Area Guide to Balham

Despite spending most of its time being overlooked by its more well-know neighbours, Balham has become quite the South London hotspot. Loved by its locals, with a neighbourhood feel and community, and an array of restaurants, pubs, cafes and cocktail bars, there’s plenty to do here.

Take Hildreth Street, an age-old market, that has such variety of brunch spots, cafes and delicious tasting delis, that endless options are never a bad thing (more reason to brunch all weekend). Balham is also surrounded by green space, with Wandsworth Common and Clapham Common being perfect places to relax in, before heading to a cool cocktail bar for a drink or three. And the living? A mixture of Victorian houses and modern apartments, basically catering for everyone, which is exactly what Balham does so well.

Coffee

Good coffee, good food and good wine is Milk’s motto. And we love that. Milk is one of those gems you find, but realise that you’re not alone when you see the breakfast queue. They’ve got it going on, have Milk – they’re laid back with an old-school vibe and are just totally cool to be around, for a coffee or three.
Also try Escape The Daily Grind because their passion is high quality coffee and delicious handmade cakes, and they don’t lie.

Brunch

There’s a strong Brooklyn style vibe at Brother Marcus, with their hipster brunch, strong coffee and cocktail bar – and it’s the perfect spot to mingle with your BFF. Even those vegan friends, because that’s the beauty about Brother Marcus – they’ve also got vegans and veggies at the front of their minds. Basically, go here and you will not be disappointed.
Also try Flotsam & Jetsam for their ever-changing menu

Dinner

Ain’t no burger like a Dirty Burger – that’s what we say, right? Dirty Burger serves sinful burgers with crinkle cut and onion fries which already has us drooling before we’ve been stepped in the door. And Bird fans are in luck too, because there’s a Chicken Shop under the same roof. Does it get any better than this? We don’t think so.
Also try Arlo’s, because they are serious about their steak.

Pub

There’s nothing quite like a pub that offers that cosy neighbourhood vibe – and The Regent do just that. Whilst they look cosy on the outside, their even cosier on the inside. They also serve darn tasty pub food with a pretty strong beer selection to take care of every palate and are just really really friendly. Like the warm hug you always want on a weekend.
Also try Devonshire for ultimate pub comfort.

Drinks

The place to be for drinks is Balham Bowls Club. And no, it’s not a bowls club. Although the interior is just as you’d imagine it, with upholstered armchairs, mirrors, scoreboards and wonky lampshades. And yes, it’s just as glorious as it sounds. BBC (as it’s known to locals), is perfect for every social occasion and has majority of the drinks you can think of, and some pretty decent bar snacks too.

Walk

If you can prise yourself away from the endless brunch, lunch and pub jaunts in Balham, then we’d suggest heading to some of the green space that surrounds the area. You’ve got Wandsworth Common for a walk around the lake (or a game of tennis), or why not pack up a picnic and set up camp in one of London’s largest open spaces, Clapham Common. Then wander back down towards the local pubs, because they’re hard to walk by without popping in.

We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Balham to find your next home in the neighbourhood.