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!
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
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
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
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.
Libano
https://www.libanorestaurant.com/
76 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AG
This was recommended to me by a Balham community as one for EXCELLENT Lebanese food.
Heidi
1 Balham Station Rd, Balham, London SW12 9SG
Recommended to me by locals over on my instagram and on twitter as a great place to go for wine and food!
Brother Marcus
9 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JA
Places to drink in Balham:
Hagen & Hyde
157 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AU
Great for; late-night drinks, pub quiz, mate dates
Balham Bowls Club
7-9 Ramsden Rd, Balham, London SW12 8QX
Great for: Afternoon drinks, pub garden, pub quiz
Lost & Found
https://www.lostandfoundbar.co.uk/
10 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9RG
Great for: cocktails, date night, something a bit different
The Wine Tasting Shop
https://thewinetastingshop.co.uk/
18 Hildreth St, Balham, London SW12 9RQ
Great for: Introductions to good wine, more than just a drink
The Devonshire
https://www.devonshirebalham.co.uk/
39 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AN
Great for: pub garden, summer afternoon sessions, drinks with friends
The Bedford
77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9HD
Great for: Entertainment, a good night out, groups of friends
The Regent
https://www.theregentbalham.co.uk/
21 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JB
Great for: dates, drinks with mates, pub garden, quizzes
Roast dinners in Balham:
The Devonshire
https://www.devonshirebalham.co.uk/
39 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AN
The Regent
https://www.theregentbalham.co.uk/
21 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JB
The Avalon
https://www.theavalonlondon.com/
16 Balham Hill, Balham, London SW12 9EB
The Grove
39 Oldridge Rd, Balham, London SW12 8PN
Places for brunch and coffee in Balham
Milk
18-20 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9RG
Brickwood
http://www.brickwoodlondon.com/balham/
11 Hildreth St, Balham, London SW12 9RQ
Natas
19 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AL
Esquires Coffee
https://esquirescoffee.co.uk/store/esquires-coffee-london-balham/
75 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9HA
Estate Office Coffee
http://estateofficecoffee.co.uk/
1 Drewstead Rd, Streatham, London SW16 1LY
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