This site hasn’t had much luck in the past but in its latest incarnation as Lithium bar they have ensured that as many people as possible will flock to them – from sports lovers to clubbers.

The Venue
Make no mistake, Lithium isn’t going to win any awards for style – it’s gone for a ‘funky bar by numbers’ look that has been done to death in the capital. Still, it fits what they’re trying to do – and that’s appeal to a neighbourhood crowd who don’t want to have to trek into central London to get their party fix. And so the neutral colourscheme, black leather seating, brightly lit bar, egg-style chairs around dark wooden tables and, of course, sofa-style seating is abundant. However, they do up the ante somewhat with large screen TVs in easy-to-view spots and a PS3 – that’s right, home from home indeed!

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Lithium varies dramatically depending on what night you go and this is why it’s clear that this is a bar that might just go on to succeed. They show big sporting events on the big screens in a nicer environment than the local boozer, they host computer game nights and tournaments, and then come the weekend they crank things up a notch with club events. It’s a savvy move as many Londoners wouldn’t make the effort to travel to this neck of the woods given that there’s no – shock horror – Tube station within easy reach of the bar, so the locals have to be kept entertained and be given a reason to keep coming back for more. So it’s no surprise that the crowd is mainly home grown with a few extras swinging by at the weekends when Clapham Junction and the surrounding area fills with party types. Although it can certainly compete with the rest in the immediate area, in terms of the rest of London it’s small fry.

The Music
The music may offend the ears of ‘proper’ clubbers but the happy mix of pop and dance tunes is designed to get your toe tapping and is likely to appeal to the majority of people out partying at the weekend. It gets bums off seats and on the dancefloor at least, and that’s all they can ask for. Job done.

The Drink
The cocktails at Lithium are actually surprisingly good given that it’s not a haven of mixology with low prices and good happy hour deals and drinks offers (such as 2-4-1 nights and similar). Most of the cocktails come in at just £6.50, which is highly competitive, and they include all the classics. Although the Lithium Blue (vodka, blue curacao and sugar) basically looks like an alcopop in a glass, they do mix a mean French Martini with a surprisingly impressive kick of alcohol. And if you prefer something a little girlier then their Pina Colada is suitably creamy and sweet.

The Last Word
Lithium is a good example of a neighbourhood bar that’s making an effort, even if it doesn’t quite live up to London’s city-wide high standards. For locals, it’s a welcome respite from having to get the Tube to go out for the night.

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