has an elegant bar and pub space that opens out to the best roof terrace in Clapham. With far-reaching views across Clapham Common, it’s the perfect cocktail bar to enjoy a couple of sundowners in before you head out to see what else the night has to offer.
Venn Street Records
If you’re in need of some live music to accompany your cocktails, Venn Street Records is the place to be. This is the place where Clapham’s music lovers congregate- though you’ll get plenty from beyond the neighbourhood making a visit here too. We’d recommend booking a table and settling in for the night to enjoy the best in up-and-coming acts and old-school classics.
Not sure what to get up to this weekend? Clapham’s got you covered. Head to a boutique cinema on a rainy day, catch an up-and-coming theatre production or simply sit and watch the world go by- you’ll never have to leave the neighbourhood again.
Clapham Picturehouse
Set back from Venn Street, arthouse cinema, Clapham Picturehouse shows the very best in film, from the latest blockbusters to old-school classics. With smart interiors and an excellent selection of drinks and snacks available, it’s the perfect place to drop into after work or at the weekend and lose yourself to the big screen.
Battersea Arts Centre
Clapham residents in search of culture flock to Battersea Arts Centre, set on Lavender Hill within a historic old town hall. It’s well-known throughout the neighbourhood and beyond for showcasing the best in theatrical talent, whether you want to see an underground theatre production, a live musical act, or something in between the two.
Omnibus Theatre
Also well worth a visit is the Omnibus Theatre, an award-winning independent theatre set back from the Common at the edge of Clapham Old Town. Expect to see unique plays from emerging talent as well as classics reimagined, and come away safe in the knowledge that you’ve seen something truly unique. Be sure to arrive a little early and sample the delights of the café bar first.
Perhaps you’re an active type and want to get moving in the fresh air- or maybe your favourite sport is shopping? Take a look at our list of our favourite things to do in Clapham.
Clapham Common
Overlooked by the stunning St John church, the 22-acre Clapham Common attracts residents from all around on a sunny day. Young parents stop for a coffee at the bandstand while dog meetup groups watch their furry friends run around and young professionals enjoy drinks at The Windmill. Be sure to keep an eye- or ear- out for open-air concerts come summertime.
Venn Street Market
If you’re planning on cooking up a storm on Saturday night, or want to stock up on food for the week ahead, make sure to visit Venn Street Market at the weekend. It has the best in fresh, local produce, and we think there’s no better way to start your weekend than wandering around it with a fresh coffee and just-baked pastry in hand. Make sure to stop off at our favourite butcher Moen Sons just next door before heading home.
Abbeville Road
Browsing Abbeville Road is a shopping lover’s dream- we’d recommend Grand Passion for gifts, The Ginger Pig for your meats and deli goods and Bottle Apostle for wine sold by friendly, knowledgeable staff. We’d always suggest paying Nue Ground or 33 Abbeville Road a visit for a refuel- they do the best coffee and sweet treats in the area.
Property in Clapham
Property in Clapham is mostly Victorian, though there are a few Queen Anne and Georgian houses around the Common. The area’s large period homes, set on charming tree-lined streets, are perennially popular with families looking to put down roots- though plenty have been converted into flats suited for couples or professional sharers. For those looking for something more up-to-date, homes in modern developments such as Wingate Square always get snapped up quickly.
Marsh & Parsons in the Clapham community
We don’t just sell and let property in London; we’re Londoners too. Engaging with our local communities is at the heart of Marsh & Parsons’ ethos and we have supported local organisations, schools, charities, businesses and community groups over the years.
Supporting Macaulay Primary School
We are proud to work with schools across London; in Clapham, we are partnered with Macaulay Primary School. We support three of the school’s events across the year.
Find out moreSupporting local businesses
In our ‘What Matters: South London’ video, we interview a beautician, an ice cream shop owner, a physiotherapist and a Pilates teacher about the areas in which they work, the south London community and what they love about the city. These interviews provide a snapshot of what it’s like to live and work here- and will hopefully give Londoners and visitors alike a local recommendation for their next shopping trip or meal out.
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