The Balham Guide : Eat, Drink & Do

8.20.2020

 


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.


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, Balham


Heidi 

https://www.heidiwine.com/

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

http://brothermarcus.co.uk/

9 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JA




Places to drink in Balham:


Hagen & Hyde 

https://hagenandhyde.com/

157 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AU


Great for; late-night drinks, pub quiz, mate dates


Balham Bowls Club 

https://balhambowlsclub.com/

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

https://thebedford.com/

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 


The Regent

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 

https://www.grovebalham.com/

39 Oldridge Rd, Balham, London SW12 8PN


Natas

Places for brunch and coffee in Balham 


Milk 

https://milklondonshop.uk/

18-20 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9RG


Brickwood 

http://www.brickwoodlondon.com/balham/

11 Hildreth St, Balham, London SW12 9RQ


Natas

https://www.natas.london/

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 



Shopping in Balham

Lark

24 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9RG

Postmark 

123 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 9AR


Balham Paint 

22 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9RG

We Brought Beer

28 Hildreth St, Balham, London SW12 9RQ

Brindisa Cheese and Charcuterie

6 Hildreth St, Balham, London, SW12 9RQ

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