78 Venn Street,
Clapham,
London,
SW4 0BD
(020) 7738 8645
The ViewLondon Review
It’s not often that you find a genuinely cool venue off Clapham High Street. Venn Street Records changes things: it’s retro without the cheese.
The Venue
Whilst Clapham suffers every weekend with an influx of partygoers heading to its Leicester Square-style selection of cheap bars, a few spots have managed to keep their cool. Venn Street Records can be included in that exclusive list. Located on one of the cooler streets in Clapham, off the main high street, the first glimpse that this is something different comes from the bright red neon sign, which looks like something out of a rebellious ‘50s movie. Inside, Andy Warhol-inspired artwork sits alongside music memorabilia including the Top 40 UK records from days gone by (when Cliff Richard’s Summer Holidays took the top spot). It’s a theme that goes well with their rock ‘n’ roll charm but sits on the right side of being cliched. A stage area is really the focus of the space and promises a lot of live music events – something Clapham is crying out for.
The Atmosphere
This bar is effortlessly cool and attracts a young mix of Claphamites not interested in the cheesy mix of party bars that dominate the area. The staff are incredibly friendly and you can tell they really care about this bar and what it stands for. There’s a real sense of it being a neighbourhood spot, which is a welcome change from the cold emptiness of the neighbouring chain bars. They also offer a great choice of entertainment and incentives to keep people coming back, from their live music events to a variety of happy hours and drink offers. As a new bar trying to make a name for itself their use of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook is to be applauded as they spread the word organically about themselves. So far, the interest is high.
The Drink
Venn Street Records promises to be ‘purveyors of a simple collection of beverages and libations that have shaped the rock n roll world for decades’ and they do deliver on that. The cocktails are well priced for the area at £5-£7 with some great happy hour deals and a list of the classics, including many that are dying out like a Pina Colada and Sex on the Beach. A stand-out option is the Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, which comprises of vanilla-infused Eristoff vodka and fresh cream ‘shaken hard’ with butterscotch schnapps, honey and flamed cinnamon. It’s a decadent, creamy and sweet drink that’s wonderfully girly without being too sickly. You’ll be drunk on these before you realise you’re drinking alcohol. Dangerous! Alternatively, there’s a selection of beer that includes Asahi, Sol, Chang, Estaminet and the rare 77 Lager, which is made without any additives or preservatives and doesn’t taste bad as a result.
The Last Word
The site this bar sits on has changed a few times in its history. Here’s hoping that Venn Street Records sticks around. Can it be the bar to shake up Clapham’s tacky bar scene? All the signs are extremely positive so far.
Venn Street Records has been reviewed by 11 users