Q. What makes Clapham such a loveable part of London?

A. It has a famous 100 year old toilet which has been converted into a wine bar.

Clapham Junction can be reached directly by train from London-Gatwick airport in about 45 minutes with minimal stops along the journey. It’s a good way to have a look at some suburban London as you travel through to the Heart of Battersea.

The defining feature of Clapham is Clapham Common, an enormous sprawling parkland which acts as an important community hub in the area. It is watched over by some very old mansions, and is used for relaxation, leisure and events. It is well used by people exercising and doing yoga, particularly on the weekends.

If gourmet burgers are your thing, they are definitely in vogue in Clapham – you can get them just about everywhere you turn. But to be fair, Clapham is also littered with quality bars, pubs and restaurants, not just burger joints.

Clapham has a reputation of being much more relaxed than other parts of London and I certainly agree with that.

Sitting at a window in The Clapham North pub, supping on a pint, the smell of popcorn wafting through my nostrils, I spent an hour or so watching the fine folk of Clapham going about their lives. It is right beside the Clapham North tube station.

It was sad to say goodbye to Clapham. Perhaps one day I will return.