87 Rectory Grove,
Clapham,
London,
SW4 0DR
0872 148 2819
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The Calf
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Oh dear...this used to be a decent pub with decent enough pub grub. Very very poor Sunday roast. Pub was near empty, roast was dismal given the price and there's much much better fayre to be had in the many pubs nearby (which were all very busy). One bartender on shift who had no idea how to pull a pint - not his fault as he should have been told what to do. There's a sign up saying it's under new management - clearly the new team need to go visit the other pubs, bars and eateries in the area to get a sense of what's needed. Seriously poor - so bad in fact we came home and cooked our own roast. This place could (and should) be a busy, well staffed pub with good food - as are most of the other pubs around the Old Town, Common and High Street. Avoid.....
I'm glad other people here are in agreement over the rude staff. I don't think I have ever taken a pint back in my life, but ordered one from here which tasted very off so decided to do so. When I took it back to the barmaid she said it "looked" fine to her before taking it outside to the manager who was smoking, who then drank some of it and said it was fine. Hardly a customer is always right sort of establishment. It's fair to say I have never been back.
I wouldn't recommend The Calf. The staff are very rude and we had to wait 55 minutes for our microwaved food!
I went to the Calf last night with my boyfriend for dinner having spent a sunday afternoon drinking in there before. The place was about half full, and most of those in there didn't appear to be eating. We ordered food from a very grumpy barman who informed us that our pies would be about 30 mins. 50 minutes later we had to ask where they were. There was a lot of rushing about and microwave action going on in the kitchen and then suddenly our food appeared! It wasn't great. I'm sure you can imagine what microwaved pie and mash tastes like! We complained but the response was that the chef is normally very quick, not that we'll be going back to find out!
I have visited the Calf on a number of occasions with my girlfriend during the last few months usually on a Friday. There are some great beers on tap such as Leffe, also a good selection of wines. The atmosphere is genteel bohemian. The staff are friendly and efficient. Later in the evening some vinyl is usually spun-last time it was relaxed house. The Tapas is great if you're feeling peckish.Geoff01
I was hugely disappointed after arranging to meet 9 friends at The Calf for Sunday lunch. Though there was a wide selection of beers and wine, when it came to the food, 5 of our 9 meals were cold, and when we returned the meals, we were greeted with hostility. The meals were brought back STILL cold, and no apologies...plus the majority of the staff are grumpy and arrogant! The Calf management were not interested in our constructive criticism either!
I booked a get-together at The Calf for my friends and was pleasantly surprised. I have known The Calf for a few years and stopped going a while ago, but I think it has certainly changed and will be going back for food (which was great, despite a 40 minute wait) and drinks.
I would recommend The Calf to anybody passing who wants a cosy, relaxed but trendy atmosphere.
The calf has great wines, great food, friendly bar staff and a friendly chef. The furniture needs a good clean though, our hands stuck to the table. There are also dirty toilets.
The thing that really drags The Calf down in my opinion is the manageress who is rude and obnoxious.
We have been to The Calf on a few occasions now and I have to say that since the pub has undergone a change of management, you will find that The Calf is now on the up.
I disagree with the comments about the bar staff. They are hard working individuals who happen to enjoy the atmosphere they create behind the bar. I think they are good fun to watch, and you do get served even on a Saturday night when it is 5 people deep at the bar, and judging by the amount of people at The Calf it cant be that bad.
Food is very good although I agree that the portions need to be bigger, but hey, give them a chance to come good on that as well. It takes time to build a reputation back up!
If you’re in Clapham and want to eat, eat somewhere other than The Calf. In fact, drink somewhere else as well. I have lived in London for 6 years now and I would have to say, without a doubt The Calf is the worst pub in London in my opinion.
The staff were not only rude but plain incompetent - possibly due to the fact that they appeared to be pissed and under the illusion that they were charming.
The foodat The Calf? Well, I ordered a meat platter to share and after 45 minutes of waiting (2 reminders) I received 2 slices of processed chicken roll, ham roll, beefy-ish roll, a sliced baguette and a blob of the cheapest pâté the size of a football, all for 9 quid. Bargain! The local supermarket must be doing well out of these guys though. To reiterate, The Calf is the worst place to eat in London.
The Calf is much better than the cow? No seriously The Calf is good but they should change its name to moo cow.
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