Clapham Junction has the reputation of being the busiest train station in the UK and it is located between the leafy, affluent area of Wandsworth and Battersea. Quite contrary to its name, it is not located in Clapham, which causes a lot of confusion. Moreover, Clapham Common is also a 30-minute walk away from the station, although the north side of the Common is close to Clapham Junction. It has a dynamic feel with lots of activities including a plethora of bars and clubs in the station area. Residents looking for tranquillity usually stay in the most serene areas of Clapham Old Town and Clapham South. On the other hand, the Clapham Junction area is mostly occupied by young professionals and Australians who are looking for cheaper rents and plenty of entertainment options. Although it is not a creative area, it displays a great sense of community. The neighbourhood is quite close-knit, which is proved by the way the residents in Clapham stood up against the riots in 2011.

Shopping in Clapham Junction

Sweaty Bettie: Located at Northcote Road, Clapham, this is a famous store for gym clothes and although they are expensive, they are chic, marvellously designed and well-made to the extent that they can easily be worn for having a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe, after the gym workout.

Deli Boutique: Located at St John’s Hill, this French deli, bakery and cafe is very popular for its French food. Guests can also relax in its garden and the deli also caters for events.

Living Vintage: Located at Northcote Road, this store offers lots of vintage clothing, furniture and accessories and is the ideal place to look for something unique. They also offer patterned fabric and child-sized bookcases that are indeed lovely.

Whole Foods: Located at Lavender Hill, this place is much more than a supermarket although it is technically so. It sells high-quality produce, artisan products and ingredients that are not easily available at local supermarkets. Although it is expensive for regular shopping, it is good for stocking up treats.

Attractions near Clapham Junction

Clapham Common: It offers 200 acres of green space, ponds and a Victorian bandstand and it gives a feel of the countryside in Clapham. It is ideal for having a picnic or for indulging in skating, playing basketball or simply jogging. It is good for taking your dog for a walk.

Brixton Village Market: It is famous for its international food, particularly African and Caribbean. It is a covered street market in nearby Brixton, offering both produce and street food stalls. It is flooded with people on Thursday and Friday nights by people looking for something different to eat and a few drinks.

SW4 Festival: This music festival is held every year on Clapham Common during the August Bank Holiday weekend when it reverberates with the performances of some of the world’s best dance, house, electro and drum & bass artists and people from all over London and other places come here for the entertainment.

Battersea Arts Centre: This performance space is located in a beautiful Grade II listed building in Clapham Junction. It specialises in music, theatre and dance events.

Clapham Picture House: It is an independent art-house cinema offering a great selection of classic films and cult favourites. It also provides a bar for people to enjoy the film while having a glass of wine.

Restaurants in Clapham Junction

Le Gothique: It is located in the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building which is a beautiful historic building in the heart of Wandsworth Common. Ideal for a private event or a special dinner, this restaurant serves French bistro-style cuisine. It also offers a wine bar and a courtyard so that you can drink al-fresco on a sunny afternoon.

Franco Manca: Reputed to be the best pizza joint in London, this popular pizza place started off as a street food van. The pizzas are made with sourdough flour and cooked in a wood-fired oven for an authentic Italian flavour. It offers low prices and organic booze.

Birdhouse: Packed to capacity on weekends with regulars, this cool cafe is best known for its amazing Climpson and Sons coffee, tasty cakes and fresh sandwiches. It has grey walls and offers a retro-casual style with bright artwork.

The Breakfast Club: This 50s-style cafe is famous for being the best brunch spot in Clapham Junction as it offers mouth-watering morning menu that you can get until 5pm every day. The popular offerings are the Moorish chorizo hash browns, the American pancakes and the classic Eggs Benedict. It also offers a dinner menu and hosts cool weekly events.

Fish in a Tie: This cosy bistro serves good value Mediterranean fish and meat to its customers who go there regularly.

Renting Cost in Clapham Junction: The cost of renting has been rising steadily over the past few years mainly due to its gentrification. However, you can still find a bargain depending on the location where you wish to stay.

Travelling from Clapham Junction

The Overground station, being the busiest train station in the UK, offer convenient links to other places in the country. However, there is no Tube station in Clapham Junction and the nearest option is two miles away at Clapham Common, on the Northern Line. There are plenty of buses, but if you prefer to travel by tube, it would be best to stay closer to Clapham High Street.

Contributed by: https://www.shaftesburyhotels.com