The Belle Vue, Clapham

Working in Brixton recently I found I had a few hours to myself over lunchtime and rather than hang around the delightful entrance to Brixton Underground Station I thought I�d treat myself to a trip to Clapham Common which appeared to be relatively close. I boarded the 35 bus and arrived at Clapham High Street within ten minutes. From the bus I spotted The Belle Vue adorned with blooming window boxes and instantly decided that this would be a perfect spot for lunch.
The bar is clean and uncluttered and thanks to its building-wide windows, surprisingly light and airy, a nice change at lunchtime from the more traditional but gloomier taverns.

Sadly because I was working this was not a drinking trip, but you can trust me when I say that the Orangina and coffee were both top-notch.

The lunchtime menu was well priced - �3.50 for a range of sandwiches with chips an optional extra for an extra pound. There was also a specials board which appeared to be freshly chalked. A good sign. There were pricier options but as I was lunching alone I decided not to push it.

I opted for a childhood favourite � the fish finger sandwich and added chips to my order. A good decision, the sandwich was enormous and well filled � it certainly wasn�t a case of hunt the finger. The chips, for a pound remember, would have fed two people easily. It was excellent and despite it being a hot day (the bar is gently air-conditioned) a coffee was necessary to kick start me into working again that afternoon. Service was quick and smiley, there were two friendly members of staff on duty when I went in who appeared more than capable of dealing with the lunchtime rush without any hold ups.

Other thoughts, there was music on in the background, but quietly so as not to impede if I had anyone to converse with. The walls were nicely decorated with a mixture of paintings and prints and, the all-important test, the toilets were clean.

Would I go back? Yes

Could I eat there every day? Yes, but I�d be the size of a house.

1 Aug 2011 15:48