Located slightly off the beaten track, away from the throngs of Clapham High Street, Bread and Roses is a real find.

The Venue
Bread and Roses is located on a quiet residential road and is certainly an attractive proposition, resplendent as it is with a large front patio complete with outdoor seating, pretty foliage, overhead canopies and heaters. Inside, there’s an almost student union feel to the place with a corner bar covered in funky posters and simple tables and chairs. There’s a small, kitsch stage area for bands and a garden. Fairy lights and in-your-face artwork all add to the appeal and it looks like everything just fell into place rather than a direct attempt to produce something ‘cool’. That said, there is a function room with its own bar upstairs that can be dressed up to appear more formal.

The Atmosphere
Bread and Roses has a real community feel to it, mainly due to the fact that it’s run by Battersea and Wandsworth Trades Union council, a body made up of a group of volunteers who support local and international workers rights campaigns. They’re also involved with the Workers Beer Company, which raises funds for trade unions and campaigning organisations. Still, you wouldn’t know that if you were just popping in for a pint. The atmosphere is laid back and the staff are friendly and welcoming to all, even though they have a large contingent of local regulars. They also offer a steady stream of events from barbecues, quiz nights and flamenco to DJs, bands and live sports on the big screens. It all adds to the pub’s appeal and charm.

The Food
Bread and Roses works with local restaurant El Rincon Latino to offer a small choice of tapas dishes, priced from £2.50 to £5.75. It’s a clever way of raising the standards on the typical pub fare as El Rincon Latino is a respected local eatery.

The Drink
Bread and Roses excels with its selection of beer, offering Stiegl, Budvar, Erdinger, Becks Vier, Maredsous, Guinness and Doom Bar, well priced from £2.95-£3.60 a pint. This is bolstered by an equally strong bottled beer selection. If beer isn’t your thing there are a handful of classic cocktails priced at £5.50-£6 with choices like a White Russian or Tequila Sunrise. There’s also a good range of wine, with white, red, sparkling and rose bottles all on offer for £13-£27 a bottle, and the vast majority coming in at well under £20.

The Last Word
Bread and Roses delivers across the board and does so with a kitsch style that’s all it’s own. A great place to call your local.

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