Ten Years of SO.UK

After a decade on Clapham High Street, SO.UK has become something of a fixture. It has been a pioneer in transforming Clapham. Instead of being a run down area, it is now one of the busiest places to hang out and is populated by a great number of swish and fancy establishments offering a great selection in nightlife.

So given the increased competition, can SO.UK keep up with the rest of the clubs that it helped pave the way for?

After a redesign by its owners, Leslie Ash and Lee Chapman, it’s clear that the club has a confidence and an assurance in what it sets out to do. The decor remains settled with a mixture of Eastern influences and plush cushioned sofas. The lingering smell of incense is welcome without being too forceful and overpowering. After ten years in the game, it’s clear that the owners know how to give their customers a good place to settle down for drink and food without trying to hard to make an impression.

But what about the food and drink?

The cocktail menu offers a selection of conventional drinks and its own creations. One particular drink that stood out from the menu was the Porn Star martini, which also came with a shot of champagne on the side.

The rest of the drinks are reasonably priced and are in the same price range as you would expect at any of the neighbouring bars. One possible drink that you might want to avoid is the passionfruit martini, which is exceedingly sweet to the point of being slightly saccharine.

The oriental theme is continued in the food and does provide excellent value for money for the portions and the quality that you get. The crispy tofu rolls go wonderfully with the chilli, garlic and vinegar sauce and the steamed prawn dumplings are also a delight. Starting at around £4 per portion, the choice and attention to detail makes for a good standard of food.

The bar also has a good atmosphere although it can get a bit crowded. Given the small dimensions of the establishment, it can feel cramped although it is a little unfair to criticise a bar for being popular. Overall SO.UK  is the wise old master of the High Street: it knows how to show people a good time without ever seeming like it is trying too hard.

SO.UK
165 Clapham High Street
Clapham
SW4 755

Tel: 020 7622 4004