Clapham & Balham

Clapham and Balham are two of South London's most popular residential areas — well-connected, lively without being overwhelming, and with a food and pub scene that makes them worth visiting as destinations rather than just passing through.

Clapham Common

A 220-acre common in the heart of the area — the largest green space between the centre and the suburbs in this direction. Free to enter, good for picnics and sport, with the Long Pond attracting regular birdwatchers. The annual Clapham Common Kite Day and various music events use the space in summer.

Clapham High Street & Old Town

The High Street is primarily bars and restaurants — one of the busiest evening areas in South London. The Old Town area (closer to Clapham Common station) has a calmer, more characterful selection of independent shops and restaurants. Venn Street Market runs on Saturdays with a reliable selection of food stalls.

Balham

Balham's Bedford Hill and the streets around it have developed a genuinely good independent restaurant and café scene in recent years — slightly less expensive than Clapham and worth knowing about for dinner if you're in the area.

Getting There

Clapham Common, Clapham North and Clapham South (all Northern line) serve the area. Balham (Northern line and National Rail) is one stop further south.

Tips

• Clapham Old Town is preferable to the High Street for a calmer evening meal.
• Balham is significantly cheaper than Clapham for equivalent restaurant quality.
• Clapham Common is a good picnic destination in summer — buy food from the market stalls.