Circle Bar London Review
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An area’s coolness is usually inversely proportionate to the friendliness of its local bars and restaurants. Which means, the establishments of Clapham should really be greeting customers with a smack around the head and a kick in the small of the back, so hip is this neighbourhood. Not so with Circle Bar. Sandwiched between two tube stations on the Clapham Road, it’s an oasis of friendly chatter with a laid back antipodean charm.
Circle, much like the area its in, has had a bit of a makeover recently, and with a fresh lick of paint and some overstuffed sofas, comes a new restaurant, serving authentic Thai cuisine. My dining companion, having holidayed in Thailand earlier this year, was becoming mildly irritating en route with his stories of ‘amazing Pad Thai for a quid’ picked up from a Bangkok street cart.
The food at Circle, much to my relief, lived up to his naturalised expectations. It’s prepared by a Thai lady who knows her way around a prawn red curry, with flavours that were subtle yet exciting, and served with delicately steamed fragrant rice. The chicken Pad Thai was a simple, tasty noodle dish that didn’t fall victim to over seasoning, as is often the case, and comes highly recommended from my Bangkok food-cart-loving companion. Not so outstanding were the Thai fishcakes, which were soggy, small and very disappointing. One small glitch in an otherwise pleasant dining experience.
This being a proper bar, there is also a decent wine menu as well as a wide selection of draft and bottled beer. We shared a very respectable Italian Pinot Grigot (at £16.50), which held its own against more expensive whites. Clearly, some considerable effort has been put into devising the drinks menu, and a wide selection of cocktails is sure to appeal to anyone who wants to pretend they’re in Manhattan rather than down the road from Stockwell.
Circle, fresh from its overhaul, boasts a late licence until 3am at the weekends, a function room and an impressive beer garden. The clientele is a mixture of locals, students and people popping in after work for a bite and a drink, making for a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
The Thursday night pub quiz (from 8pm) is also a big draw. Expect to pay around £20-£30 per head for two courses and drinks, which admittedly won’t appeal much to local students but is pretty reasonable nonetheless.
Circle is ideal for casual dining and fun, no fuss evenings. The lively, bouncy vibe and open plan means it’s probably not suitable if you want to propose over dinner, or conversely, find a quiet place to dump someone.
Melissa Davis (27 05 2010)
Circle Bar London Description
Now open 'til 3am Friday & Saturday!
You'll find the recently revamped Circle Bar between Stockwell and Clapham North tube stations on Clapham Road. The new management have had an impact and you'll be greeted by friendly staff and presented with a wide choice of quality wines and beers, and a delicious Thai food menu.
The tempo during the week is relaxed and comfortable. At the weekend the Circle Bar comes to life with resident Dj's playing an eclectic mix of new and old on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They also show all the major sporting events on their 3 big screens.
The extensive garden can be booked all year round for your sole use accommodating anything up to 150 people. The outside speaker system is linked to the bar and Circle can provide a BBQ with a chef to cater for all occasions.
Customer Reviews for Circle Bar
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Circle Bar.
“Myself and a group of friends went to the Circle Bar last Saturday for a birthday celebration. We were extremely well looked after (as the Birthday Girl I was not without a drink the whole night thanks to the manager). Friendly staff, good music and just an all round great place, a really good laugh!
KT, Wandsworth”
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Katie, Leeds (4 months 12 days ago)
“Have just started to use this place over the last month or so, been passed it many times, but just never went in.
My friends and me really like the laid back atmosphere, we don't feel uneasy at all.
The thai food is out of this world, it really tastes great, I just love the pad thai.
Lovely beer garden, if it's gets to busy in the bar.
I would really recommend this pub.
Gill.”
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Gill, london (4 months 13 days ago)
“Totally agree about this place, it started to turn the corner a few months ago, but seems to have stopped now. But not impressed with the standard of the food latley, could do a lot better.”
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George, Clapham (1 years 4 months ago)
“I have just come back from the Circle Bar, my friends and I use this as our local. We ordered the Thai food as normal, I'm sorry to say that we didn't enjoy it at all, it tasted totally different, I hope the cooks get it right next time, or it won't be our local for much longer.”
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Mike, London (1 years 4 months 8 days ago)
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“Great bar!
I went there last Saturday for a Birthday party and the place was bouncing, the staff were great and the food awesome.
We stayed there until 3am, the manager was really good and kept making sure we were OK and even gave out some free shots.
I will be having my Birthday party there in a couple of months.
Keep up the good work.
