Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
By far the most critically acclaimed restaurant on the list, Chez Bruce has long been serving some of the best food London has ever coughed up. The restaurant opened in 1995 and is overseen by director Bruce Poole, who has since earned the place a Michelin star. The last person to do so in the area was the man who now sells stock cubes. Chez Bruce is technically Wandsworth, but it is a mere ten minute walk from Balham. On the other side of a patch of grass lamb sweetbreads may be waiting. They might come with aubergine puree and the earthiest of girolles. Expect the likes of succulent roast cod, and braised duck in the richest of sauces. A classic, brilliant restaurant. Please leave room for
84 當地人推薦
Chez Bruce
2 Bellevue RdBy far the most critically acclaimed restaurant on the list, Chez Bruce has long been serving some of the best food London has ever coughed up. The restaurant opened in 1995 and is overseen by director Bruce Poole, who has since earned the place a Michelin star. The last person to do so in the area was the man who now sells stock cubes. Chez Bruce is technically Wandsworth, but it is a mere ten minute walk from Balham. On the other side of a patch of grass lamb sweetbreads may be waiting. They might come with aubergine puree and the earthiest of girolles. Expect the likes of succulent roast cod, and braised duck in the richest of sauces. A classic, brilliant restaurant. Please leave room for
Part of the Hawksmoor (read: very good steak) group have been dishing up plump ribs and fennel salads to anyone who can’t be bothered to get on the tube since 2015. The menu is purposeful and non-abrasive, with nuggets of real joy: the anchovies and goat’s butter on rye crisps show class; sirloin and rib-eye, both under £25, are hard to fault. Pair them with tomato salad and ‘nduja potatoes and suddenly Tuesday feels like Friday. Especially as Tuesday is BYOB night. There’s no corkage fee.
33 當地人推薦
Foxlow Balham
15-19 Bedford HillPart of the Hawksmoor (read: very good steak) group have been dishing up plump ribs and fennel salads to anyone who can’t be bothered to get on the tube since 2015. The menu is purposeful and non-abrasive, with nuggets of real joy: the anchovies and goat’s butter on rye crisps show class; sirloin and rib-eye, both under £25, are hard to fault. Pair them with tomato salad and ‘nduja potatoes and suddenly Tuesday feels like Friday. Especially as Tuesday is BYOB night. There’s no corkage fee.
Arlo’s is known for its atmosphere and inclusive pricing; it’s a huge hit with Balham locals and has absolutely nailed the concept of a family restaurant. On a big night, the place is buzzing, bavette steaks flying out of the kitchen. Order one to share (starting at £29 for two — a generous 500g — and running up to £110 for 2kg, which feeds a big family), and slap on a sauce for a quid. Choose from chimichurri, bearnaise, or peppercorn. And by no means miss the “trenchers” — seasoned sourdough chunks served under the steak and deployed as soft little bread vehicles with which to mop up juices.
11 當地人推薦
Arlo's Balham
1 Ramsden RdArlo’s is known for its atmosphere and inclusive pricing; it’s a huge hit with Balham locals and has absolutely nailed the concept of a family restaurant. On a big night, the place is buzzing, bavette steaks flying out of the kitchen. Order one to share (starting at £29 for two — a generous 500g — and running up to £110 for 2kg, which feeds a big family), and slap on a sauce for a quid. Choose from chimichurri, bearnaise, or peppercorn. And by no means miss the “trenchers” — seasoned sourdough chunks served under the steak and deployed as soft little bread vehicles with which to mop up juices.
Drinks & Nightlife
Hard to spot but impressive once you find it, this converted tram shed incorporates a cavernous, chandelier-lit main bar and a smaller mezzanine, filled with decorative quirks and televisions for football viewing.
49 當地人推薦
Tooting Tram and Social
46-48 Mitcham RdHard to spot but impressive once you find it, this converted tram shed incorporates a cavernous, chandelier-lit main bar and a smaller mezzanine, filled with decorative quirks and televisions for football viewing.
The Castle has been home to a public house since 1832, although its newly revamped decor is anything but 19th century. This Young's pub now features a British gastropub menu with Meantime brews in tanks, among many other tipples. The new garden - where a car park used to be – was added in summer 2014. It has various outdoor seating areas including cabana-style huts and outdoor heating on demand. The menu holds few surprises - burgers, pies, roast meats, fish and chips. Our chicken, ham and leek pie was standard pub fare, served with mash and a tiny and superfluous saucepan of gravy. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the garden (on warm days).
65 當地人推薦
The Castle
38 Tooting High StThe Castle has been home to a public house since 1832, although its newly revamped decor is anything but 19th century. This Young's pub now features a British gastropub menu with Meantime brews in tanks, among many other tipples. The new garden - where a car park used to be – was added in summer 2014. It has various outdoor seating areas including cabana-style huts and outdoor heating on demand. The menu holds few surprises - burgers, pies, roast meats, fish and chips. Our chicken, ham and leek pie was standard pub fare, served with mash and a tiny and superfluous saucepan of gravy. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the garden (on warm days).
A right gem of a cocktail bar is waiting to be unearthed on Bedford Hill. Lost & Found is a friendly, funky bar rife with live music, fun-time vibes and cocktails that'll knock your socks off. Stop by sometime soon for a minty fresh Red Haired Mojito, a sweet and velvety Candy Bar or bring your mates and share an Alice in Wonderland a blend laced with Stolichanaya Vodka served in a top hat!
22 當地人推薦
Lost & Found Bar
10 Bedford HillA right gem of a cocktail bar is waiting to be unearthed on Bedford Hill. Lost & Found is a friendly, funky bar rife with live music, fun-time vibes and cocktails that'll knock your socks off. Stop by sometime soon for a minty fresh Red Haired Mojito, a sweet and velvety Candy Bar or bring your mates and share an Alice in Wonderland a blend laced with Stolichanaya Vodka served in a top hat!