A Clapham institution! Mosquito Bar is a bizarre combo of a neighbourhood restaurant with a late night club, and it’s always the last one standing out of the huge number of party spots on Clapham High Street every Friday and Saturday night.

The Venue
Mosquito Bar is really a very strange little spot. If you’ve ever been to the Clapham North end of Clapham High Street then chances are you’ll have strolled right past it without ever paying much attention to it, such is its tacky signage boldly declaring ‘Indian Flavours’, yellowy exterior colourscheme and windows you can’t peer through. And if you do go inside you’ll find it’s equally nondescript with a few simple chairs and tables, a lit-up bar (at night) when the club lights come into play, cream walls with a few pictures and photos and a mirror creating the illusion of more space than there really is – and yes, this is not a large venue by any stretch of the imagination. And don’t forget the stylish neon Red Bull sign, either. Not much to recommend, really.

The Atmosphere
Despite having everything going against it, Mosquito Bar actually has a very loyal following and is something of an institution. This is mainly because it’s open until 5am or 6am on a Friday and Saturday night and when you just don’t want the party to stop this is your only choice. And so it also attracts a lot of the local area’s bar and restaurant staff looking to let loose after closing on Clapham High Street. In the late evening it morphs from a restaurant into a club with pumping music, a tiny ‘dance floor’ and a slight meat-market vibe, although it’s all quite good natured. It really is a very strange place that has to be experienced to be believed.

The Music
Booty shaking tunes to get you on the dancefloor are played out from late until later – there’s no big name DJs or set events, just boogie time!

The Food
Mosquito Bar does a selection of Indian food that’s typically priced at £5-£10 for a main course curry. They also offer a takeaway service although with the mighty Maharani a short walk a way they can’t do great business. You know the drill: tandooris, kormas and tikkas all washed down with a beer. However, this place is far better known for its club nights than its grub.

The Drink
The drinks aren’t exactly inspiring at Mosquito Bar with bog-standard high street spirits and mixers alongside Becks, Cobra and Stella beers. Oh and don’t forget the wine - it's either red or white. That is all. However, at 4.30am on a Friday night when everywhere is closed and you can’t get a drink, then this will sound pretty tempting.

The Last Word
It may sound horrendous but you can’t help but secretly love Mosquito Bar. It’s a real guilty pleasure.

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