Take a walk on the wild side and experience the wonders of the concrete jungle at the Bison and Bird in South London.

The Venue
Bison and Bird is an eatery and late night destination in Clapham, exuding the rustic luxury you’d find in a safari lodge nestled on a South African game park. With wooden panelling, exposed brick, and cherry red leather covering the booths, barstools and high-backed drawing room chairs, this venue is cosy, quirky and comfortable. Dramatic antler chandeliers hang from the ceiling and cast a warm light over the open plan room, which glows red like a sunset over the Kalahari. With a focus on feel-good frivolity, the main bar is well stocked and runs the length of the cavernous room.

A second, smaller bar marks the end of the space, illuminated by the massive skylight so you don’t have to circumnavigate the room (which swells on a Friday and Saturday night) to get a drink.

The Atmosphere
Open from noon until late, Bison and Bird is the perfect destination for a night of dining, drinking and dancing, without having to face the herds of the West End. During daylight hours the atmosphere is extremely laid back and the bar is punctuated with groups of guys catching up over a Sunday Roast and Coronas and women stopping for a quick drink after a morning of shopping. However, when the sun goes down, the DJ takes over and brings up the intensity and the wild things come out to play.

It can get a little pushy on a Friday and Saturday night when the bar is at its busiest and thirsty revelers are trying to get through the crowds gathered at the front of bar. Widescreen TVs stud the room, making this the perfect place to kick back and watch the rugby or football. For big events, games are projected onto a large, pull-down screen at the back of the bar. If sport isn’t your thing, the room is big enough that the rabble from the TV doesn't reach you.

The Food
The Bison and Bird serves all day brunch, lunch, dinner and nibbles and is fast becoming known for its hearty Sunday Roast (with the option of beef, chicken or vegetarian). During the day, the open room is light and airy and you can lounge in the plush booths and watch the action on the high street, as you flick through the papers with your latte and eggs benedict or French toast with bacon and maple syrup.

There is a hearty lunch menu for carnivores and non-meat eaters, although if you're looking for a light lunch with friends there is a selection of warm and cold salads and sandwiches. For something more substantional try one of the Bison Burgers (traditional beef, elk and chilli jam, or lamb and tzatziki) or the roasted halloumi skewers served on a bed of rice flavoured with sweet chilli peppers. The menu also features a few staples such as fish and chips, sausage and mash and Caesar salad, and sharing platters for those who desire something to nibble on with their tipple.

The Drink
Much effort has gone into the cocktail menu, which combines the classics with some modern creations. You can choose from one of your old time favourites such as a mojito, Cosmopolitan or caipirinha, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, one of the bar’s unique blends. To help you decide what to drink, each cocktail comes with a drinker profile so if you’re feeling ‘vivacious, spicy and determined’ go for the Strawberry Mule, and if your mood is more ‘strong-minded, focused and to the point’, you could opt for the Bison Iced Tea. There is also a happy hour that offers great value thirst-quenchers, making this one of the most popular evening watering holes on the high street.

The Last Word
Perfect for party animals and Sunday sloths alike, Bison and Bird in Clapham is a great venue for a sweaty night out or to simply kick back for a long lunch in its roomy surrounds.

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