Living the life of Riley’s

Riley’s Bar and Social Club is soon to be the latest addition to Clapton’s social scene.

The laid back, friendly venue at 118 Lower Clapton Road which is set to open its doors on 29 March is the brainchild of a group of Clapton residents: “We were looking for a project/business we could set up in the neighborhood as we felt there was a space for new ventures”, says Joe Johnston, who works in a local primary school by day.

Joe relates how he and a friend had the idea for the bar when they were forced out of their shared house on Powerscroft Road and saw the empty unit: “We got our friends together, pooled our resources, borrowed some funds and signed the lease on the premises in November.”

Riley’s started life as a Christmas tree shop the following month. The proceeds from the sales went towards doing up the bar: “It’s an ongoing project and we’re doing it all ourselves. In the group there are blacksmiths, wood workers and various other designers, makers and doers, but having enjoyed the success of our two recent openings we look forward to going full time as soon as possible.”

The Riley’s team is keen to build relations with the local community: “We’ve been listening to what people want from a little bar in the area and are really excited about serving the people of Clapton and any people passing through our little corner of the world.”

“We aim to provide a nice, quiet place for people to meet and hang out. We’re keeping our mission simple at the moment and are looking to serve good quality (and where possible locally sourced) teas, coffee, beers, ales, wines and some snacks and sandwiches in pleasant surroundings.”

Riley’s Bar and Social Club
118 Lower Clapton Road E5 0QR
@rileysofclapton

Photographs to follow.