Bodean’s Clapham
169 Clapham High Street
London, SW4 7S
Bodean's
Eat Pigs
Bodean’s is an “American style” BBQ smoke house chain. We went to the Clapham branch which is located close to Clapham Common tube station. It has an interesting decor, including a large cow with a sign “eat pigs” on its belly. There are two large screen tvs and they were showing Flash Gordon while we were there… The layout is not bad with some separation between tables and the tables are large.
We ordered the “Pig out for £10” which was a full rack of baby back ribs served with fries, coleslaw and house beer, soft drink or glass of wine. You can get that offer 7 days a week but only between 12-3pm on Friday and Saturday.
A la carte I was interested by the clam chowder (£4.50), the pulled pork meal (pork shoulder smoked for 12 hours, off the bone and bite size shredded – £7.95) or the BBQ burnt ends and ribs (slow smoked chunks of beef brisket served in a BBQ sauce with fries and coleslaw – £11.95). They also have chargrilled steaks (10 oz ribeye for £16.95, 10 oz rump for £14.95) and hamburgers of course.
Towel & sauces
On the table, next to the sauces (ketchup plus some hot sauces which weren’t that hot, by the way) you have towels and hand cleaner to remind you to use your fingers.
Iced tea & Coors light
Baby back ribs
A quite large meal
Unfortunately the ribs were dry
Sadly, the ribs were very average. They were large but not very warm and somewhat on the dry and hard side. I think they were overcooked. The coleslaw was tasteless and the fries were on the low side of average too. The beer was a 330ml Coors light served in an icy glass. It was the first time I tried that beer and I thought it lacked some bubbles and was a little sweet. Still, served icy it was refreshing. The iced tea was good. It came without sugar as requested. Apparently they normally add a syrup for making it sweeter.
Cost and conclusion: it was £22 (including a 10% service charge automatically added to the bill) We were not very impressed by the ribs. Maybe with another meal things would be better? It is a pity as the surrounding is much better than at the Cattle Grid in Balham where the ribs were much better but served cold. The service was friendly.
In the same area we reviewed the Thai restaurant The Pepper Tree and the French restaurant Gastro.
