24 must-go places in Battersea and Clapham

From bustling Clapham Junction to villagey Venn Street, this bit of south-west London is full of greatness. Do SW4 and SW11 better with local tips from Time Out Tastemakers.

Best breakfast or brunch

‘Jack’s at the Junction has been my go-to hangover spot for a while. Get the biggest breakfast, “the triple”.’ Natalie Manni

‘Brickwood does the best Aussie-style brunch.’ Karen Martin

‘Ben’s Canteen is a bloody mary obsessive’s dream, and the brunch dishes are smashing.’ Georgie Pursey

Best lunch

‘Joe Public does altogether very excellent pizzas on a properly, chewily delicious sourdough base.’ Alexandra Boyle

‘Pi Pizza offers some of the best artisan pizzas in south London, but save space for the cannoli.’ Georgie Pursey

‘Try the sausage roll at Deli Boutique – Greggs will never be the same.’ Stephanie Chan

Best dinner

‘Kaosarn does the best green curry and it’s always got a buzzy atmosphere. Mien Tay is the place chefs go to eat: it’s family-run and the pho has got me through many a cold. And Trinity is the best high-end restaurant in Clapham.’ Natalie Manni

‘The top-secret Sappho Meze Bar by Clapham North serves a set menu for a bargain price. I love it there!’ Sam Brown

‘Radio Alice for pizza and wine, or Thai food and happy-hour cocktails at The Pepper Tree.’ LeeLee Seah

‘The Dairy has the best value-for-money tasting menu I have ever seen: seven courses for £48.’ Debbie Hopper

Best place for culture

‘Battersea Arts Centre: an old town hall transformed into a creative hub that hosts theatre, dance and music. It’s open all day with two bars for coffee and drinks.’ George Christodoulakis

Best place for fun

‘The Clapham Grand! It’s hard to find more flamboyant and fabulous themed parties!’ Iza Kawecka

‘Four Thieves is a big kids’ playground, with an entire floor dedicated to arcade games and a huge indoor Scalextric-style racetrack.’ Georgie Pursey

Best place for a date

‘At WC, underneath Clapham Common station, you sip wine and enjoy charcuterie in a former Victorian loo with original cisterns and intimate booths.’ Kritt Normsaskul

‘Take the Biscuiteers icing course – you can decorate your partner on a biscuit, which is always hilarious!’ Natalie Manni

Best place to shop

‘Hetu on St John’s Hill for zero-waste shopping.’ Iza Kawecka

‘Clapham’s charity shops are treasure troves! From Traid and the Royal Trinity Hospice shops to high-end shop Fara, the area’s best-kept secret (until now).’ Katherine Balmer

Best green space

‘Clapham Common, to walk around or for a picnic in the summer – and to have a magical time in the winter at Backyard Cinema.’ Edelyn Brawidjojo

Best street to walk down

‘Cobbled Venn Street has a food market at the weekends, cool bars and the fabulous Picturehouse cinema.’ Sam Brown