Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
So good it’s already made the pages of Vogue, this Japanese restaurant puts modern twists on traditional, home-cooked dishes. The menu boasts all the usual suspects – think melt-in-the-mouth sashimi; piping-hot karage (fried chicken); and succulent charred pork skewers – alongside inventive salads and their own unique sushi roll creations. Interiors-wise, it’s like a Pinterest board come to life, with brushed gold countertops, untreated wooden stools and delicate foliage atop the tables.
69 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
UCHI
144 Clarence RdSo good it’s already made the pages of Vogue, this Japanese restaurant puts modern twists on traditional, home-cooked dishes. The menu boasts all the usual suspects – think melt-in-the-mouth sashimi; piping-hot karage (fried chicken); and succulent charred pork skewers – alongside inventive salads and their own unique sushi roll creations. Interiors-wise, it’s like a Pinterest board come to life, with brushed gold countertops, untreated wooden stools and delicate foliage atop the tables.
If you haven’t yet tried the pizza at Sodo, you’re missing a trick. The Italian joint now has five sites across the capital, but Clapton was one of the first, following a successful pop-up at E5 Bakehouse down by London Fields. The setting is simple, but that’s not what diners come for – here, it’s all about the pizza, which Sodo take seriously. All the dough is fermented for 48 hours and then baked at super-hot temperatures so that it’s light and airy with plenty of sourdough tang.
143 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Sodo Pizza Clapton
126 Upper Clapton RdIf you haven’t yet tried the pizza at Sodo, you’re missing a trick. The Italian joint now has five sites across the capital, but Clapton was one of the first, following a successful pop-up at E5 Bakehouse down by London Fields. The setting is simple, but that’s not what diners come for – here, it’s all about the pizza, which Sodo take seriously. All the dough is fermented for 48 hours and then baked at super-hot temperatures so that it’s light and airy with plenty of sourdough tang.
A little gem of a French bistro, this is SL’s favourite spot in Clapton for petit dejeuner, dejeuner and dinner. Summer mornings call for Provencal-style eggs enjoyed on the outdoor terrace (you can pretend you’re in the Côte d'Azur), while come evening, dinner inside is a very different experience – all soft, shoegaze soundtracks, low-lit candles and intimate tables. Rustic small plates are the stars of the menu here – expect the very best French cheeses, charcuterie and fresh seafood – but substantial mains, including perfectly-cooked steaks, will please those who don’t like to share.
15 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Les Nénettes
19 Lower Clapton RdA little gem of a French bistro, this is SL’s favourite spot in Clapton for petit dejeuner, dejeuner and dinner. Summer mornings call for Provencal-style eggs enjoyed on the outdoor terrace (you can pretend you’re in the Côte d'Azur), while come evening, dinner inside is a very different experience – all soft, shoegaze soundtracks, low-lit candles and intimate tables. Rustic small plates are the stars of the menu here – expect the very best French cheeses, charcuterie and fresh seafood – but substantial mains, including perfectly-cooked steaks, will please those who don’t like to share.
Having first opened as a pop-up, this taqueria was such a hit, it’s now a permanent fixture on the Lower Clapton scene. Aiming to ‘keep it simple, keep real’, the restaurant’s menu is super-tight – expect tacos (the sautéed tilapia with root vegetable ‘slaw is a standout), tostadas, quesadillas and botanas (Mexican snacks), alongside the best Mexican beer, mezcal and margaritas (order the watermelon marg with chilli rim – heaven). The place has a real neighbourhood vibe – ideal for lively weekend evenings.
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Del74 Dalston & Clapton
87 Lower Clapton RdHaving first opened as a pop-up, this taqueria was such a hit, it’s now a permanent fixture on the Lower Clapton scene. Aiming to ‘keep it simple, keep real’, the restaurant’s menu is super-tight – expect tacos (the sautéed tilapia with root vegetable ‘slaw is a standout), tostadas, quesadillas and botanas (Mexican snacks), alongside the best Mexican beer, mezcal and margaritas (order the watermelon marg with chilli rim – heaven). The place has a real neighbourhood vibe – ideal for lively weekend evenings.
A staple in the Clapton community since 1974, this family-run restaurant specialises in juicy, flavour-packed Turkish wraps – made from fresh ingredients sourced daily and packed with a choice of sumptuous salads (we really rate the ‘Sumakli’ – red onion, parsley, sumac and pomegranate vinegar). There’s plenty of modern twists on the menu too, including their bestselling vegan doner kebabs and halloumi fries, all served up in a minimal, airy space.
