Clapham, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Fairy lights, greenery and charming decor create a warm and cosy atmosphere” at this still-expanding group, which is most popular as a “reliable and friendly brunch option”. Its Med-inspired tapas is typically rated somewhere between “tasty” and “nothing special” and scores overall are dragged well down by those experiencing “chaotic service” and “food that doesn’t live up to the pretty dining room”.

“A perfect mix of fine dining and neighbourhood restaurant” – Adam Byatt’s celebrated flagship on Clapham Common has won renown as one of the most notable destinations south of the River, and a strong rival to Chez Bruce ten minutes away thanks to its “exquisite evolving menu” and “personal” service. But while still much-vaunted this year by very many reporters, its ratings slipped noticeably due to an unusual number of downbeat reports (“I can’t understand why Trinity is so highly rated… I found the experience underwhelming”; “expensive and can lack atmosphere”; “until recently, this was a favourite, but it’s now fallen out of my top ten”). In July 2023 – after our annual diners’ poll had finished – a former member of the team, Harry Kirkpatrick, returned to the kitchen after stints at a number of top establishments having been appointed as a new head chef. Taking into account owner Adam Byatt’s impressive track record here, our best bet is a swift return to form. And, still for the majority of diners in this year’s poll, this is “a place we go to again and again for special occasions and it never disappoints us”.

“Wonderful food”, delivered in the format of “innovative and interesting sharing plates”, is the draw at chef-patron Adam Byatt’s casual option, upstairs from his Clapham flagship Trinity. The “high stool seating” doesn’t please everyone, but that’s more than made up for by the “good-value, high-class victuals” and “friendly and knowledgeable staff”.

Clapham pub, taken over by the operator behind Ganymede in Belgravia and The Hunter’s Moon in South Kensington. It re-opened in May 2023, too late for survey feedback, but it looks worth knowing about, if for no other reason than its spacious terrace.

This two-year-old conversion of a “grand old barn of a tavern in Clapham” into a “beautiful city-rustic gastropub with very good food” has been a real success for the team behind Smokehouse and the Princess of Shoreditch. “So happy to have a local worth staying near home for”, purr fans of its “meat-friendly menu that’s packed with flavour”. “Wide veggie options available”, too.

“Fairy lights, greenery and charming decor create a warm and cosy atmosphere” at this still-expanding group, which is most popular as a “reliable and friendly brunch option”. Its Med-inspired tapas is typically rated somewhere between “tasty” and “nothing special” and scores overall are dragged well down by those experiencing “chaotic service” and “food that doesn’t live up to the pretty dining room”.