Clapham area guide
Clapham is a great place for work, rest, and play.
It has it all. As part of the thriving London Borough of Lambeth, it is well-connected and has a highly skilled and creative workforce. More than seven out of ten residents have a degree.
That’s the highest rate in London – another reason that makes this a great location for growing your business.
Clapham is also packed with brilliant bars and restaurants. So, when you and your team need to take time out or want to entertain clients, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
And then there’s Clapham Common, one of the biggest green oases in London. With central London just minutes away too, no wonder Clapham attracts so many City types and young professionals. What’s not to love?
Key stats about Clapham
- 87% of businesses are micro-businesses with 1-9 employees – so plenty of opportunities for you to network locally with other small businesses!
- 71% of residents have a degree (or above) – f you’re looking to recruit well-educated staff from the local area
- Biggest sectors in the area are banking, finance, and insurance, employing 32.6% of the local population. Major employers in the area include IBM, National Theatre, Southbank Centre, and Shell UK
- The Borough of Lambeth has seven Business Improvement Districts, to help local businesses improve their communities.
- Clapham’s got history. It began life as an Anglo-Saxon village called Cloppaham. It meant the village (‘ham’) by the hill (‘clopp’). It was first mentioned around 880!
Clapham Transport Links
Whether you want a quick train to central London, or links to the south coast, Clapham has fantastic rail services. Every day around 2,000 trains pass through Clapham Junction, making it Britain’s busiest interchange.
Clapham is also well served by three Tube stations in Clapham North, Clapham Common and Clapham South.
Needspace Clapham North Arts Centre is just a few minutes’ walk from Clapham North (Northern line) and Clapham High Street, London Overground station. Local bus routes include the 155, 345, 50, and 88.
Business and Networking
Clapham and Lambeth offer lots of regular opportunities to network including:
Women in Business Network Clapham
The Clapham Women in Business Network is a London group but with a real warm and friendly local feel. The members represent an eclectic mix of professions though all with one thing in common – the desire to help, connect, support and promote each other.
BNI Clapham Premier
BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other.
Chamber of Commerce
London Southside Chamber of Commerce (LSCC) is here to support its members based or having some business interest in the London Boroughs to build successful businesses locally and internationally.
Places to eat and drink
If you’re looking for somewhere to entertain clients or socialise locally; or just somewhere to grab a quick bite to eat or a coffee, read on!
Just a few minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction, this is a perfect spot for enjoying a sharing platter, brunch, lunch, or dinner. There are monthly wine tasting events, while the Sunday roasts come highly recommended. See the TripAdvisor ratings!
With cocktails top of the menu, Revolution is also a great place to enjoy tasty modern food in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. You can even book a cocktail masterclass.
With French, European, veggie and gluten-free options to die for, and an intimate, family feel, the Augustine offers a most enjoyable dining experience.
Michelin-star Trinity, in the heart of Clapham Old Town, is fine dining at its best. It’s the perfect place for a treat or if you’re out to impress.
If you’re after authentic Mediterranean cuisine and a laidback vibe, this is the place to go.
If you just want a chat over coffee, the Black Lab is reputed to serve the best in Clapham
With its cool grey décor, and lively vibe, this stylish café offers good coffee and food.
This Clapham Old Town favourite has a wide range of brunch options, including lots of veggie and dairy free. And if you like bagels, this is where to find them!
According to Vanity Fair, Eric Lanlard is one of the best patissiers in the world. As well as making his own creations to order, he also runs a French flavoured cookery school. Yum
Other things to see and do…
Studio Voltaire
If you fancy your food with a side serving of culture (or the other way round), look no further. Studio Voltaire is a great place to spot up-and-coming artistic talent. Juliet’s Café and Bar the onsite eatery gets 5 stars from Time Out. Note, it’s only open Wed-Sun.
Clapham Picturehouse
Regular screenings of unusual and indie films alongside big name blockbusters have made this much-loved cinema a favourite of Clapham locals.
Clapham Grand
This refurbished Victorian music hall hosts everything from bingo to karaoke, old school nights, comedy, film nights and more.
Flexible, supportive workspaces for small businesses
We have a variety of workspaces that can be flexible to suit your requirements. Let us know what you’re looking for and we can match you to one of our workspaces.