Serving It Up... Clapham's Golden Hour: London, England!

My schedule didn't allow me to marry the night like I had wanted it to, I had to find other ways for London to be my lover. From 'Spitalfields' right down to 'Clapham', I wanted to take it right down to the 'Common!' One hundred and twenty three years, Clapham Common served 'Tube Realness' serving a celebration after her centenary! 'Joe Public', what say you? Pizza, Claa'aam! 

Almost running out of time before my second West End show of the week, I headed south from Old Street to Clapham Common. I had originally wanted to have a few drinks at 'The Two Brewers' but like with the 'Royal Vauxhall Tavern', it wasn't the weekend and I had theatre tickets booked. Regardless, I headed south with my Clapham Common plan intact with already a whole lot accomplished, I had been busy! Climbing up those final few steps at Clapham Common Underground Station saw me clocking that 1900 opened station, serving each one of her 123 years of service! Clapham Common stood as the baddest Tube station of them all? I do, think! I had planned smartly, keeping everything within a few paces from the that very same transport point, I knew where I needed to go first! The area around that station was like an A.S.M.R experience because that traffic felt up close and personal, left and right those noises were for real! The sunset whispered to me, I really didn't have much time before sundown! ClCo, get it! 

Why Clapham Common? I had way too much time on my hands before my trip to London, using that extended time of nothing I penned a visit to Clapham with more time originally allocated. I had plans to enjoy said coffee-shops but with those 'Cabaret' tickets booked, with a pit-stop visit after those two already snatched blog features. I had no time to lose, heading towards the Common had to be done. Yes, that Tube station was definitely one of the features, I wanted to see the domed roof because it oozed 'London Underground Realness!' If truth be told, once I reached Clapham Common, I felt an almighty sense of achievement because I had finally been able to control my London route. It was great to put a face to the name, just as Clapham got on with her business, so did I! Heading away from the Tube allowed me to put those Common plans into action! Would I be able to see the bandstand? Would the sun call it a day? To be honest, I didn't want to entertain such negativity, I had things to do! Daylight Saving she better don't! 

The sun really had no chill, I had wanted to walk to the bandstand but the sun was already starting to set, how rude! With every step forwards, I was to catch those 'Common Vibes' with Clapham's own park serving '16th Century Realness!' For real, real? Yes! I loved the wide expanse that 'Common' space gave to me, the day had so far had presented brick and concrete buildings, I appreciated that 'park-life'. Those tall trees impressed me, I hadn't left myself enough time to see any other scenic spots, the Common would have to suffice! Clocking those period looking flats, I could only imagine taking it easy during breakfast time or after work with a drink, you already know I wanted my new China apartment to have its own balcony! I wanted to know more about Clapham, right here and now in March 2023 I schooled myself! Originally built on wasteland from two previous manors, 'Clopp Ham' fashioned their own Common park area. Those two previous manors were of course, Battersea and Clapham! I know my herstory! 

I did not make it to the bandstand, I had a theatre show to see! Keeping things brief, I made the best of that snapshot like visit to Clapham Common. Getting those views surveyed good before the sun so rudely disappeared, I loved being surrounded by such a huge green space, sure London served it all! Keeping my eyes on those herstorical facts, I now know that the area around the Common in Clapham was hailed as a 'safe haven' for refugees who had sought a new life in London. Also, people flocked from the city slums to this new suburb after the outbreak of the 'Black Plague' and the 'Great Fire of London', Clapham has done the most! Life's hard! With that said it was time for me to make tracks back to the 'Underground' because time clearly wasn't going to slow down! London, we need to talk about this! No question! Wholeheartedly, my super short visit to Clapham Common impressed me much, it was a blessing to see something green! I needed some food, that Beigel from Brick Lane didn't suffice! Pizza? Yes, C! 

People were going to start talking about why I wanted to visit all of those 'Public Toilets' whilst I was in London. No, I am not telling lies! Sure, I fancied a slice! Turning away from 'WC Wine & Charcuterie' with the quickness, I tried my luck at 'Joe Public!' Order a favourably sized slice of mushroom pizza and a pint of 'Madri' had to be done! Taking my time for once, I enjoyed my slice of pizza with the most, you already know that I took it easy with that pint! I wasn't about to get messy because London had more to serve to me, nobody needs uncivilised behaviour at any theatre establishment. 'Joe Public' had my number, I approved of that trendy 'London Underground' based eatery. Those dusk settings suited those blue and red lights, the signage was another treat! Genuinely, it was like a tonic to enjoy something so simple without having to think of the price tag, I was feeling grateful! Pizza and beer for the win, I headed back down to catch a northbound Northern Line Tube, time again cut things short! C, I fancied another slice! 

As my Tube train left Clapham Common, there was no doubt in my mind that choosing to visit that part of London felt right! I loved the period feature Tube station, sure it was heavenly to be away from the buzz of the city to experience something more intimate. Straight up, those 'Common-side' flats had me thinking about my future China location with a serious requirement. My super quick snack spot impressed me much, sure with the same name as my own, it was love at first sight! Truly, it has been a treat to bring back 'A Place Like...' with an actual point of discovery presented to me. Sure, the coffee-shops looked great during my pre-trip research period, even with my super short visit, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Damn, being at home for such a long time had me wanting this recent visit to London, covering as many miles and even to reach Clapham was a blessing, indeed! London kept me moving from one place to the next, it was the trip that kept on giving! A Place Like...? L, you already know! 

Clapham Completed! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure