Firefly brings a buzz to Clapham

Clapham South has never quite had the buzz about it that you get at Clapham Common. It should have - there's money in this area, it's on the Tube line, there's the park and plenty of bars, but somehow it has never attracted the crowds.

But this could be about to change. A pair of burning beacons draws drinkers to Firefly, Clapham South's latest bar-come-brasserie.

So laid back it almost teeters on to the common itself, Firefly serves up lazy tunes, comfy sofas, and great views over the park - take a seat, grab a drink, and watch the sunset.

Inside, it's tropical and cosy - dark teak-effect furniture, brown leather sofas, light wooden tables, and exposed red brick walls. A wrought iron staircase leads to a similar room that can be hired out for functions.

A no-nonsense night out, the menu is essentially posh pub food and is big on taste - goats cheese and sundried tomato salad (£7.00), cajun chicken and coriander salsa baguette (£6.00), whole baked camembert (£8.50), chargrilled sausages and mash (£6.50) - plus several daily specials. I had the creamy asparagus risotto, my partner went for the cod marinated in mustard with fennel.

There's a good wine list - from the house white at £9.75, to a 1998 Bordeaux at £32.00. Champagne will set you back from £20 to £40.

In a city where al fresco bars are few and far between, Firefly is a godsend. It may be on the A24, but, set back from the road, its silver tables glint in the moonlight, and overhead heaters make the cool evenings bearable.

It's like having a picnic on the common only someone else clears up after you.

Firefly
69 Clapham Common Soutside, SW4 9DA