The Alexandra, Clapham Common, SW4

Tris C left this review about The Alexandra

Dating from 1863 and executed with striking Italianate panache mated to a French Empire-style roof, this was originally the Alexandra Hotel, to the designs of Edward L’Anson (former president of the RIBA) before conversion to a pub around 1876.
Aside from some vestigial etched glass, the interior has an intriguing woody theme, which certainly isn’t original, but probably dates back quite a few decades, with a wooden floor, then beams and some drinking areas delineated by balustrades; furniture is traditional yet mixed. Then there’s some bluish pastel hues along with a fair bit of bare brick, illumination from discrete downlighters; there’s fun to be had from the multitude of hanging knickknacks such as an antiquated wheelbarrow and cartwheels; also in abundance is a cornucopia of old enamelled tin company signs for the likes of Colman’s mustard; Rex’s ‘…Steptoe’s yard…’ sums it up well. Customers were young trendy types, with women imbibing from oversized chalices.
The cask choice warranted little inspection, with two unused clips then OSH, a half of Oil arriving in exchange for three-and-a-half of my finest English pounds.
This is quite a fun pub which greatly exceeded expectations, better than the Belle Vue and miles better than the miserable O’Neill’s across the road; a quality cask choice would get the score up, though apparently the place becomes more of a banging sports’ bar come the weekend.

On 22^nd March 2024 - rating: 6
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