The Eagle Ale House, Clapham Junction  

A pleasing discovery between Wandsworth Common and Clapham Junction, here's a local pub with an independent spirit to it. The beers are great, with regular guest ales on offer at the pumps. Added to this, with a stack of board games available, and some tables inbuilt with chess and backgammon tops, the place is ideal for an afternoon of slothful drinking. Saying that, the empty champagne bottles on the bookshelves suggest it's pretty handy for a night of excess too - maybe in the marquee you can hire out the back. Said marquee manages to pack in some leather sofas and a giant screen (a great space, particularly if you're a smoker). Though located very much in the heart of the Nappy Valley, this is the sort of pub parents go to escape the rigours of parenthood, not a place where they take the pram along with them. It's also a rugby pub and can get very busy when there's a big match on. The Eagle may take a while to track down, but it's well worth the walk - and it also gives you a chance to work up a thirst.

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