The Balham Guide : Eat, Drink & Do

Balham is the area of London I’ve called home for over three of my five years in London. The place I first came to, and fell in love with, and the place I always seem to return to if I’ve ventured away.

In fact, some of my fondest memories of London are here - mornings grabbing coffee with friends, dinner out with my boyfriend, first rented or shared apartments and the rest...including the inebriated walk home from the tube, or the queuing at the less classy McDonalds.

But for someone who came from a very suburban town, Balham was my safe haven. A mix of everything I loved from home, and the buzz of London, all packaged up in once place.

Balham is ideally located on the Northern line and overground, just a stone's throw away from the greenery at Clapham Common, Wandsworth Common and Tooting Bec Common and one of the best places for London newbie - and oldie tbh.

So I thought I’d share my favourite places to go in this little nook of London. There is such a range of places to visit and support, especially in these challenging times, and I'd love to know if you visit them!

1910, Balham

Places to eat in Balham:

Bucci

https://www.zomato.com/london/bucci-balham/menu

195 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9BE

This fantastic Italian is one of my favourites in Balham, providing authentic Italian food at great prices and always impeccable service. I have eaten here more times than I can count and I’ve never once been disappointed.

Chicken Shop

https://www.chickenshop.com/en/balham

7A Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JA

The perfect fast-food hit without the, well, fast-food and added ingredients that come with that. Fantastic rotisserie chicken, with a range of sides that pleases anyone visiting.

Firefly

https://www.fireflybar.co.uk/

3, Station Parade, Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AZ

I’ve mentioned this place about 50 times on this blog - but it really is great. It nails the casual dining, with Thai food and a selection of beers on tap at great prices. They also have outdoor seating which is perfect for people watching - one of my favourite things to do.

Ciullosteria

http://www.ciullosteria.com/

31 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AL

A brilliant Italian restaurant serving all the favourites, including pizza, pasta, with fish and meat mains. The food really is excellent, as is the service, and I love returning here.

The Cyclist

https://www.cyclistbalham.co.uk/

194 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9BP

Whilst relatively new to the scene, it’s a popular destination for food and drinks for a good reason. It provides Modern-British pub classics.

1910

1910

https://1910cantina.com/

3 Ramsden Rd, Balham, London SW12 8QX

1910 opened in INCREDIBLY challenging times, but have made quite the impact providing excellent Mexican food and drinks. The perfect places for some authentic Mexican food.