We’ve got a lot to thank the Victorians for, not least of all the improvements they made to plumbing and sewage treatment. Their advances led to all sorts of inventions that in turn allowed public toilets to be built all over town. And despite their public utility, many of these one-time water closets have since been transformed into all manner of establishments. They’ve been variously turned into cocktail bars, coffee shops, and even wine bars. One stunning example of the latter is the delightful Clapham spot WC Wine & Charcuterie – whose name nods to history and their current offerings.
And yes, to be perfectly clear, we are indeed wholeheartedly suggesting that a 100-year-old former toilet is ‘delightful’ – and even a perfect date spot. How many dates can you say you’ve taken to the bog? (Don’t answer that…)
Now, obviously, the fine folks at WC have given the space a thorough scrubbing since beginning its new life. They’ve also revamped the interiors while maintaining some of the original character of the space. The old Victorian tiling is still there, and they’ve added a bunch of booths and tables that are all lit up by candlelight for wonderfully cosy vibes. In their own words, it’s “a thoughtfully-restored, beguiling & bewitching subterranean space”.
On the menu at WC
The name WC is a wonderfully appropriate one. It addresses the bar’s past as a water closet and hints at the bar’s speciality: wine and charcuterie. The wine menu encompasses everything from jammy Spanish reds to lively French whites and even quirky orange wines. And since they’re served by the glass, carafe, or bottle, you can sample widely or spend all evening sipping on a favourite.
If you’re not a wine drinker they also serve an impressive selection of cocktails. They give classic and well-known cocktails a twist, such as the Aperol Peach Spritz, and the Blackberry Negroni, among others.
Match your drink with a charcuterie or cheese board (or a plant-based cheese board if you’re vegan), and you’ll finally understand why we recommend this particular toilet so much. Need a bit more sustenance? They’ve also got a selection of snacks and small plates to graze on. These range from Padron peppers to Raclette with Roast Potatoes and Cornichons, Spicy Meatballs, and Whole Baked Camembert.
As well as the location in Clapham, WC has another toilet-turned-wine-bar over in Bloomsbury under the same name. If you’re in the area, why not check it out?
WC really is the most romantic toilet in town… Meet you there for some W&C?