The big, imposing Alexandra glowers over Clapham Common like the lord of the manor. It's sturdy on the inside, too, with thick wooden beams, muscular tables and a chunky fireplace.
Despite the Queenly name, this is a more masculine bar than many of the candle-lit venues on the high street, a feeling reinforced by the table football and ample sports screens, not to mention the vintage farming equipment and old tin adverts for tyres, fags, mustard and booze. Although it's all bought-in fakery, the pub carries it off well, reflecting its 150-year history of serving to Clapham Commoners.
There's plenty of space to spread out. The back room, in particular, boasts several tables large enough to accommodate parties of 10 or more. The upstairs Presidents room is toned down and hired out for private events. Meanwhile, there's a smokers' terrace round the back, and a small seating area out front.
At least three ales are available on draught, including ubiquitous favourites Doom Bar and Wandle. Food comes in the shape of inexpensive pub classics, provided in cahoots with the nearby Belle Vue bar.
