The Abbeville – laid back ambience in Clapham

The Abbeville Renewed – Local Pub Abbeville Village, Clapham.

There is something rather lovely about a local pub.  You’re likely to bump into people you know or make some new friends in the area.   The Abbeville in Clapham has just undergone a major make-over, aiming to achieve the perfect ambience coupled with a great food offering.  

We think the Abbeville has got the social mix just right.  Whilst showing sports for communal enjoyment, the pub also has lots of quiet nooks and crannies where you can have a quiet conversation or a romantic meal.   Yes, I did say,’ romantic and pub’ in the same sentence!  With candles on the tables and eclectic quirky décor, the mezzanine dining area is really pretty and romantic.  Plus you can look down at what’s happening in the second small bar below; which is always a bonus for those of us who like to people watch.

Despite running up and down the stairs with drinks and plates of food our waitress remained cheerful and was clearly enjoying her job.  She did quite a lot of exercise on our behalf.

I started the meal with one of the daily specials.  A creamy burrata served with sliced avocado, tomatoes and basil oil.  The burrata was lovely and creamy, just how it should be.  But the tomatoes could have done with being less chilled, they tasted as if they’d come straight out of the fridge. The basil oil was a little subtle for my taste.  I’d have preferred something a bit punchier, perhaps some pesto.  I loved my glass of English fizz, dry and crisp, it worked nicely with the creamy burrata. 

My partner, Alex, chose a classic dish of seared scallops with rashes of crispy pancetta served on a bed of pea puree.  The scallops needed just a little more caramelisation we thought.  He enjoyed this with a pint of a local beer from the Brixton Brewery. the Coldharbour Lager.

He was rather more impressed with his main course.  A pub staple of fish and chips served with a side of pea puree and tartare sauce.  The batter was light and crispy and the fish inside flaked beautifully.  The chips were perfect.  Everything that chips should be, crispy on the outside with soft fluffy potato on the inside.  Alex chose a pint of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord Pale Ale from the cask to accompany the hake and chips.  A classic combination of pub food and drink. 
My jerked poussin came with sautéed Tenderstem, jasmine rice, black-eyed bean salsa and yoghurt.  The skin of the poussin was full of lovely jerk flavours and wasn’t too hot (which some jerk mixes can be) so I didn’t need the yoghurt to cool my mouth down.  I really enjoyed the perfectly cooked Tenderstem, it’s nice to have fresh simply cooked vegetables.   I’m not sure that the black-eyed bean salsa worked with this dish.  It just seemed a really cold component on the plate.   Maybe I’m just too traditional and like rice and peas with my jerk!  I enjoyed this course with a lovely spicy glass of The Last Stand Shiraz from Australia. 

My cheese platter was fantastic.  It contained a great selection of cheeses, a soft oozing goat’s cheese, a creamy blue, Camembert, and sharp cheddar.  Our waitress suggested a glass of port to go with this, and I happily agreed!

Alex opted for the sweet side of the dessert menu, one of the daily specials.  A strawberry and raspberry crème brulée served with home-made cinnamon shortbread.  Creamy and rich, this hit the dessert spot very nicely.

This is a very pretty part of Clapham, and I’m sure that the renewed Abbeville will be hugely successful, it was certainly busy on the Wednesday night that we visited.  The weekend brunch with unlimited Prosecco for £15 sounds like a sure-fire hit!

Disclaimer: We were guests of The Abbeville

Other places to consider in Clapham

The Rookery   – restaurant and bar on Clapham Southside

32 Old Town – a lively wine bar and restaurant in Clapham Old Town