25 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Dom's Place
199 Lower Clapton RdA staple in the Clapton community since 1974, this family-run restaurant specialises in juicy, flavour-packed Turkish wraps – made from fresh ingredients sourced daily and packed with a choice of sumptuous salads (we really rate the ‘Sumakli’ – red onion, parsley, sumac and pomegranate vinegar). There’s plenty of modern twists on the menu too, including their bestselling vegan doner kebabs and halloumi fries, all served up in a minimal, airy space.
This huge Victorian pub, dating back to the 1840s, is almost unrecognisable from its old self – every inch has been spruced up, from the on-trend moody paint tones and fresh flowers on the horse shoe-shaped bar, to the long list of local craft beers and sustainably-sourced menu (innovative small plates are ideal for bar-hoppers, but this is also the place to come for a Sunday roast). There’s also a fairy light-filled outdoor area for those sunnier days and balmy summer nights.
52 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
The Windsor Castle
135 Lower Clapton RoadThis huge Victorian pub, dating back to the 1840s, is almost unrecognisable from its old self – every inch has been spruced up, from the on-trend moody paint tones and fresh flowers on the horse shoe-shaped bar, to the long list of local craft beers and sustainably-sourced menu (innovative small plates are ideal for bar-hoppers, but this is also the place to come for a Sunday roast). There’s also a fairy light-filled outdoor area for those sunnier days and balmy summer nights.
Drinks & Nightlife
If it’s atmosphere you’re looking for, this is Lower Clapton Road’s best offer. This local haunt has kept its original frontage from the previous incumbents, the Biddle Bros builders merchants. With a relaxed vibe, friendly clientele and no-frills attitude, this bar makes for a great authentic night out. The bar area offers comfy sofas, whilst the back room, with its skylights, piano and glass wall, is host to jam nights, live acoustic sessions and monthly DJ sets from local record slingers. On Fridays and Saturdays, come here to dance the night away, make new friends and sing your heart out.
35 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Biddle Bros
88 Lower Clapton RdIf it’s atmosphere you’re looking for, this is Lower Clapton Road’s best offer. This local haunt has kept its original frontage from the previous incumbents, the Biddle Bros builders merchants. With a relaxed vibe, friendly clientele and no-frills attitude, this bar makes for a great authentic night out. The bar area offers comfy sofas, whilst the back room, with its skylights, piano and glass wall, is host to jam nights, live acoustic sessions and monthly DJ sets from local record slingers. On Fridays and Saturdays, come here to dance the night away, make new friends and sing your heart out.
Formerly the Bonneville, The Elephant’s Head has been restored to its former glory – its name coming from the carved stonework on the top of the building. It’s a great place for those who love a classy cocktail and appreciate a good wine list. The mixologists skilfully prepare your drinks at a bar bedecked with taxidermy and kooky vintage decor, and their hearty food menu will please those with even the largest of appetites. It’s a perfect Sunday spot for a roast, particularly since they have a bottomless offering! If that wasn’t enough to excite you, even the loos in this place are an experience.
68 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
The Elephants Head
43 Lower Clapton RdFormerly the Bonneville, The Elephant’s Head has been restored to its former glory – its name coming from the carved stonework on the top of the building. It’s a great place for those who love a classy cocktail and appreciate a good wine list. The mixologists skilfully prepare your drinks at a bar bedecked with taxidermy and kooky vintage decor, and their hearty food menu will please those with even the largest of appetites. It’s a perfect Sunday spot for a roast, particularly since they have a bottomless offering! If that wasn’t enough to excite you, even the loos in this place are an experience.
Just on the Lower Clapton-Hackney border on Clarence Road, the Pacific Social Club has a real sense of fun. It’s small and cash-only – you have been warned – but remains a complete gem, serving moreish and reasonably priced vegan Japanese street food and great coffee. The alcohol selection is modest but, by crikey, do they know how to put together a cocktail – check out the hibiscus margarita. Don’t think, just do it. The decor is as eclectic and eccentric as their social media presence – the Pacific Social Clubbers have an irreverent sense of humour. If you like your music on the experimental side, you’ll like it here.
55 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Pacific Social Club
8 Clarence RdJust on the Lower Clapton-Hackney border on Clarence Road, the Pacific Social Club has a real sense of fun. It’s small and cash-only – you have been warned – but remains a complete gem, serving moreish and reasonably priced vegan Japanese street food and great coffee. The alcohol selection is modest but, by crikey, do they know how to put together a cocktail – check out the hibiscus margarita. Don’t think, just do it. The decor is as eclectic and eccentric as their social media presence – the Pacific Social Clubbers have an irreverent sense of humour. If you like your music on the experimental side, you’ll like it here.