A grand tavern smack bang in the middle of Clapham, this half Irish, half Aussie pub is full of testosterone, sport and cheap beer. Alexandra is what drinking used to be and great fun, to boot.

The Venue
‘Once an Irish pub, now an Aussie one’ – whatever that means – Alexandra is full of Claphamites attracted by the reasonably priced drink, sport, rough around the edges boarding, and bric-a-brac. Large screens and projectors litter the pub downstairs, whilst upstairs, large windows pour light into a cavernous room stretching across the property. Conveniently situated almost on top of Clapham Common tube station, with efficient staff, good views over the high street, and an unwavering, but intangible Australian soul for high volume drinking, Alexandra is a lad’s pub.

The Atmosphere
The Alexandra is like a Wild West drinking house airlifted onto the trendy Clapham High Street, which is why it’s so popular. It combines its Irish and Australian heritage to give a unique experience in this part of London – perfect for sports. Everything from floor-to-ceiling is worn down timber, which gives a functional age and character to the place. The buzz on drinking in such a grand and unfamiliar scale is infectious and the staff and largely friendly spirit serve to keep the big crowds positive. The grand gothic windows add a sense of drama to the pub quizzes and major sporting events.

The Food
Very simple, pub grub is served most days, but the Sunday Roast is a particular favourite – beef, chicken and the works – although in all honesty unless you’re engrossed in a game, there are better places to eat in Clapham.

The Drink
All the lager a drinker could want is sloshing about in the cellars under this place, with some crisp and cold favourites to gleam among the few glasses of house white you might guiltily cling to. But a good selection of spirits and fruity ales makes up for wine that seems a little out of place.

The Last Word
If you ever wanted to know what drinking in the Wild West was like, without leaving the crowds and relative safety of lower Clapham High street, The Alexandra is the place to go. Gritty, chocked full of character, and a great place to watch big sporting events.

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