Did somebody say Honky Tonk?

The culture of the American South fascinates me. I've taken various Southern literature classes (To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favourite books), engrossed myself in Southern films and tried to wrap my head around the strange atmosphere and cultural sensibilities of this barren, warped and rural landscape, that is still suffering from the after affects of slavery over a hundred years post abolition.

I'm yet to actually visit the South but I dream of going to celebrate Mardis Gras in New Orleans and making my way slowly along the Mississippi river someday. Whilst I was at University in Portland, Oregon, I often went to a Southern bar, where we drank Lynchberg Lemonades (originating in Alabama), ate corn bread thick with butter and even tried waffles with fried chicken and maple syrup- yes, this really exists.

Honky Tonk is an American-inspired restaurant offering dining, drinking and live performances. The menu is all-American, with Southern favourites including succulent ribs and fried chicken.

The restaurant takes its name from "honky-tonk", a  kind of bar often found in the South where country music is popular. They currently have two locations - Clapham and Chelsea -  and regularly offer live music, including blues and jazz.

We visited the Clapham Common branch and sat outside before ordering cocktails.

Their happy hour runs everyday.

We chose raspberry caipirinha's: cachaca, Chambord,  lime quarters, sugar and raspberries.

They also do milkshakes which come served in an actual milk bottle- one of the restaurant's many unique touches. 

It was a beautiful evening in Clapham and their outside seating its right on the street overlooking the common: perfect for people watching.

We were seated by an open window that looked into the restaurant.

The menu was styled as an old record.

To eat I chose the Superfood Salad with quinoa, pomegranate & toasted pumpkin seeds, alfalfa sprouts, baby spinach leaves, pea shoot cress & feta cheese, with a side of herb balsamic dressing.

He went for fried chicken, which actually wasn't fried but baked. A healthier option but still crispy as it is made with Honky Tonk's 'secret' coating. It came accompanied by a side of homemade apple slaw and rosemary fries. 

The receipt was also a pretty cool concept

Arriving in a book

What's not to love? Great cocktails and Southern favourites, as well as some healthier options if you fancy something light. Book your table at: Honky Tonk