1-3 Lillieshall Road,
Clapham,
London,
SW4 0LN
(020) 7738 8953
The ViewLondon Review
Sandwiched between Clapham Old Town and Wandsworth, this pub – formerly the Tim Bobbin – benefits from its location.
The Venue
Clapham has a lot of good pubs and most of the locals are loyal to their favourite. The Bobbin could easily have become lost were it closer to the main strip of Clapham High Street and the Common, however, tucked away as it is in a relatively quiet area, it stands out.
Following a refurbishment and name change, The Bobbin is an attractive proposition. The blue frontage is hard to miss and it certainly stands out on Lillieshall Road. A large building with a sign depicting a shadowed man (could this be the mysterious Tim?), the real attention grabber is a cute conservatory (also painted in the rather strange choice of blue). Pretty bordering on quaint, it’s a nice touch. Alfresco seating is provided courtesy of benches to the front and a garden out back, which is mainly the domain of smokers. Inside, you’ll find a warm space with plenty of wooden tables and chairs, a fireplace, attractive large windows that flood the room with light and TVs that screen sporting events. In all, it’s a pleasant, well put together pub that looks like it’s benefited from its recent sprucing up – although the pictures of cows on the walls are a little offbeat.
The Atmosphere
Certainly the domain of locals, you’ll get the usual mix of trendy and casual twenty-to-thirtysomething Claphamites drinking and eating here mainly in groups. The conservatory attracts diners looking to enjoy a meal in the pleasant surroundings and the al fresco options make it a popular spot in the summer. The staff are friendly and service is quick, although arguably they have an easier job of it compared to some of the busier pubs a short walk away by Clapham Common. The Bobbin is a pretty calm affair.
The Food
Some have said that The Bobbin has gastropub ambitions; however, they merely seem to be paying attention to the food rather than making it entirely central to what they do. It is certainly impressive that the menu changes so regularly - if you’re a regular you won’t get bored of the same old dishes. They boast that they only use seasonal ingredients (hence the non-static menu) and locally sourced organic food wherever possible. However, if you’re fed up of pub owners that have clearly been watching too much Gordon Ramsay then never fear. They do offer pub staples with a twist such as a meaty lamb burger comprising of a thick patty and generous helping of tart goat’s cheese with crisp chips. Steak or ribs are other possible selections on the menu. Best of all, unlike many gastropubs, you won’t be paying through the nose for dinner with many options priced in and around £10.
The Drink
A rather standard choice of lager is bolstered by a decent choice of real ale. Following on from their promise to use locally sourced ingredients, they offer locally brewed Wandle from nearby Battersea, which is nice to see. Otherwise, Harvey’s Best or a rotating option are on offer. Also good is their lengthy choice of wine with reds, whites and roses from various regions and grapes on offer. With the vast majority of these coming in at under £20 with a good choice by the glass, you can settle in for a meal here and not worry too much about what’s left in your wallet at the end of the night.
The Last Word
The Bobbin is a rather charming little pub and is ideal if you want to enjoy a night out in Clapham without being caught in a people-squeeze. Decent food and a good philosophy on supporting local businesses, it’s worth seeking out.
The Bobbin has been reviewed by 4 users