Slowly establishing itself as one of the best places for wine bars in London, Clapham has paved the way for numerous wine spots over the past few years that you don’t want to miss. So whether you’re planning a big night out,a chilled evening, a drink with friends or a place to shop for a great bottle of wine, keep an eye on some of the local’s most favourite locations to get a taste from.
No matter if you’re a wine connoisseur or looking for the ideal spot to grab a glass of vino with friends after work, you’re sure to find the perfect hidden gem in our roundup of the top ten wine bars in Clapham…
Humble Grape
This Clapham wine bar’s story started back in 2009 when founder James Dawson would deliver wine around the local area and host tasting events while working another job. Now a few years later, Humble Grape is considered one of the best wine bars in Clapham and London. The venue is stylish and cosy with most seats being underground and the food is as good as the wide range of sustainable wines on the menu. With almost 30 wines on their ‘By the Glass’ list and some 400 others by the bottle, it is one of the most diverse menus out there. To stay true to their origins, they still offer drink-in, take home and delivery and if you pop by, the expertly-trained staff would be more than happy to help you.
Where:
2 Battersea Rise
London
SW11 1ED
England
Soif
Soif is a charming Parisian-style neighbourhood wine bar in Clapham. With a name that means “thirst” in French and staff that are friendly, attentive and native French or at least francophone, it feels as authentic as it looks. As part of Terroirs Natural Wine Group, (previously known for Terroirs and Brawn in central London), it stays true to its values with a large range of wine and fine dining options. The ambience is electric but sophisticated; making it the perfect place to enjoy good wine on a quiet evening. The menu changes frequently so be sure to check it out ahead of time – there’s sure to be a host of things you’ll fancy!
Where:
27 Battersea Rise
London
SW11 1HG
England
soif.co
WC Wine and Charcuterie
WC Wine and Charcuterie is a former 100-year-old public toilet right under Clapham Common tube station converted into a wine bar. Although it is a bit of a wait to get a table without prior booking, it’s well worth it. While you mightn’t expect it from a former public restroom, it is a beautiful and picturesque venue with different seating and booth options, making it perfect for a date or outing with friends. The music is great and the benevolent staff add to the great ambience so much that this place seems almost too good to share. When it comes to the wine and food, the menu might be more on the smaller side but the dishes are well chosen and are balanced out with wines and champagnes from all over the world. The food is diverse and authentic and there are several sharing platter options.
Where:
Clapham Common South Side
London
SW4 7AA
England
wcbars.co.uk/clapham
D vine Cellars
Another of the top wine bars in Clapham, D vine Cellars specialises in sustainably sourced wines. Back in 2012 when it first opened in the city, the aim was to only introduce wines of either organic, biodynamic or sustainable origins. A few years in and they place more emphasis than ever on these values, becoming one of the best locations for sustainable wine in Clapham. The wines and food are affordable and tasty and there are plenty of options for vegans. Keep an eye on their Twitter account for their wine-tasting events, they are very popular and worth a visit to learn more about wine as well as try some of their favourites!
Clapham Common
Where:
1 Voltaire Road
London
SW4 6DQ
England
Drop on the Common
Although it is one of the newest places in the area, Drop on the Commons has quickly established itself as one of the top wine bars in Clapham. Having opened its doors in March 2022, it’s a bar and a shop set up by sommelier Victor Guyonnet (part of the team behind the Ten Cases and Parsons). During the pandemic, it was one of the first establishments to offer wine delivery from its shop on Drury Lane. On the menu, you can find a selection of British and French food to complement their range of 200 wines. Not sure what to pick? Their knowledgeable staff are there to help you choose.
Where:
10A The Polygon
London
SW4 0JG
England
Archer Street SW11
Archer Street SW11 is known for being a sophisticated and fashionable venue that offers premium wines and the feel of a members-only bar without the membership. They are a cocktail as well as a wine and champagne bar and pride themselves on their affordable prices without compromising their food and drink quality. Spanning two different floors, one holding the cocktail bar and the other a themed bar, it has a great atmosphere with plenty of personalities. Expect entertainment such as live music as the backdrop to your chill evening or a more raucous night out. They also have another branch in Soho that’s ideal when you’re heading to central London.
Where:
3–7 Northcote Road
London
SW11 1NG
England
archerstreet.co.uk/sw11
Vagabond
If you are looking for the future of wine bars, this place is for you. With over 100 wine taps, Vagabond offers a unique concept of self-service wine by the glass as well as snacks and platters to share that are freshly prepared by the in-house chef. The menu features a host of comfort food while the interior itself is cosy and intimate – perfect for date nights as well as an evening out with friends. You can also enjoy plenty of different events like wine-tasting sessions as well as bottomless afternoon wine starting from £32.
Where:
1 Battersea Sq
London
SW11 3RZ
England
vagabondwines.co.uk
Aquum
This hybrid venue is perfect for you if you can’t decide on a chilled or a high-energy night out. Measuring just over 10,000 sq feet, Aquum is the biggest bar and restaurant in Clapham. Spread over four different floors, there is something for everyone and great energy and vibes are guaranteed. They have a cocktail and a wine bar and you can enjoy a menu of British and Greek/Cypriot traditional food. If that doesn’t convince you this is one of Clapham’s best wine bars, Aquum is also a five-time winner of the prestigious London Club and Bar Award.
Clapham Common
Where:
68-70 Clapham High St
London
SW4 7UL
England
aquum.co.uk
Lost Society Battersea
The Lost Society Battersea is slightly further out but still more than worthy of a venture the next time you are in Clapham. A 20-minute stroll from Clapham Junction station (or you can take public transport) this art deco wine bar is a fantastic place to while away an evening with friends. With a host of wines by the bottle and by the glass as well as craft cocktails and a range of local beers, there is something for everyone. The kitchen offers a colourful menu throughout the week, with a host of well-balanced dishes as well as a dedicated Disco brunch on the weekends. Relax inside or head out to their Garden Bar where you can take in some fresh air and vibrant surroundings. Expect decadence, dining, dancing and plenty of wine!
Battersea
Where:
39 Battersea Park Rd
London
SW11 4LS
https://www.lostsociety.co.uk/
Macellaio RC
After a pandemic and several lockdowns, we can finally start to travel again, but if you’re not lucky enough to be able to head abroad, and are looking to experience a taste of Italy on your next night out, your alternative stop is centrally located in Clapham Common. Macellaio RC is a traditional Italian steakhouse and wine bar. On the menu, you can find refined and high-quality food to elevate the large choice of hand-picked Italian wines. With a great balance between quality and quantity, this place has fast become a favourite wine bar in Clapham. The ambience is cosy and charming, bringing a comforting feeling of Italy directly to your doorstep.
Clapham Common
Where:
124 Northcote Road
Battersea
SW11 6QU
England
macellaiorc.com/battersea
If you’re looking for the best wine bars in Clapham, these are all worth a try. Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to know!