Mark”
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Mark, Clapham (1 years 5 months 29 days ago)
“We made our way to the Circle bar yesterday for a collegues birthday party in the afternoon for lunch. The bar area was clean and tidy, and the staff were quite helpful, the T.V. was on, but not too loud so we could hear ourselves talk. We were a group of 15, and had heard about the Thai food served here. What an exceptional surprise we had, the food was out of this world. We all had a main course, and to serve this many people the chef was was working like a tornado in the kitchen. The food was beautiful and tasted delicious, I have eaten in very upmarket restaurants serving Thai cuisine, and this is as good or even better. We would highly recommend this bar.
Mary.”
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Mike, London (1 years 6 months 1 days ago)
“This is a fantastic bar which has really come on in the last 12 months. We used to go here a few years ago but the place went down hill. Looks like a new management team have turned it round because we've been to 2 great weekend nights here. One where they played some wicked funky house on a sat, my mate had reserved the sofa area, and the second when we dropped in for drinks on a friday to find a wicked band called the rum honey banging out some awesome covers.
Give it a go - a lot more chilled than the high street and a bouncing atmosphere at weekends.”
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steveintheplace, London (1 years 6 months 4 days ago)
“My friends 27th party here in August! They let us reserve the sofa area aand some tables in the garden which we were allowed to decorate before she arrived! The atmosphere in here was so friendly and lively, the staff were always having fun with us and they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome (unlike most bars on the high street that i wont mention - ok i will, The Clapham North!). I had never been in here before my friend booked it but ill be certain to go along again as the DJ was awesome and we really let our hair down. Also, to say we were a large group of girls and the football had been shown on the big screen before hand we didnt get any hassle from rowdy lads and every one we spoke to was just out to have fun and banter....which again made a refreshing change to infernos and the likes!”
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Ella Burns, london (2 years 20 days ago)
“Recently went their for my friend's engagement party and the staff worked their behinds off for us! Great night. I believe they've recently had a refurb and new management there so its obviously doing the trick! Off the beaten track GEM!”
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Allan Tinkler, wales (2 years 22 days ago)
“Just had to write a quick note about our recent visit to the Circle Bar. It really needs updating, but the best part is the Thai food, this is the real thing. The kitchen staff are all Thai, and very polite, more than can be said for the bar staff. We will go back there again, only for the food. Maureen.”
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Maureen, London (2 years 6 months 25 days ago)
“Hi, I went to the Circle Bar on Thursday night, after work with a bunch of friends. They now have Thai food being served in the bar, cooked by a Thai chef. The food is excellent and very well priced, we are going back again, very soon.”
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Mike, Balham (3 years 21 days ago)
“Went to the Circle Bar last week for my best friends birthday in the Garden.... it was absolutely fantastic... the staff were very helpful and didn't have attitude as you normally receive in Clapham bars!... highly recommended!”
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ricardo, clapham (3 years 28 days ago)
“Lively bar which is full of characters, excellent drinks and a range of DJs and music. With a garden tucked away out the back and two large screens it is a top venue for BBQs and sporting events. One unique feature is the Bermuda Triangle doors which seem to disappear when you arrive ensuring you’re there for an excellent night!”
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Robbie T, London (4 years 2 months 24 days ago)
“Fun and funky bar, the bbq's in summer are great and the DJ's pretty cool as well. Staff make everyone welcome any day of the week”
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Damon, London (5 years 3 months ago)
“Excellent bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a nice beer garden in the summer. Good menu, especially the roast chicken on a Sunday which I'm convinced you'll struggle to beat anywhere. Big fan of the bar staff too! ”
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Noo, London (5 years 7 months 26 days ago)
“We came here on a friday night, 10pm, and it was dead. Looks like everyone was down the other end of the high street!”
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SAM-JEN(tm), [ Unknown ] (6 years 23 days ago)
“Went here on Sunday over the bank holiday- had barbecue in back garden, excellent djs and friendly atmosphere. Recommended.”
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iskram, London (6 years 1 days ago)
“Circle bar is a great place to met with friends and chill out. Its located in an area that is slightly secluded from the hussle and bussle of Clapham high street, and has an excellent garden which is hidden away from the road. Additionally it has two large screens which provides great coverage for sporting events in a chilled out enviroment and attracts a good crowd of people.”
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Yemi, [ Unknown ] (6 years 1 months 3 days ago)
“This is a great pub/bar with a friendly atmosphere. There is a lovely beer garden which will be great over the summer. They have some good DJ's in most weeks with a good party vibe. The food is a cut above normal pub grub making it a good venue for a chilled out Sunday afternoon.”
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Jordan Hallows, [ Unknown ] (6 years 4 months 24 days ago)
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Circle Bar Opening Hours
| Monday: |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
Friday: |
12:00pm - 3:00am |
| Tuesday: |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
Saturday: |
12:00pm - 3:00am |
| Wednesday: |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
Sunday: |
12:00pm - 11:00pm |
| Thursday: |
12:00pm - 12:00am |
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Additional Information
Map & Nearby Venues