Looking for a tip-top tipple near Wandsworth Road Station? You’re in luck! The area boasts a variety of charming pubs and bars perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re after a riverside pint at The Waterfront, a cosy spot with historical charm like The Alma, or a lively atmosphere at The Ship, there’s something to suit every taste. So, gather your mates and explore the vibrant watering holes this neighbourhood has to offer!
The Surprise
Address: 16 Southville, London, SW8 2PP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled adjacent to Larkhall Park in Stockwell, South London, The Surprise is situated at the northern end of the park, providing a serene backdrop for visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? This small, down-to-earth pub offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. The L-shaped interior, refurbished in 2018, includes a conservatory extension, enhancing its welcoming charm. The walls are adorned with caricatures of regular patrons and vintage photographs of Battersea Power Station, adding to its unique character.
What’s On Offer
- Live Entertainment & Games: The Surprise hosts a variety of events throughout the week, including poker nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, bingo on Sundays, and a quiz night every Friday. Additionally, there’s a pétanque pitch adjacent to the pub for those interested in traditional games.
- Diverse Food & Drink Options: Patrons can enjoy pizzas available for dine-in or takeaway, with a special curry night held on the last Friday of each month. The pub also offers a selection of real ales, featuring changing beers such as Morland Old Speckled Hen, Purity Mad Goose, and Wadworth 6X.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Old Town Tavern
Address: 29 North Street, London, SW4 0HJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in the heart of Clapham Old Town, the Old Town Tavern occupies a historic site that has hosted various public houses over the years.
- What’s the Vibe? Following a thoughtful refurbishment, the pub exudes a warm and welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere. Its interior features exposed brick and wood panelling, reminiscent of traditional English taverns. The addition of a roaring fire and an upright piano enhances its cosy charm.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Beer Selection: The Old Town Tavern boasts 20 beer taps, offering a diverse range of local microbrews, innovative collaborations, and classic ales. This free-of-tie selection ensures a varied and dynamic beer menu for patrons.
- Marlowe’s Burgers: In partnership with Marlowe’s Burgers, the pub serves a menu of delectable burgers, complementing its extensive beer offerings.
- Basement Games Room: The newly refurbished basement features a games room equipped with a pool table, smart darts, foosball, and retro arcade machines, providing additional entertainment options for visitors.
- Weekly Events: The tavern hosts regular events, including ‘Trivia Tuesdays’ and ‘Thursday Tunes’, offering engaging activities and live music to enhance the social experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Pig’s Head
Address: 87 Rectory Grove, Clapham Old Town,SW4 0DR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Clapham Old Town, The Pig’s Head is situated on Rectory Grove, a charming street that offers a village-like feel amidst the bustling city.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub exudes a rustic, countryside charm with its vintage farmhouse chairs and Victorian tables, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The interior features wood-panelled walls, polished wood floors, and a vaulted skylight, complemented by decorative crockery and mirrors that enhance its traditional yet chic appeal.
What’s On Offer
- Sustainable Farm-to-Fork Dining: The Pig’s Head prides itself on a daily changing menu that emphasises sustainability. They source whole native-breed animals from regenerative farms and butcher them on-site, ensuring fresh and responsibly sourced dishes.
- Innovative British Cuisine: The pub offers creative twists on traditional British dishes. For instance, their menu has featured items like beer-battered beef lasagne and buttermilk fried chicken with Earl Grey tea yoghurt, showcasing their commitment to inventive and flavourful cooking.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Opening Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Kitchen Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Opening Hours:
The Magic Garden
Address: 231 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 4LG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Magic Garden is situated in Battersea, South West London, near Battersea Park. It’s easily accessible, being just a short walk from Battersea Park and Queenstown Road train stations.
- What’s the Vibe? Often described as a “festival in a pub,” The Magic Garden offers a bohemian and eclectic atmosphere. The venue features a vibrant garden adorned with fairy lights, tented canopies, and an array of trinkets and soft furnishings, creating a whimsical and relaxed setting. Inside, the décor combines artistic flair with vintage charm, providing a cosy space for patrons.
What’s On Offer
- Live Music & DJ Sets: The Magic Garden is renowned for its live music events, hosting a variety of bands and DJs that cover genres from funk and reggae to hip hop and Latin. Regular events include monthly Blues Jams, where musicians are invited to participate in open-stage performances.
- Outdoor Garden Space: The pub boasts a spacious and enchanting garden area, complete with tented canopies and ample seating. This outdoor space is perfect for socialising and often features live performances, contributing to the venue’s festival-like ambiance.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:30 am to 12:00 am
- Friday & Saturday: 10:30 am to 2:00 am
The Victoria
Address: 166 Queenstown Rd, London, SW8 3QH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Victoria is situated on Queenstown Road in Battersea, South West London. It’s conveniently located near Battersea Park and is within walking distance of both Queenstown Road and Battersea Park railway stations.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere, characterised by its open interior adorned with vintage typewriters. Patrons can enjoy traditional pub games such as pool and table tennis in the back room, contributing to its genuine and friendly environment.
What’s On Offer
- Free Games Room: The Victoria features a dedicated games room equipped with pool and table tennis tables, providing guests with complimentary entertainment options.
- Dog-Friendly Environment: Embracing a pet-friendly policy, the pub welcomes dogs, making it an ideal spot for pet owners to relax and socialise.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 16:00 – 00:00
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 02:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 00:00
- The kitchen operates during these times:
- Monday to Thursday: 16:00 – 22:00
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 22:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00
Ready to Visit?
Whether you’re meandering near Wandsworth Road Station or exploring the surrounding pockets of Battersea, Stockwell, and Clapham Old Town, you’ll find no shortage of brilliant pubs to enjoy. From the bohemian charm of The Magic Garden to the rustic warmth of The Pig’s Head, this area serves up everything from live music and garden vibes to sustainable dining and traditional pub games. It’s a lively neighbourhood brimming with personality – and plenty of spots to raise a glass or two.
Share the Love
Why not pop into The Surprise for a quiz night or enjoy a locally brewed pint at The Old Town Tavern? Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and leave a review once you’ve paid a visit – we’d love to hear where you ended up!
