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An area’s coolness is usually inversely proportionate to the friendliness of its local bars and restaurants. Which means, the establishments of Clapham should really be greeting customers with a smack around the head and a kick in the small of the back, so hip is this neighbourhood. Not so with Circle Bar. Sandwiched between two tube stations on the Clapham Road, it’s an oasis of friendly chatter with a laid back antipodean charm.
Circle, much like the area its in, has had a bit of a makeover recently, and with a fresh lick of paint and some overstuffed sofas, comes a new restaurant, serving authentic Thai cuisine. My dining companion, having holidayed in Thailand earlier this year, was becoming mildly irritating en route with his stories of ‘amazing Pad Thai for a quid’ picked up from a Bangkok street cart.
The food at Circle, much to my relief, lived up to his naturalised expectations. It’s prepared by a Thai lady who knows her way around a prawn red curry, with flavours that were subtle yet exciting, and served with delicately steamed fragrant rice. The chicken Pad Thai was a simple, tasty noodle dish that didn’t fall victim to over seasoning, as is often the case, and comes highly recommended from my Bangkok food-cart-loving companion. Not so outstanding were the Thai fishcakes, which were soggy, small and very disappointing. One small glitch in an otherwise pleasant dining experience.
This being a proper bar, there is also a decent wine menu as well as a wide selection of draft and bottled beer. We shared a very respectable Italian Pinot Grigot (at £16.50), which held its own against more expensive whites. Clearly, some considerable effort has been put into devising the drinks menu, and a wide selection of cocktails is sure to appeal to anyone who wants to pretend they’re in Manhattan rather than down the road from Stockwell.
Circle, fresh from its overhaul, boasts a late licence until 3am at the weekends, a function room and an impressive beer garden. The clientele is a mixture of locals, students and people popping in after work for a bite and a drink, making for a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
The Thursday night pub quiz (from 8pm) is also a big draw. Expect to pay around £20-£30 per head for two courses and drinks, which admittedly won’t appeal much to local students but is pretty reasonable nonetheless.
Circle is ideal for casual dining and fun, no fuss evenings. The lively, bouncy vibe and open plan means it’s probably not suitable if you want to propose over dinner, or conversely, find a quiet place to dump someone.
Reviewed by Melissa Davis
DESCRIPTION: Now open 'til 3am Friday & Saturday!
You'll find the recently revamped Circle Bar between Stockwell and Clapham North tube stations on Clapham Road. The new management have had an impact and you'll be greeted by friendly staff and presented with a wide choice of quality wines and beers, and a delicious Thai food menu.
The tempo during the week is relaxed and comfortable. At the weekend the Circle Bar comes to life with resident Dj's playing an eclectic mix of new and old on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They also show all the major sporting events on their 3 big screens.
The extensive garden can be booked all year round for your sole use accommodating anything up to 150 people. The outside speaker system is linked to the bar and Circle can provide a BBQ with a chef to cater for all occasions. (Updated 27/05/2010)
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- Additional Info: No additional info for this venue.
Circle Bar Address & Contact Details
- Address: 348 Clapham Road,
Clapham,
Clapham North,
London,
SW9 9AR
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Clapham North / Stockwell
- Website: http://www.circlebar.co.uk
Circle Bar Location Map & Nearby Venues
For nearby Fluid Style venues 'click and drag' on the map above. 'Zoom out' for more. For summary info 'click a pin'.
Venues just round the corner...
- 64th & Social (0.61 km) Bar, Restaurant
 
- The Loft (0.63 km) Bar, Restaurant, Club
- Aquum (0.63 km) Bar, Restaurant, Club
- Revolution (Clapham) (0.74 km) Bar
- SO.UK (0.87 km) Bar
Circle Bar Opening Hours
| Day |
Hours |
Day |
Hours |
| Monday |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
Tuesday |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
| Wednesday |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
Thursday |
12:00pm - 12:00am |
| Friday |
12:00pm - 3:00am |
Saturday |
12:00pm - 3:00am |
| Sunday |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
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Customer Reviews for Circle Bar
“Myself and a group of friends went to the Circle Bar last Saturday for a birthday celebration. We were extremely well looked after (as the Birthday Girl I was not without a drink the whole night thanks to the manager). Friendly staff, good music and just an all round great place, a really good laugh!
KT, Wandsworth”
Rating:
— Katie, Leeds
(19 Apr 2010)
“Have just started to use this place over the last month or so, been passed it many times, but just never went in.
My friends and me really like the laid back atmosphere, we don't feel uneasy at all.
The thai food is out of this world, it really tastes great, I just love the pad thai.
Lovely beer garden, if it's gets to busy in the bar.
I would really recommend this pub.
Gill.”
Rating:
— Gill, london
(18 Apr 2010)
“I have just come back from the Circle Bar, my friends and I use this as our local. We ordered the Thai food as normal, I'm sorry to say that we didn't enjoy it at all, it tasted totally different, I hope the cooks get it right next time, or it won't be our local for much longer.”
Rating:
— Mike, London
(23 Apr 2009)
“Great bar!
I went there last Saturday for a Birthday party and the place was bouncing, the staff were great and the food awesome.
We stayed there until 3am, the manager was really good and kept making sure we were OK and even gave out some free shots.
I will be having my Birthday party there in a couple of months.
Keep up the good work.
Mark”
Rating:
— Mark, Clapham
(03 Mar 2009)
“We made our way to the Circle bar yesterday for a collegues birthday party in the afternoon for lunch. The bar area was clean and tidy, and the staff were quite helpful, the T.V. was on, but not too loud so we could hear ourselves talk. We were a group of 15, and had heard about the Thai food served here. What an exceptional surprise we had, the food was out of this world. We all had a main course, and to serve this many people the chef was was working like a tornado in the kitchen. The food was beautiful and tasted delicious, I have eaten in very upmarket restaurants serving Thai cuisine, and this is as good or even better. We would highly recommend this bar.
Mary.”
Rating:
— Mike, London
(28 Feb 2009)
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