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Area by areaYou are in: London > Entertainment > More Entertainment > Area by area > Clapham and the South-West Clapham and the South-WestWhether you fancy a night on the tiles or a day spent scouring for antiques, Clapham and the South West caters for all. From boom bars and bookshops to child friendly cinemas and strolls on the Common, there's enough to entertain from dusk till dawn  In the dog house: Battersea Dogs home Did you know?
SHOPPING:Apex CyclesGet on your bike and beat the congestion charge. If you're looking to upgrade, invest in or get the old wheels serviced, Apex Cycles should cover all your needs. Here you'll find a great selection of cycles for the whole family, second hand bargains, accessories, clothing and a repairs service. AlldersSituated on the busy corner of Clapham Junction, this department store with its art deco exterior is the heartbeat of an area which is otherwise occupied by big high street stores.  Clapham Bookshop The Art of Dutch FlowersFresh cut flowers direct from Holland, a selection of hand tied arrangements for any occasion, deliveries within central London, a great selection of exotic houseplants and garden plants, design and planning for large corporate and private events, or perhaps just a bunch of posies for your old ma. Clapham BookshopThere is a great stock of contemporary modern fiction here, a good selection of art and travel books, while the children's section should keep the little ones entertained for a good couple of hours. If there's a book that you just can't find on the shelf, don't despair - the shop can order it in for you. Edwina Ibbotson MillineryEdwina's glamorous shop is by appointment only, but her hats are gorgeous. The shop itself is extremely swish with tall mirrors and wooden floors, and although her hats can be pricey, it's worth every penny if some stunning headgear is what you're after. Hamish JohnstonFollow your nose to this excellent fromagerie, which sells high range artesian British, Irish and French cheeses direct from the farmhouse. They keep a keen eye on what's available in other shops and ensure they don't stock anything you'd find at your local supermarket. They also do other goodies like patés and foie gras, and they have a range of organic products. Hildreth Street MarketThis has been Balham's market since the beginning of last century and has about a dozen stalls on a Saturday and fewer during the week. InsideThis is the perfect place to come if you're looking for a few classy pieces of furniture to update your home. Inside specialises in vintage furniture and has a very stylish stock of dining tables, lounge chairs, sideboards and sofas. The range focuses on Scandinavian design in rosewood, teak, oak and leather. Northcote Road Antiques MarketForty dealers in a 3,000 square foot space offering antique furniture, china, glass, silver, jewellery, cutlery, lighting, prints and pictures. Party SuperstoreAll your fancy dress problems are over with more than 5,000 costumes in this store. They also do all sorts of naughty underwear, accessories and wigs, and if you need Christmas decorations and costumes they can totally kit out your party for you. Today’s LivingToday's living is a great local shop that stocks all manner of health food and environmentally aware products. Pick up wheat-free bread and biscuits, Wakama snacks, organic baby food, any number of Ecover products to keep your cleaning safe as well as your diet, homeopathic and Bach Flower remedies, vitamins and minerals and natural toiletries, alongside a great selection of frozen and chilled whole food. EATING:Alba PizzeriaA fine little Italian job where you can pick up traditional pizza and pasta at reasonable prices. Alongside the margarita pizza, expect some extra tasty additions to the menu such as smoked salmon and rocket or mushroom and asparagus, plus for those who love the little things, the anchovy salad is a must. The alcohol menu is the perfect companion to your meal with good Italian bottled beer, wine available by the half carafe, and Limoncello and Grappa for the hardy drinkers amongst you.  Cicero restaurant Banana LeafOne of the more popular restaurants in Clapham Junction, the Banana Leaf excels at Asian cooking and their menu is a cross-section of dishes from South East Asia. With bench tables and quick service, the kitchen is open all day for a quick snack or a long lunch. Packed in the evenings and at weekends. Bonnington Centre CaféFormally a caff run by a community of squatters, the Bonnington Centre café went legit a couple of years ago and now offers exceptionally cheap vegetarian food - a three-course meal is around a tenner. You can bring your own alcohol, and after eating, the local residents perform songs around the piano - including all the favourites from the Jungle Book. Brilliant. Cicero's of Clapham CommonThis long running establishment found on the edge of the Common has always been a favourite with the local neighbourhood, and it continues to deliver the goods in an informal and