If you’re out to get drunk with your mates then Revolution Bar Clapham Junction is the place to do it. For everyone else, steer well clear.

The Venue
Garishly presented, the low lighting hides most of the sins of Revolution Bar Clapham Junction. The shining bar with exposed brickwork is the best feature of the decor, spoiled somewhat by the tacky red and white plastic seating and abundance of heavy woods with a high gloss finish. Granny lamps look like a contrived attempt to add style, however, there is a good amount of seating to deal with the inevitable weekend people-crush, and flashes of foliage and large windows lighten things up somewhat. Further exposed brick on feature walls at least shows they’ve paid some attention to detail.

The Atmosphere
This is a weekend party spot – and one that does a lot of good drink offers and sells plenty of cheap cocktails to the sounds of heavy bass from the booming sound system. As such, expect an up-for-it party crowd. Less in your face than some Revolution Bars, it’s still not the place to come for a quiet drink. You come here to get drunk and let loose – something the patrons seem to take very seriously. Glammed up to the nines, you’ll see lots of bum-skimming skirts, shiny shirts and Topman tees. Meatmarket? Maybe, if you’re feeling judgemental...

The Drink
The majority of cocktails are priced at £6-£8 although Revolution Bar Clapham Junction does great business off the back of its regular money-off deals and happy hours. The cocktails aren’t masterpieces but they are designed to taste good with lots of purees, syrups and juices – you’ll get as much of a rush off all the sugar as you will from the alcohol. Still, that said, the Strawberry Split (Stoli vodka, strawberry puree, sugar syrup, cranberry juice) is actually pretty delicious with an almost sickly sweet hit of strawberries, well counteracted by the dryness of the cranberry juice and faint undertone of the good quality vodka. And that’s something that Revolution Bar should be credited with – they do use decent spirits in their drinks. And the Russian Bride (a White Russian with vanilla vodka and coffee and chocolate liqueurs added as a twist) tastes delightfully like a milkshake. Just be warned, you’ll down this in a couple of gulps without even realising you’ve just drunk quite a lot of alcohol. Not a problem as far as many of the customers here are concerned, mind you.

The Last Word
Revolution Bar Clapham Junction is what it is but then it doesn’t claim to be a glamourous bar or trendy club. Come here to get merrily drunk and dance to some pumping tunes. Just beware the many pairs of wandering eyes.

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