Recession. What recession? A number of people have commented to Love Clapham on the rising prices of meals out across the Clapham area, with some restaurants almost doubling their prices since last year. We mentioned this on our Twitter account (@loveclapham) and had a couple of responses about discounts and offers. @g_rennie said, “not for lunch at Trinity!! An incredible bargain and exceptional food and service” while @loftclapham said “Not at the Loft. we are doing 50% off food everyday apart from Saturday.” Discounts are always fantastic, but what do you think about the increased cost of dining out around these parts?

Love Clapham HQ’s email has been abuzz with activity this week. HostelBookers, a company offering budget travel info and services has nabbed two tickets to the Get Loaded in the Park festival on Clapham Common, which they’re offering as a competition prize along with one night in a hostel for accommodation. Visit the HostelBookersBlog for all the info and to enter the competition. A speed dating event for graduates is taking place at the Alexandra Pub opposite Clapham Common tube tomorrow (Thur) night from 7pm, find out more and book on the Graduate Nation website.

Schooling is so important, but it’s amazing how much primary school extensions cost these days. The South London Press is reporting that Clapham Manor Primary School (near Clapham High Street) is over it’s £2.5million budget by close to a million smackaroonies for its modern, technicolour extension. Read more »

Sacha Baron Cohen’s at it again, BIG TIME! His latest film Bruno looks set to push the boundaries of offensiveness even further than before. It opens this Friday in Clapham, just days before the little boy wizard finally arrives next week… Importantly, don’t forget the Burma VJ and satellite Q&A with the director afterwards, only at Clapham Picture House on Tuesday. Keep reading for the upcoming week’s full Clapham cinema listings. Read more »

Another of the weird venues in that little pocket of bars on Wandsworth Road. The Artesian Well is a large venue split across floors and with multiple rooms.

Address: The Artesian Well, 693 Wandsworth Road, Battersea, London SW8 3JF
Phone: 0207 627 3353

The Sun really shines in Clapham Old Town with its large open bar, beer garden and great grub. The Sunday roasts and summer time BBQs are becoming Clapham legend.

Address: The Sun, 47 Old Town, Clapham, London SW4 0JL
Phone: 0207 622 4980

Lost Society has a fantastic and frankly weird interior and great music, a combination that maxes it out every single weekend. It has a great outdoor courtyard too. One of the highlights of the “between Clapham Junction / Clapham Common pocket”.

Address: Lost Society, 697 Wansworth Road, London SW8 3JF
Phone: 020 7652 6526

During the summer, Gigalum at Clapham South can’t be seen behind the throng of people out the front. It’s an incredibly popular and lively bar opposite Clapham Common.

Address: Gigalum, 7 Cavendish Parade, Clapham South, Clapham, London SW4 9DW
Phone: 0208 772 0303

The Abbeville pub is an institution for Abbeville villagers. With great food, an unusual layout and a calmer atmosphere than the thumping music of Clapham High Street, no wonder it’s always jam-packed!

Address: 67-69 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London SW4 9JW
Phone: 0208 675 2201

Firefly has dominos, giant jenga and flames outside – need we say more? A small bar with a big atmosphere and one of the best looking Clapham bar interiors.

Address: Firefly, 69 Clapham Common Southside, Clapham, London SW4 9DA
Phone: 0208 673 9162

The White House is Clapham’s most famous night spot. It used to be fairly exclusive, but now it’s a bar come club with a fantastic roof terrace for the summer. Be prepared to queue if you turn up at the weekend.

Address: 65 Clapham Park road, Clapham, London SW4 7EH
Phone: 0207 498 3388

Like most places in Clapham, 64th and Social is a mid-sized bar with trendy deco, good music, good cocktails and a DJ at the weekend.

Address: 64 Clapham High Street, Clapham, London SW4 7UL
Phone: 0207 627 2535