comfortable manner. Serving up a great menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes, this is the perfect place to come for a veggie big breakfast or a healthy alternative of muesli with fruit, yoghurt and honey. Lunch dishes are delicious with the salad plates hitting the spot, while the cakes are all homemade and very, very tasty. There is no alcohol licence, but if you fancy a tipple you can always bring your own. Dish DashDish Dash offers up a Persian eating experience. Gorge yourself on the Mazza, or fill up with one of the main dishes - the choice is yours. There's also a good selection of kebabs that have been given a contemporary twist, think swordfish marinated in honey. Donna MargheritaDonna's offers superb, authentic Neapoloitan cuisine. Fresh products are directly imported from Naples, meaning that you can expect some excellent antipasti, traditionally pasta and tasty pizza cooked in a wood fired oven. The well-priced regional wine list also ensures that this remains a favourite among locals. Drawing Room and Sofa BarScruffiness escalated to an art form. What looked tacky and naff in my grandmother's semi-detached is the height of slacker chic here. Even a gold crushed velvet tablecloth seems normal. (Should come with the warning: don't try this at home). So laid back in the afternoon it's almost horizontal, but becomes the ultimate hang-out venue in the evening. The menu is the usual tasty mix of modern British food.  Gastro Fine Burger CompanyApart from being a rather stylish burger restaurant, more than a cut above the local high street chains, and serving up burgers made only from Aberdeen Angus beef, big fat skin-on chips and home-made relishes, what really clinches the deal here is that the Fine Burger Company is 100% child friendly. You and your kids will be welcomed with high chairs, a special children's menu, colouring sheets and a 'kids for free' deal throughout the week. Fish in a TieDon't be deceived by the surroundings of this restaurant nestled behind Clapham Junction. Once inside it has a friendly bistro feel with wooden floors and checked tablecloths. Fancy cuisine isn't what you come here for though; it's good wholesome cooking and lots of wine at incredibly low prices. Always packed on Sundays for their roasts. GastroEstablished 10 years ago, Gastro is a perfect piece of France in the heart of Clapham. The interior instantly transports you across the Channel, while the menu will tempt your senses into believing that you've escaped the humdrum London restaurant scene and defected to somewhere much more wonderful. With organic suppliers and fresh ingredients, Gastro delivers some superb dishes: expect fresh lobster (pick yours straight from the tank), black pudding, sea bass and oysters. Sample the Cidre Breton or take your pick from the carefully selected wines. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner or Casse croute, bring the kids and don't forget to check the Specials board.  Clapham North Little Bay RestaurantIt's always a joyous occasion to find a London restaurant that specialises in delivering delicious food at reasonable prices, and with Little Bay that's exactly what you get. The interior of the restaurant is quite delectable, while menu specialities include Parmesan Gnocchi and King Prawns to start, followed by Breast of Duck and Pan Roast Lamb - expect to pay £2.95 for starters and desserts, £7.95 for mains, with prices even cheaper if you eat before 7pm.  The Coach and Horses DRINKING:The Circle BarRumoured to be patronised by Mike 'The Streets' Skinner who lives down the road, The Circle is a good local bar to chill out during the summer months. There is a great little garden area with barbeques on the menu when the weather allows, otherwise you can find a good selection of food chalked up behind the bar. DJ's take care of the music at the weekends and some fine beverages should take care of your thirst.  Dusk Clapham NorthAnother new addition to the Clapham bar scene, Clapham North is a clean-cut, stylish establishment with the usual fittings of exposed ventilation pipes, wooden floors and leather sofas. There's a good wine list and some select drafts, plus a cocktail menu that doesn't break the bank. The food menu offers up a breakfast selection, good salads, Sunday roasts and some enormous platters that are best shared between friends. Expect live music Thursday through to Sunday with live bands, jazz, soul, house and chilled tunes. The Coach and HorsesThis is definitely the place to come if you're a sporting fan - the atmosphere here is electric especially when there's a rugby match on. They also serve excellent food, have a good selection of beers, real ales and are rather proud of their malt whiskey collection. If it's your birthday, tell the landlord and see how you get on with a yard of ale. The County ArmsIf you're after a no-nonsense pub that as yet has managed to escape the clutches of gentrification and gastro, wing your way down to The County Arms. Expect traditional surroundings with many Victorian features still in place, some excellent beer and a bit of space to escape the usual boozy crowds. DuskDusk is home to an elegant kitchen, lounge and bar space, all of which just ooze New York style. The decor is the work of Camden-based designer Miguel Dominguez and certainly pays off with a luxurious feel that’s guaranteed to make you feel stylish and a little decadent. The menu hits the spot with Mediterranean, Oriental & Middle Eastern cuisine, mezze, dips and side dishes and best of all, a fine array of delicious cocktails. 