No 32 The Old Town, Clapham Common, SW4

It’s hard to believe that this was once a real pub called the Cock, dating back to at least the start of the 19th century, but I suspect rebuilt in the 1930s. As mentioned, there’s a prominent roof terrace but I suspect that the place, now more accurately described as a ‘…neighbourhood bar and restaurant…’ has had an even more savage makeover in very recent times, with nothing about it resembling a pub; indeed, I walked past without noticing it on my way to the Rose & Crown, Sun and Prince of Wales. The ultra-modern beige interior and pumpless, standing-only island bar didn’t appeal, so I didn’t linger.

Busy place, this one, full of the trendy types. Island bar, no hand pumps, just keg. Room at the back and upstairs. Not my sort of place.

No 32 the Old Town is a corner bar that has café seating under awnings along Wingate Square and the Pavement. Upon on approach it is evident that there is a large balcony full of seating at the front of the building on the first floor. At street level there is an island bar that is surrounded by seating to the rear, right and front. This area was busy with a twenty-something crowd who were tucking into wine and the premium keg range. The bar area is partitioned off from a rear dining area that sits adjacent to an open kitchen in the right rear of the building. A flight of stairs leads up to the toilets and another bar where access can be gained to the aforementioned balcony. I enjoyed the funky music and the service was polite, but I was looking for somewhere to watch the football so I didn’t stay long.

Official site of No 32 The Old Town - www.no32theoldtown.co.uk

Official site of No 32 The Old Town - www.no32theoldtown.co.uk