The Style Traveller Guide to Clapham
The Style Traveller Guide to Clapham
Sponsored post in association with American Express®
I live in Clapham, South West London, it’s only 20 minutes out of central London, but has a real village vibe about it. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and I love it. I’ve found all the hidden gem destinations in the area, where to get a cocktail and mani both at the same time, where to buy the perfect outfit, the best healthy, deli, lunch spot and the ideal xmas experience of icing your own cookies at the Biscuiteers workshop.
I’ve teamed up with American Express, the founders of the ‘Small Business Saturday’ initiative, to take you on a tour of ‘My Clapham’. Small Business Saturday takes place every year in the build up to Christmas, this year it falls on Saturday 2nd December. The idea behind the day is to encourage everyday shoppers like you and me to support our local small businesses.
Living in between the quaint Clapham Old Town area and the bustling, quirky shops of Northcote Road, this is my guide to the small shops, boutiques and cafes in this colourful and vibrant part of London.
So to help inspire you to explore your local area, here’s one of my favourite routes around ‘my Clapham’ which I love to take on my days off. I’d love to hear about your local area too? Leave me a comment below.
Keep scrolling to see The Style Traveller ‘shop small’ guide to Clapham….
Clapham is filled with hidden gem destinations and shops. Biscuiteers tops my list. With a beautiful tromp l’oeil facade and vintage striped awning, once inside the shop the magic continues.
The pastry chefs create batches of freshly made cookies and short bread. Pull up a seat with the ‘icers’ and ice your own biscuits to take home with you. It’s such a treat, the shop smells delicious and the homely ambience in the store reminds me of making cakes with my mum as a child. I thoroughly recommend it.
Clapham’s Northcote Road plays host to an array of exciting clothing and accessory boutiques. One of my favourites is Iris, it stocks a well edited range of designers from Isabel Marant to APC and many other quirky, cool labels.
As well loving the clothes myself it’s a wonderful place to find a gift for any occaision. I like to pop in for help with my Christmas shopping.
Between The Lines
Once you’ve bought your gifts and Christmas presents head to Between The lines, because no matter what you’re looking to wrap or what occasion you need a card for, you’ll definietly find it in the eclectic ranges here.
Walk through Clapham Common
One of the main reasons I moved to Clapham originally was because I remember being invited to a friends birthday picnic in the park. I recall thinking at the time, I’d love to live here. And now ten years on I’m so happy here and love going for a run every morning and enjoying the stroll over to Clapham Old Town on the weekends.
I love to visit old book shops and rifle through the travel and fashion sections for inspiration. It’s such a chilled out way to spend the afternoon and Clapham Books is the ideal location for a lazy Sunday afternoon read.
Next stop on the clapham route is picking up a beautiful bouquet at Birksen. I tend to opt for fresh tones and fragrant florals to give my living room a summery feel. Just being inside the florist, filled with colour, a veritable spectrum of flora and foliage, is a wonderful experience. There are gorgeous pots, vases and earthenware in which to display your newly bought flowers too.
Clapham has no shortage of great places to eat but one of my favourites is Esca. The trendy brick exposed and natural wood interiors are filled with shelves of delicious homemade quiches, cakes and delicacies.
I go for lunch and try out what’s cooking in the giant paella style pans, then mix that with an array of their rainbow coloured salads.
For a fabulous way to end the day nip to London Grace for a mani, pedi and cocktail, they have great coffee and juices too! It’s such a fun place for a weekly pampering session. Opt for a berry juice and a purple polish in the morning or a Cosmo and a cerise party pedi before hitting Clapham for a girls night out.
Mine’s a lychee martini and bubblegum blue mani today!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of my favourite small shops in Clapham. If this has inspired you, visit amexshopsmall.co.uk to find out where you can support small businesses in your area throughout the year and get some further ideas for your Christmas shopping.
What’s more, if you’re an American Express Cardmember you will be rewarded for supporting your local high street with the Shop Small offer. When you spend £10 or more in a single transaction using your American Express Card at a participating small business during the campaign period (2-17 December 2017) you will receive a £5 statement credit. There is no limit to the number of participating businesses you can receive your £5 statement credit from – however, you can only claim it once at each small business. Terms apply.
But the Shop Small offer is just one way that American Express can make every day more rewarding. The range of Cards from American Express is packed with ways to reward you for your purchases*; from Membership Rewards® points that can be used to treat yourself to virtually anything (and that never expire) to discounts at top restaurants and hotels, money back on everyday purchases, or collecting frequent flyer miles* – check out the American Express website for more information.
*Selected Cards only. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
I love all the places that you visited! Would love to experience all these myself! :)
What a fun posted! I felt like I spent the day with you. Chapman Old Town looks like it is a great place to wander around in and spend the day, with the many stores available, it’s got everything I need.
it’s very lovely
Love the look of these small shops! Seems like there’s a lot of interesting things to do in Clapham – perhaps we will plan a trip there in the future. :)
Clapham seems like a gorgeous place to visit. I love the quaint little shops. I think this would totally be a great place to travel to!
it really is x
I am totally going to have to add this to my list of “must visit” locations. I love the look of the little shops. Totally cute and right up my alley!
yes do visit it’s lovely
I SO love your laid back look! Perfect for walking around the city when you’re traveling. That leather jacket is a lovey addition to the outfit.
Wow.. what a nice article! You look so beautiful and happy. It sounds fun!
degusstace.com
thanks so much
Great post – love the idea of having your nails done and sipping a fancy cocktail at the same time! The icing your biscuits / shortbread idea looks yummy and fun too. Have never visited Clapham but you sold it well!
