Bar 366 is a little cocktail haven nestled amongst the otherwise fairly quiet surroundings of Earslfield. Previously a sports bar, Bar 366 have no easy task on their hands attracting a wholly different crowd, but they seem to be succeeding and when the night draws in, the bar packs out.

The Venue
If you’re a fan of nights out in Clapham, but have already sampled all it has to offer, a mere one stop on the train will get you to Earlsfield station. And directly opposite the station is Bar 366. The outer colour scheme is a deep red and the inside is a treat for the eyes, where an assortment of wallpapers, mirrors and chandeliers adorn the walls. Seating-wise, there are a few tables at the front, a sofa opposite the bar and a line of thin tables and chairs towards the back. They also have an outside area, again nicely decorated with mirrors, candles etc, but unfortunately this part has to close at 9pm due to the neighbours. The most original feature, however, is the cocktail menu displayed on the ceiling (although craning your neck back to read it when drunk may be a bit of a bind).

The Atmosphere
Bar 366 is serious about cocktails. The list is extensive and the bartenders clearly know their stuff. However, by no means does the bar take itself too seriously and quirky features such as a life-size astronaut combined with the friendliness of the staff and the seventies disco soundtrack gives the place a very relaxed, fun atmosphere. The ceiling-menu doesn’t describe what is actually in the cocktails, which is a good feature because it encourages communication between the buyer and the bartenders, who are more than happy to recommend a good cocktail for you depending on your spirit of choice.

The Drink
If it wasn’t obvious by now, this is a cocktail bar. There are four different menus – ‘Sexy Cocktails’ (£7.50) include Kiss Your Cocktail’; ‘366 Tinis’ come in at £8 each and feature Dirty Martini and New Kids On The Block; ‘Champagne/Prosecco’ is the most expensive list, at £9 each, and there is of course, the ‘Classic Cocktails’ list with mojito, cosmopolitan and caipirinha featuring.

The Parma Violet cocktail is amazing, with edible hibiscus flowers inside. It’s quite sweet but not overpoweringly so and does, as it suggests, taste exactly like Parma Violets (those round retro purple sweets.)

If you’re a fan of sticking to what you know, get a caiprinha made, or the Bloody Mary is also a good choice - it’s huge and, along with the standard stick of celery, it comes with a complimentary chilli. If you’re not a cocktail fan though, don’t worry – they serve beer and cider on tap, from £3.70 for Strongbow and Amstel, to £3.90 for Heineken and Kronenbourg.

The Last Word
The effort that has been put into this bar is palpable, and it has really paid off. If you’re up for something a little more upmarket than a bog-standard pub but with the same fun, relaxed atmosphere, definitely give Bar 366 a shot.
Cherry Casey, 17/05/2011

"Hello! I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say how much my friends and I enjoyed 366 on Saturday. We had a great time and were most impressed with the atmosphere and really friendly service. I will also leave a (nice!) review on view london, but I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks so much- made for a lovely birthday!"
Laura

"Great Bar.
Its the best bar in Earlsfield.
Keep up the good work."
Sue, Earlsfield

"Been here a few times and can’t say enough good things about the place.

The atmosphere is friendly - never seen any trouble here - from staff and customers alike and that is an important factor as it gets proper busy at weekends.

Great venue, great music, great people. Spot on for a weekend session or a cheeky few on a school night."
Gary, Balham

"Earlfield has change a lot over past five years and a lot of bars have tried hard and failed, the best thing about Bar 366 is they don’t try too hard, it comes naturally. Easily the best bar in Earslfield."
Matt, Balham

"The first Friday night me and my friends moved into Earlfield we went straight out and had a few beers. We sat quietly in the back of Bar 366 chatting, it was a lively night with a good atmosphere. Within ten minutes one of the staff came around with free shots for everyone, us included... we had a great night, made loads of friends and now consider the bar a second home. We love it."
Dave, Earlsfield

"I had my 30th birthday at Bar 366, Kids TV fancy dress theme. Bar 366 were amazing hosts, gave us some champagne on the house and let us decorate the bar area we reserved"
Paul, Clapham

"My friend lives in Earlsfield so we decided to go out for a few quiet drinks near her. Bar 366 was lovely, really cosy, incredibly friendly with a great DJ and cocktails... before we knew it, it was 2am... i’ll go again as soon as I recover"
Sarah, Wimbledon

"The best staff ever, it’s like going to visit old friends"
John, Wandsworth

"I recommend Bar 366 to everyone, the staff are lovely and they even organised a thai buffet for my friends party. The atmosphere is unusually friendly for a London bar, keep up the good work."
Juliette, Balham

Note from the team:
It’s the customers who make the bar work, we love to help, the more fun you have the more fun we have... keep us informed how we’re doing, we appreciate your comments.