Take a stroll down Northcote Road

Northcote Road is a main street in South West London. It is a long road that starts near Clapham Junction station, full of coffee shops, restaurants and many other amenities.

The area is busy with children and young couples and is perfect for your little ones as it has many attractions to offer them (toy stores, clothes shops, etc.).

On a sunny summer day it is a perfect place to go for a walk and end your day in one of the parks nearby (Wandsworth, Clapham South or Clapham Common) for a nice picnic or just to enjoy reading a book under a tree.

Here are some of my personal recommendations in the area.

Pubs

The Northcote, 2 Northcote Road | Battersea, London SW11 1NT A double floor pub on the corner of Northcote Road, very popular among its residents for many reasons: its cozy interior, a good selection of wines and a menu full with typical English dishes etc. Just to list a few of its best features.

On the second floor you can find the privacy you are looking for so you can chat with your friends or enjoy a romantic dinner.

The Northcote has a weekly quiz night where fun and games are assured and in the summer it is a popular place to watch Wimbledon matches.

Northcote Records, 10 Northcote Road, London SW11 1NT More vibrant and dynamic than The Northcote, as its music is constantly changing from the 80’s hits to more indie, pop and rock hits from recent years. Be sure to  arrive early and not miss your spot, especially on weekend nights.

One of the reasons for its well deserved popularity are its live concerts, where you can spot new talents who will play on stage while you enjoy some of their delicious pizzas or amazing cocktails.

If you are looking for a place to dance until your feet tell you to stop, Northcote Records is definitely not going to disappoint you.

The Eagle, 104 Chatham Rd, London SW11 6HG A bit hidden on one of the roads parallel to Northcote Road (Chatman Road) but it is a great traditional British pub.

Its cozy and welcoming interior invites you to relax and feel warm in winter nights, while its terrace is perfect for sunny summer afternoons.

The Eagle has a nice selection of ales and beers and its friendly staff will be happy to help you choose the best one.

Quick snacks

Oddono’s, 69 Northcote Road, London, SW11 1NP An Italian ice cream shop (“gelatteria” in Italian) in the heart of Northcote Road.

In summer don’t be surprised if you find it always crowded and a long queue of children waiting at its doors, ready to enjoy its creamy and tasty ice–creams on a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself.

You can enjoy them while sitting on the terrace as you watch the busy, but never boring, Northcote Road.

Bread Stall, 56, 58 and 60 Northcote Rd, London, SW11 1PA At this small place you can find some of the best pâtisseries of the area. The bread is daily baked and you can choose from quite a wide selection of baguettes, chapatas and other kinds of bread.

Their home made pizzas are delicious and it has quite a big reputation among the nearby residents up to the point that it has already featured in some magazines and websites.

Don’t miss the chance to go and buy a warm croissant to have with your coffee in the early morning hours.

Coffee shops

2 Love Tea And Coffee House, 87-89 St. John’s Road, London SW11 1QY You can find this small and comfortable cafeteria at the beginning of Northcote Road.

Its warm interior – decorated with pictures of musicians from the 50’s and a big piano – makes you feel you have been taken back into a black and white movie from that same time.

The atmosphere is very relaxing, perfect for long conversations while you have a cup of good coffee.

The excellent quality of their coffees and, especially its cakes, makes it a perfect place to meet with your friends.

Pintus, 132 Northcote Rd, London SW11 6QZ You will find this Italian coffee and delicatessen pâtisserie at the end of Northcote Road. And its food will make you feel like you are right in the middle of Italy.

They have a good selection of products imported from Italy, most of them from Campagna – pasta, biscuits, olive oil – and their lasagnas and sandwiches are cooked daily by a professional chef.

Children are always welcome to Pintus as it has a lovely corner for them to have fun with some toys and books and a garden where they can have a good time.

Make sure you try their homemade juices as the ingredients are fresh and are a healthy option to choose. My favorite: apple, pear and melon. Delicious and refreshing!