339 Battersea Park Road SW11 IniquityThis is a classy little drinking joint offering up some delectable surroundings within which to quaff yourself silly. Deep red sash curtains drape the walls, partnered by punchy modern artwork. There is outdoor seating at the front of the place, but the real hidden gem here is the cocktail menu - try the Ginger Cosmopolitan. Expect the usual fare on the food menu with one or two oddities that should catch the eye, such as the 'Beer Sponge' breakfast bap and banana spring rolls. The Lounge Bar & BistroAppropriately named, this is a great place to chill out and lounge around at the weekend. There are some well priced house wines, newspapers scattered around, sofas and a selection of sports on the telly. The food menu is pretty good and offers up the likes of burgers, salads, duck and pasta for main courses, while the great selection of starters is perfect for ordering tapas-style. The SavannahThe Savannah is a newly opened bar and a welcome addition to the rather barren stretch of road by Stockwell Tube. Expect a sparse, clean interior with chrome and leather fixtures, happy hour on cocktails and bottled beers seven days a week from 5pm-7pm alongside a large decked area at the front where you can watch the local wildlife pass by. The Settle InnA favourite with the locals, The Settle Inn offers up good food, fun staff and a bit of a raucous atmosphere at the weekends. Expect the usual bar food dishes, such as pasta, burgers and fish dishes, plus platters to share, sandwiches and small munchies to give you a little sustenance on a good night out. MUSIC:Boom BarPart of the Po Na Na group, Boom offers pretty much what you would expect, a large, spacious bar, focused interior, lots of delicious cocktails, a few nibbles to soak up the alcohol or a larger menu which has been given the 'Pacific rim' stamp. Clapham GrandCheesy nightclub in a converted theatre. Spread over three floors, it has one of London's largest dance floors, six VIP boxes and an enormous bar. It also includes cabaret acts in a lovely period setting. InigoThe emphasis at Inigo is quality house music. Guest DJ's come in the guise of Brandon Block, Alex P, Tom Middleton and Morcheeba, while the Sunday night party is fast developing a reputation all of its own. During the week you can just chill on the sofas, sample something from the Thai menu or simply sip a couple of cocktails. Plan BExpect a top line-up, late licence, excellent Sunday parties and quality cocktails, and best of all, you don't have to set foot north of the river. There is a monthly residency with MJ Cole, regular appearances from the likes of GrassRoots and The Throwdown, and one-off specials that are guaranteed to have the place packed. Le QuecumbarFull of charm and character, Le Quecumbar is something a little out of the ordinary. The emphasis here is most definitely on live music, Gypsy Jazz being the speciality, offered in rather refined surroundings akin to a Parisian style jazz club. There are pavement tables at the front of the building, but the secret here is the secluded 'tropical' patio, stuffed full of palms and plants, surrounded by colourful wall paintings. Expect a delicious French menu with the likes of escargots, pâté and mussels. CINEMA:Clapham Picture HouseA wonderful venue for art house film and world cinema, there is also a great café which is perfect to sit in, read the paper, and enjoy one of their delicious hot chocolates. The cinema also runs a parents and babies film morning, where parents can enjoy a picture without suffering a social death if their child cries. SPORT & LEISURE:Balham Leisure CentreActivities here include yoga, spinning classes, over 50's activities, aqua and workout classes. They also have a swimming pool and squash courts. Clapham Leisure CentreClapham Leisure Centre has a two-tier fitness suite, main pool as well as a teaching pool. Holmes PlaceIf you are feeling the need to get fit and work those abs, then Holmes Place is just one of the many gyms in the area that will help you get the body of your dreams. There's a state of the art gym, cardiovascular equipment, classes for both body and mind and a pool, Jacuzzi and steam room.  