This pub is a candidate for inclusion on CAMRA’s Local Inventory of pubs with local historic interest. It is also a grade II listed building and the listing description is as follows: “Symmetrical High Victorian urban group with Alexandra Hotel in centre and flanking wings. Central block of 4 storeys and attic, 5 windows, wings of 4 flower storeys and attic, 4 windows. Stock brick with polychrome brick dressings. Fishscale slated roof, mansard in centre, has gabled dormers with large boards. Behind the central mansard a large dome, banded in plain and fishscale slates, has patterned cast iron railing to top platform. Sash windows with 4-centred heads on upper floors; round-headed long casements to first floor long balcony. Ornamental terra-cotta ground floor of hotel has windows and doors alternating. Modern shops on ground floors of wings.”

The outstanding feature of this pub is its fabulous exterior that includes a dome and polychromatic brickwork. Pevsner’s The Buildings of England London 2: South states: “1866, with large slate-covered domed roof with cresting, and polychrome brick detail.” The Clapham Society’s The Buildings of Clapham states that the dome “contributes distinctively to the skyline”. It also says that the buildings were designed by Edward l’Anson in 1863. “In pointed style with polychrome detailing in coloured brickwork, fine slate-covered domed roof with iron cresting visible from a considerable distance. Sculptured windowheads, iron flower boxes, iron cresting and fishtail slates to the mansard and dome of roof. Converted to public house c.1876, when wings became separate properties. All original interior fittings have been destroyed in successive refurbishments.”

CAMRA’s WhatPub describes the pub thus: “Unusually atmospheric pub with separate drinking areas around large central pine bar. Bare brick walls adorned with old advertisements; wooden floor and wooden furniture.”

The WhatPub link is here: WhatPub/Alexandra

The Alexandra featured on the Treasures Along the Route of the Clapham Omnibus: Evening Pub Tour of Possible Local Inventory Pubs in Clapham on 20 August 2025.