The Rookery

We decided to give The Rookery another go after having a dissapointing meal about a year ago. The restaurant itself is lovely, quite quirky with amazing views of the common. Unfortunately that's where it ends. We ordered a Charcuterie board and a rare beef salad for starters. It was clear that nothing on the board was homemade and the salad was a Sunday roast left over - and rather chewy at that. For our mains we had ordered pork belly with slaw and sweet potato. It was covered in BBQ sauce and completely lacked any balance or technical cooking skill. My boyfriend had the guest burger and only ate a couple of bites as it was overcooked (he ordered it rare). We were not asked until we actually paid the bill how the meal was, it was all a bit full overpriced student food in a really bland environment. £75 for a Monday night. Not impressed.

With regards to my review below - I did not put 5 stars as the rating and meant too...loved this place, and will be having all my parties here in the future if they will have us back! Thanks again for an amazing day...it was top class.

We hosted our sons christening at The Rookery recently and have to say it was absolutely amazing - the staff did us proud and the food was totally amazing...thank you to Mark, Theo and their team for making it a very special day.

On behalf of The Rookery, I'd like to respond to Nick's post below. I am very sorry that his group's experience wasn't up to standard. Sunday lunches at The Rookery are very busy affairs and on that particular day we were, regrettably but unavoidably, short-staffed. This is why the group didn't receive the level of service they should have, and also why I personally didn't spend as much time as I would have liked with them. As Nick graciously points out I did, when I had chance, explain and apologise for this. I would however like to clarify one important point. We have a strong reputation for our beer selection. We do have a hand-pump bitter, a mighty fine one, 'Truman's Runner'. We'd like to have more, but with limited cellar space we've concentrated instead on other beers on tap. I don't think 'a couple of lagers' is a fair description. On draught we have Meantime London Lager, Meantime London Pale Ale, a changing Meantime seasonal beer, Estrella Damm, Heineken, Vedett, Guinness, Stowford Press Cider and Anchor Steam from San Francisco. If that wasn't enough, in bottles we have Brooklyn Lager, Goose Island IPA, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Blue Moon, Little Creatures IPA, Red Stripe, Singha, Amaral y Ambar, Amaral Pale Ale, Westmalle, Erdinger Dunkel, as well as seasonals and lots of ciders. I do regret however that on that day we didn't have chance to talk Nick through our extensive collection. Normally, that's a fun part of the job, and we encourage customers to sample from the range before deciding. Nick - apologies again that you didn't have the best of times. We really pride ourselves on our Sunday lunch, and that people come back time and time again to experience the fantastic food and the warm and cosy atmosphere. If you'd like to give me a call at The Rookery, or email me at hello@therookeryclapham.co.uk we can discuss if there's anything I can do to persuade you to give us another shot. Mark

Finally got back to the Rookery, enjoyed a nice table and a absolutely delicious food. Maybe as good as one these nice little Parisian fooddy bistrot we so miss here. Partridge pie, pork shoulder, hake (one of my favourite fish): the proof that Brits can enjoy food as much as Frogs! Definitely have a go

Food was quite good, but quite small portions and the service was poor. They had no bitters on tap at all, just a couple of largers! There was 7 of us who went for Sunday lunch and I between meals we had to keep going to the bar to ask for more drinks and ask someone to clear the plates as it was a good 20 mins before anybody came to the table each time. When we got dessert, the crumble contained nuts which was never acknowledged on the menu. When we sent the one dessert back the owner was rather short and snappy with us and claimed that although it was not pointed out on the menu, "crumble always has nuts in it". (Erm, not sure that's totally true, I thought) but anyway, after we complained about his manner he later apologised and offered an alternative dessert on the house. Good food but poor selection of beer, bad service, doubt we would ever return.

I really like this place. It has a very cool feel - good music and relaxed atmosphere. The food is really good too, definitely some of the best that I have had for the price. And I am with the review below on the service - friendly and attentive. Definitely worth giving a go if you've not been.

This place never disappoints. The food is lovely and is also reasonably priced. I am suprised to see the comments below re service as every time that I have been have found the staff to be friendly and attentive. It's a good option for just a drink too with a good wine list and range of cocktails. It's also lovely when the sun is shining as there is outside space at the front with great views over the common.

I went there two weeks ago. It took 40mins for someone to bring us a menu. Another table of three men complained about the quality of the wine at which point the owners basically went nuts. He was arrogant and rude to them and threw them out....even though they wanted to pay for the food and drink they had had so far. Not sure when all the 'good reviewers' went, but I will never return.

Absolutely LOVE this restaurant. Sat just off the Common the food is always lovely, staff friendly and beer crisp and refreshing. Easily the best place for a nice meal in Clapha Common. Highly recommend to anyone.