South London is facing up as a serious rival to the variety of bars and clubs on offer in the West End, and Third Space in Stockwell is testament to the high quality to be found south of the river. A stone’s throw away from its better-known neighbours Clapham and Brixton, this Stockwell nightspot is the perfect place to kick back with a cocktail minus the hectic crowds.

The Venue
The soft light and cherry-red walls create an intimate space with a laid-back vibe. The bar is open from noon, 7 days a week, and any evening you’ll find hipster couples in jeans sitting on chocolate-coloured ottomans around low tables, alongside suits propping up the bar. There are two bars spread across two levels, so you can pick the tone of your evening. Downstairs is for lounging in the cushy leather couches watching the silent streak of red and white headlights through the floor-to-ceiling windows. This bar is so cosy you almost wish it was raining simply to have the spectacle of the rain backlit by the traffic lights as you sip your glass of Merlot. Upstairs, the sweeping room is studded with low stools and tables, which are pushed the perimeter to accommodate the informal dancefloor when the crowd revs up.

For daytime and warmer nights (and for daring smokers in the colder months) the slate tiles of the front terrace are scattered with slick leather ottomans. The large extendable awning hangs low and creates a snug area for those who prefer drinking al fresco.

The Atmosphere
When you’ve worked up a thirst on your way home from the office, this bar beckons you with an enticingly warm glow as you step out of the tube station. Statuesque security guards in head-to-toe black stand guard at the entrance, barely distinguishable in the orange light casting shadows over the bar’s spacious front terrace. Third Space is welcoming from the first glance – and that is exactly the concept behind the bar. The owners (a young trio with a collective background in hospitality, PR and fashion) wanted to create a ‘third space’ outside the usual realms of home and office where people could come, leave the stress of their day at the door, relax and have fun. The bar is fast building a reputation for serving up delicious and affordable food and drinks and a home-like atmosphere to a burgeoning local crowd.

The Music
This place prides itself on pumping out music for the soul, 5 days a week. Resident DJs play from Wednesday through to the weekend, stirring up a different flavour each night. On Wednesday, disco, house and electro help to get you over the mid-week hump, while on Thursday and Friday the tune is more deep and soulful for a smooth transition into the weekend, where Brazilian and international funk and house music turn the heat up until late.

The Food
The bar menu has a distinctive Asian flavour offering a range of Japanese, Indonesian and Thai-inspired sharing plates. Chicken, lamb and prawn satay skewers are the perfect nibble in between drinks and the prawn and vegetable tempura is perfectly light and satisfying for pre-dinner hunger pangs. The crab claws with sweet and sour chilli sauce are a house specialty – perfectly crispy with a coating of breadcrumbs.

For something more substantial, or if you’re dropping in for lunch, there are a variety of burgers, warm sandwiches and wraps to choose from. Prices are very reasonable, the Third Space Burger with Chips and Salad is £7, and the generous sharing plates start at £5.

The Drink
With a daily happy hour, this is the perfect destination to see in the end of the day. There is a good range of bottled and draught beer featuring more unusual players from Brazil and Portugal. Bottles and pints are £3. The wine menu is well stocked with well-known reds, whites and roses from new and old world producers. And if you’re in the mood for a celebration, there is an impressive list of bubbles to choose from – whatever your budget.

For an immediate thirst quencher, look no further than the cocktail list. The bramble, Mai Tai, bloody Mary, apple martini and bellini will catch the eye of traditionalists, while the long list of homemade creations will stand out for those feeling adventurous. The Pink Panther will leave you tickled with its exotic mix of rum, brandy, chambord and cranberry juice. The house favourite – the mojito, is served with lashings of fresh mint and lime, and those mixed with fizz, like the lavish hibiscus-champagne mix, go down smoothly after dark. Cocktails start at £6.50.

The Last Word
Third Space provides another dimension to drinking out in South London. The only one of its kind in Stockwell, the secret of this lounge-bar is spilling, but it may be worth keeping it under wraps for a little while longer, before the crowds from up the road catch on.

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