The Bread and Roses

Sunday afternoon is the time to go and hang out in this place – live Jazz (and other types of music) come you way – and all for free! It was a bit deserted when we were there, which seemed a pity. But it also means that if you’re looking for a seat in a pub in busy Clapham, then this place is worth checking out. It’s got a bit of an art centre foyer feeling (so you might love or hate that kind of thing). At the back a large separate room where football games are shown (not my cup of tea) but because of the split in areas you can take a mixed group of people here and they will all end up happy.

Oh dear. Couldn't disagree more with the other reviews.

The pub is truly awful. I wish it were not. I live locally and have frequented it (less and less over the years) often.

It is mostly empty. The atmosphere is so, so, so sad (because its empty). (Don't believe the photos on the pub's website ... haven't seen it that full in 5 years). The food is dire (bought in Tapas from up the street). The decor is tatty (it was great when done up around 10 years or so ago). Brown curtains for heaven's sake! The beer garden is nice, true.

But generally its all now so cheap and tawdry with dreadful attempts at trying to get punters in by putting up chalkboards in the street.

Worst, its now turning itself into a live music venue. True on those nights, it does get more than 5 people (and I include the staff)....

Its turned its back on the locals. The old codger-types tend not to go any more. The families (despite a very child friendly garden) avoid it and decamp to others (notably the Stonhouse).

Avoid at all costs (at least until they give it a radical re-think).

Cosy, warm, friendly what else...just all those nice things you want a pub to be

A lovely pub which is run by a trades union council and affiliated with the Worker’s Beer Company, which raises money for workers’ rights causes. So by drinking here you are supporting good causes, but it’s also really really nice. The only obvious indicators of its left-wing affiliation are a couple of murals. Open and bright interior with a big beer garden out back - looks like they are going to start BBQs soon. Also a good comedy night, and a wide variety of other nights going on (burlesque, wargaming) which I haven’t tried yet. I like how they stick tasting notes on the beer taps, so you can make an informed choice.

Great neighbourhood pub with non-annoying patrons, good food and nice outdoor spaces out the front and back.

There is a function room upstairs and you can book sections for parties/groups.

We went to a wedding here and it was fantastic, the staff were great and let the grooms run amok.

Fantastic pub, just off Clapham High Street, with a great range of beers, really inventive food, and a very relaxing ambiance.
They also have regular live music nights, screens for sports events (but only in one half - it’s easy to avoid if you want to), free wifi, and a really nice secluded garden. In short, and excellent pub!

Good pub for a Sunny Sunday, off Clapham high street. Good grub, reasonable drinks, secluded beer Garden. Kids allowed in until 9pm. Decent funtion room, friendly staff!
Good stuff.

"Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes; Hearts starve as well as bodies, give us bread but give us roses!"

This all sounds very romantic doesn't it?

At first glance, the Bread & Roses isn't quite as posh as this quote makes out. It looks a bit like a working mens club from the outside and there was a funny smell surrounding the building (it was either bad meat or good cheese). Anyway, I was very surprised to see what was behind the doors - nicely decorated, good music, chilled out vibe, no chavs. Heaven? Close, but not quite....

The Bread & Roses is one of Clapham's nicer pubs. It's away from the high street, it's quiet & peaceful. The food is nice. The garden outside is cool. It just seems to be missing a bit of atmosphere/character.