Al Fresco Dining in Clapham this Summer
Each summer, the vibrant streets of Clapham in South London become even more energetic as locals and visitors flock to the endless array of bars and eateries nestled in this trendy suburb. As temperatures heat up and days blend into nights, it's the perfect time to make the most of the best al fresco dining spots, whether for a sunny brunch, a balmy evening meal, or simply a refreshing drink with friends, Clapham has some great venues to fill your summer with dreamy al fresco meals. Here are our top picks:
1. The Old Town
A lively all-day hangout and a go-to for Clapham locals, The Old Town is a welcoming neighbourhood bar and restaurant with a great first floor terrace overlooking leafy Clapham Common. After a walk around the common, claim a spot outside and enjoy everything from coffee and all-day brunch on weekends to after work drinks and a great burger, all to the backdrop of a great soundtrack.
It’s just a 10-minute walk from our homes at The Uncommon.
2. Minnow
Another park-side haunt with a warm, neighbourhood feel and a beautiful outdoor dining area is Minnow. Serving seasonal fare and delicious fresh cocktails amongst inviting, country-chic décor, this Clapham Common favourite deserves a top spot on the al fresco dining hit list. Enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner overlooking the common and be sure to arrive between 3pm-7pm any day of the week for happy hour cocktails at just £7 a pop. Their Sunday roast is also not to be missed.
Better still, you can walk there in less than 10 minutes from our homes at The Uncommon.
Boasting not one, not two, but three big and beautiful al fresco dining areas, our list of top picks for outdoor eating in Clapham would never be complete without paying homage to The Avalon Pub and Garden. Choose between the wonderful rear summer garden rated by Time Out as one of London’s best, the buzzy front terrace or the new courtyard, perfect for a summer cocktail that takes you from day to night. All are idyllically covered in plants for the perfect summer atmosphere and offer some of the largest outdoor dining areas in London. There’s even a giant al fresco feasting table designed for parties of up to 30 people.
Take a stroll along the Common from our homes at The Uncommon, and you’ll arrive at The Avalon in less than 20 minutes.
For music-lovers in search of somewhere lively yet laid back, Venn Street Records is a unique, vinyl-clad haunt that is all about live music, cocktails and having a good time. With a rotating roster of live music events, a small but perfectly formed pizza menu, and an unfussy terrace to enjoy them from, Venn Street Records is one of the coolest spots in the neighbourhood. And with the generous offer of two drinks and two pizzas for £25, there’s nothing left to do but throw on your favourite band t-shirt, grab a friend and head to Venn Street.
Venn Street Records is an easy 10-minute stroll from our homes at The Uncommon.
5. VE Kitchen
Catering to the growing crowd of plant-focused foodies and those seeking more sustainable options, VE Kitchen serves entirely plant-based food from a 100% green energy, all electric, plastic-free kitchen. Its ethos is to sustainably produce mouth-watering vegan comfort food using top quality ingredients and to serve it in a setting almost as colourful, modern and inviting as the food itself. Dishes are super fresh, nutritious and packed full of flavour, just begging to be enjoyed al fresco from the small but vibrant front terrace.
VE Kitchen lies on the other side of Clapham Common from our The Uncommon homes, less than a 10 minute bike ride, or a 30 minute walk.
Clapham's al fresco dining scene is bursting with promise this summer season. Armed with our list of the best places to enjoy a sunny bite in the area, you can get ready to embrace the outdoor dining culture of this vibrant South London neighbourhood.
Our homes at The Uncommon are conveniently situated opposite the Common, and less than a 10-minute walk to local shops, restaurants and Clapham Common tube station (Northern line).
These homes all offer private outdoor space, open-plan living, and fitted kitchens with integrated appliances
Southern Housing New Homes offers exciting opportunities for first time buyers, with properties for sale via Shared Ownership and Open Market Sale in London and the South East. With a range of developments, from traditional family homes in the countryside to contemporary city apartments, there’s something to suit all kinds of needs and budgets.