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This Clapham bar and restaurant offers punters pleasing views through a picture window spanning two sides of the venue. Food options are a notch up from gastropub favourites of the Moroccan lamb shank, plaice goujons, sea bass and asparagus risotto style. Cocktails are the stars of the extensive drinks menu, covering classics-with-a-twist (mojito with apple and pear juice), unusual creations (licorice whiskey sour), and seasonal specials using UK-sourced fruits where possible. Broadening the list of usual suspects on the draught taps is a range of less common bottled beers such as the Mexican Negra Modelo and American Anchor Steam. Weeknights are for lounging with serious cocktail in hand; weekends welcome DJs to up the ante with a roster of hip-shaking beats.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
Hi! Well thanks for taking the time to check this out! Why should people get to know me? I would say I'm fun, confident, very easy to get on with...
Possibly the worst service I've ever had in a London (or anywhere) resteraunt. We had a table for ten and were ignored for about 45 minutes before anyone even asked us if we wanted a drink. When we wre served they only took orders for half the table and ignored the rest. The food was average and was supposed to be a three course meal, but when we asked to order dessert we were told the kitchen was closed. I would avoid this place like a barge pole - far better places in and around Clapham
Had my birthday drink at the Loft on friday night and loved it! I booked space for 10 people for 8pm and had a steady flow of drinks coming through. It was busy but had a nice crowd and modern decor. everyone had a great time and will def stop by the next time I am in clapham.
Great bar!
We had an area reserved for about 15 of us. We got there at 7:30 and by 8:30 it was already pretty busy. The music and atmosphere was just right to be able to chat without having to shout. Lots of hot women there too which is always a bonus!
The table service was pretty slow which is why I'm not giving it full marks, but we managed to order drinks at the bar pretty quickly so it didn't matter.
There's no dance floor but definitely a great bar to spend the night with friends!
Best bar I have been to in ages. Wholely deserve their time out award. The staff may not be the quickest, but they are so friendly, and really make you feel at home. Reallly comfy sofas for our booking, and the drinks list is amazing, with something for everyone.
Since winning Time Out's bar of the year 2008, it seems hordes have been clambering to the doors of The Loft to catch the best of London's offerings.
Therefore it seems rather unfortunate that The Loft has plummeted in service and quality, riding the crest of their new (and undoubtedly short-lived) popularity.
Having reserved a space for 30 people at 7:30 on a Friday night, I arrived to find my area only seated 12 people and was told in no uncertain terms that a 'reservation for 30' means they will provide 'table space' for 30 drinks. Had the bar manager considered smiling or semi-apologising for the confusion, I wouldnt have thought second about it.
This progressed to an overcrowded (not just busy) bar suffering from a lack of door control, which also stopped serving pints after 9pm for the entire weekend. Be prepared for a costly evening.
The crux of the night came when my 3 sharing platters, valued at £10.50 EACH, came on TWO sparsely decorated plates. These included small portions of something resembling Chorizo, less than a medium carrots worth of sticks and some celery, and corn chips that I could actually bend to a 90 degree angle without breaking.
I gained the attention of an unfortunate barman who, after checking with the kitchen, came back to confirm that to save space they placed three platters worth on two plates.
At this point, I asked to speak to the manager who was predictably busy with another problem. The barman, Jimmy (to his credit only) did a fantastic job of smoothing things over, offering a refund on one platter and 15 shots to be shared around the group. I watched closely as he poured a shot of vodka into every shot.
Conclusion - its a very nice bar for a quiet evening drink if you dont mind spending more than necessary, but if you want to eat ANYTHING, go to GBK across the road. At least they're consistent.
None of the 30-odd friends that came with me will return or recommend this bar.
Overcrowded, overpriced and all with extremely bad bar service.
There are plenty of better places to go in Clapham.