This reinvented pub (formerly the Frog and Forget Me Not) couldn’t have picked a better time to open. Boasting a spacious roof terrace with its own flat screen, and a further five screens inside, the only thing missing now is a successful England football team.

The Venue
The Frog is tucked away in the area known as Clapham Old Town, which is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Clapham High Street as it has more of a villagey feel and overlooks the common.

Despite the uninspiring exterior, inside the decor is a soothing mixture of grey and green with the odd flash from a glass chandelier or a velvet booth. But really the 200-capacity roof terrace is the thing, and if the shaded flat screen is showing your sport of choice (the venue’s six screens show a combination of sporting events and old Hollywood movies), you’re set for the duration.

The Atmosphere
As with most of the establishments in this part of London, The Frog tends to go from quiet and chilled to almost full to capacity when the clock strikes 8pm. That said, if you can arrive early, bag your table in the sun for a relaxing aperitif and move onto dinner before the crowds of fashionably dressed Claphamites descend. The pleasant staff have their work cut out as there is a good deal of going up and down stairs involved in the serving of food but apparently there are further plans for the dining area to be confined to upstairs only, which should help to minimise the exertion.

The Food
The menu here is still a work in progress and, as such, there is a substantial choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Starters range from £2.75-£8 with some light fare that would do just as nicely for lunch. The vegetable anti pasti served with a generous helping of flatbread (£6) is a tasty Italian offering on a predominantly British menu. For the best of British, the Cornish crab cakes (£6.50) and St Austell Bay mussels (£6/£9) should please fish lovers while the smoked chicken and asparagus salad (£7.50) are fresh, summery options.

Main courses give a nod to traditional English pub fare – a cottage pie (£8) is a welcome stomach filler, while the burger and chips are attractively presented but rather lacking in taste. The more figure-conscious are provided with lighter choices such as Caesar salad with bacon and anchovies (£7) and there are daily specials often featuring fresh fish.

There are some fruity numbers for dessert including rhubarb and almond cheesecake, blueberry Eton mess and the irresistible apple and raspberry jelly with ice-cream and shortbread. A chocolate torte with creme fraiche is also available. All puds are priced between £5 and £7.50. Alternatively, try the Baileys latte – it’s to die for.

The Drink
There is a comprehensive wine list with a good representation of European and central American wines. White wines range from £3.70 a glass and £14-£35 a bottle, while reds are from £3.80 a glass up to £40 a bottle. The Spanish Borsa rose is a very pleasant warm weather tipple and costs a reasonable £15 a bottle. Prosecco is available by the glass at £6 and £25 a bottle, and a bottle of Bollinger will set you back £60.

Bottled beers are fairly standard – Peroni, Tiger and Sol, while there is a more macho collection on tap in the shape of Becks Vier, Stella, Heineken and London Pride.

The Last Word
Once it has made more of a distinction between its drinking and dining areas, The Frog will have more to offer than most bars in the area and is sure to be a comfortable and stylish place to enjoy the view, the game and, one day, maybe even an England World Cup victory.

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