Clapham Comedy Club Latchmere Leisure CentreThe swimming pool here has a wave machine and is geared towards children, but they also have a sports hall and fully equipped gym with a sauna. Children's holiday activities and parties are also available. Oval Cricket GroundOval Cricket Ground is the headquarters of the Surrey County Cricket Club and the perfect place to catch a bit of the old game - please call for details concerning the County championships and international matches. Soho GymsThis is a light and spacious gym covering 10,000 square feet, and offers a great selection of studio based fitness and weight machines. Tooting Bec LidoTooting Bec Lido is the largest open-air pool in Europe, offering a 90m pool and children's paddling pool. ARTS & CULTURE: The Pumphouse Battersea Arts CentreThis vibrant arts and theatre venue in the heart of Battersea is a platform for new and developing artists. They have an excellent reputation for plays, dance and other performance arts, and they run programmes where artists can present their work in its infancy, then have drinks in the bar after which the audience can offer feedback. Its history as an arts venue began in the early 1900s. As well as opera and visual theatre festivals, they also have a children's branch, which provides theatre to over 12's.  Battersea Park Clapham Art GalleryVery modern, sensual works crafted to perfection and displayed with panache in this ultra-trendy gallery, which aims to promote the new and innovative. There is also a larger studio just across the road (at 40-48 Bromells Road) with project space and curator led exhibitions. Clapham Comedy ClubA friendly and intimate comedy club based above a pub. In the summer months the laughter is taken outdoors to a covered courtyard. As well as hosting such household names as Al Murray The Pub Landlord, the club also encourages up and coming comedians. JongleursThis Battersea club is one of three such in London, providing top-notch comedy. Jongleurs showcases new talent as well as featuring established comedians. Landor TheatreDescribed by its founder as 'a room with a fireplace', this is a very cosy space above a pub of the same name. The theatre started in 1994 and its aim was to focus on musicals in an intimate surrounding - something which it found it was very good at. Since then the theatre has gone from strength to strength and puts on three in-house shows a year plus performances by visiting theatre groups. The Latchmere TheatreThis tiny but well-established venue, situated above the lovely old Latchmere Pub, was one of the first purpose built studio theatres in London. Expect a bill of exclusively new work by a range of exciting new writers and comic talent, from what is rumoured to be one the most successful venues on the London fringe scene. Museum of Garden HistoryA gem of a place. The 17th Century style knot garden is a peaceful haven, full of plants traced back to that period. Fine topiary adds structure to the garden and old roses, herbaceous perennials, annuals and bulbs provide colour and scent in summer. There are seasonal exhibitions plus a programme of evening lectures and other events. Pumphouse GalleryThe Pump House in Battersea Park was built in 1861 to feed the Victorian lake cascades from a well beneath the building. After re-opening in 1992, it now exhibits new and emerging artists' work. OPEN SPACES:Battersea ParkOne of London's biggest and most interesting stretches of green space, Battersea Park is perfect for relaxation or recreation. The lake, sub-tropical flower gardens, deer enclosure and peace pagoda provide a tranquil setting away from the concrete jungle. But there are lots of activities for the more energetic of body and mind, with good sporting facilities and jazz evenings at the Lakeside café. There's also an adventure playground and children's zoo. Battersea Park Children's ZooOne of the many wonders of Battersea Park, this small zoo specially geared towards children features all creatures great and small, including monkeys, otters and reptiles, while carousel rides are available for the kiddies. Clapham CommonA big, beautiful open space, full of kite flyers, cyclists, joggers and bucket loads of parents and babies. A popular haunt of the latter is the café in the middle of the park - a baby friendly scene where parents can relax. Tooting CommonWith 92 hectares Tooting Common is the largest of the Borough's open spaces. Here you'll find something for the whole family with fishing in season (membership required), horse riding, a One O' Clock Club, outdoor swimming pool, sports pitches, tennis, wildlife areas, woods and a Youth Club. Wandsworth CommonWandsworth Common has many features similar to Tooting Common, including strong involvement from local users. Its 73 hectares (175 acres) contain ecological and ornamental areas, sports pitches, tennis and bowling, a lake (fishing in season, membership required), Trim Trail and children's playground. LOCAL COUNCIL:Wandsworth CouncilTown Hall, High Street SW18 2PU Lambeth CouncilTown Hall, Brixton Hill SW2 1RW last updated: 19/11/2008 at 17:54 Have Your SayLet us know what you think of any of the places mentioned in this article, and add anything we've missed, by using the space below...
Natalie Meadows SEE ALSOYou are in: London > Entertainment > More Entertainment > Area by area > Clapham and the South-West
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