We demonstrate the use of a catecholic anchor (Dopa) for selective modification of the inner surface of an halloysite clay nanotube. Aqueous Dopa binds to alumina at the tube lumen and does not bind the silica surface under the same conditions. Selectivity of surface modification was evidenced using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and C-13 solid state NMR spectroscopy. Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) was performed through selectively adsorbed Dopa to graft a layer of polymer brush into the nanotube lumen.