Glad you enjoyed it x
you look fabulous! I’m in love with your jacket!
This seems like an amazing day! I love your jacket! So cute.
thanks so much x
These small shops and boutiques look beautiful. Love this idea of encouraging shoppers to explore and support small businesses!
I love the photography and your outfit!! Clapham seems like a fun place to spend some time exploring. Maybe I’ll find myself on a trip there someday!
I hope you do x
Supporting small business is essential to your local company and i strong believe in it. As a business business owner, I love the idea Small Business Sarturday.
I agree too x
Why is everywhere in Clapham so bloody instagrammable!? I can’t say I’ve been before but I’m definitely sold on going. Esca definitely sounds like my cup of tea. Had no idea small business Saturday was a thing but I fully support it and love the fact you’re shouting about all these brilliant independents. :)
Oh wow Clapham really is the place to be isn’t it? Ive never been and yet I’d have field day taking photos!! I love all of those flowers, so pretty!
Yes to the Supporting Small Business Saturday! What a fun day! I love the place Biscuiteers would love to visit! All those tummies can’t resist!
Loved this place so much, it has quite ample things to do in itself. I would definitely love to have a walk around this place and try out Biscuiteers, it looked fab.
Love your outfit! I would love to visit a place like this! I hope one day I can take my family here!
I love your outfit. Perfect for strolling around the city’s small businesses. Thank you for letting me know about American Express’ rewards program. That’s awesome.
Ok this sounds like my kind of destination. I’m all about the hidden gems, and ummmmm martinis and a manicure? YES PLEASE!!!!
What a great guide to ‘your Clapham’. London Grace looks like a place to really relax in. Btw, I love your jumpsuit
I love your outfit, especially the bag. Very stylish. Great guide here. Bookmarked for future reference.
oh yes please do x
Wow! This Clapham looks a wonderful place to visit. Looks like a perfect place to relax with your family.
I love Clapham. It looks like a village but with all modern amenities. Fantastic place to explore. You are more beautiful and stylish in black & white.
All the best.
oh how lovely thank you x
I love this post, A because this my hometown too, I thought I saw you whilst on preschool run a few times, plus I shop at all these places. Iris has to be one of my fave stores, along with Brissi and Gails on NCR. Between NCR and the Old Town so much shops and restaurants on offer.
Hi I totally agree, please say hi next time you see me xx
Looks like you had such a fun day out there. I really do love the old towns and the old shops there. I know I would have had fun.
my husband works near Clapham and he loves all the eateries nearby! Some fantastic, scenic photos!
You live in such a beautiful place, I fell in love with your photographs! I particularly loved the flower shops and if ever I drop by that side of the planet (am from India), I am sure to explore Clapham like a local! ;)
Thanks for sharing.
Do drop by my blog as well : http://styleovercoffee.com :)
I’m such a book nerd – Clapham Books looks like my idea of heaven. And the flower shop looks beautiful!
What a refreshing post. I absolutely love all the business es you showcased. As an owner of a small business in my town, I’m quite impressed by this. Lovely photos too.
I;m so pleased you approve!
I have quite a few friends in Clapham and I agree that it does have a real village feel despite being so close to London. I love the flower shops too but what is great about the area is the quaint restaurants that are quiet and tranquil unlike what you would find in central London x
Looks like you had a lovely day out & your photos are amazing. It’s somewhere I’ve never visited. I must! x
yes it’s fab thank you
Chapman old town looks like so much fun ❤ love the post ferling .. is like i spent the day with you. You look dashing btw
hehe thank you x
Such a fun day! I love all the little shops you went to! It makes me want to jump on a plane and come for a day (or week, lol).
lol you must!
I really enjoyed reading your personal favorites from your town. I haven’t been there but it really seems lovely.
I’ve been to a few places in Clapham such as Clapham Grand and a bar for an escape room but it seems like a lovely place x
All the places look amazing! I could spend forever around there. Visiting London is on my bucket list.
London is so inspiring you so should visit
Clapham looks like a super cute place to visit!! Love your outfit too!
I have never been to Chapman ever, looking like a great place to walk. I like the photos at the florist and your restaurant. I will save it to my list.
Its lovely you totally should
I love your photos! I think they’re great. You have a very nice outfit. The flowers are so beautiful I always love flowers I actually have them around the house. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you like it x
Clapham sounds like such a charming town. A place my husband and I would absolutely love spending a few days in. If we’re ever lucky enough to go, I know we’d love to eat big salads at Esca (for him) and buy a million pretty flowers (for her). x
It seems a great place to visit with plenty of stores to shop out. You look so happy and beautiful in this cute outfit. Your pictures are so gorgeous. really loved the post!!
What a lovely comment thank you so much x
Love your outfit it’s so cute! Gorgeous pictures too!!
thanks so much xx
I’m not really fond of shopping, but I’d love to visit Esca, Biscuiteers, and the bookstore. My idea of a leisurely afternoon is a long coffee break in a quiet spot.
Oh Esca and the Biscuiteers are lovely!
Aw you’ve got really lovely pictures :) I live in Clapham and I never knew there was a Biscuiteers shop, I’m so going there tomorrow!
your info is quite helpful to forever,Keep it up and thanks to the writer.Amazing write-up,Great article. Thanks!
https://www.lukhidiamond.com/LOOSE-DIAMONDS
Apart from Biscuiteers, I had no idea there were so many independent boutiques and shops in Clapham. And I’ve only heard of Biscuiteers because of my friends had a get-together there haha! x