Its first Waitrose did not open until 2006 and local store Record Corner stood firm against HMV until 2003. Balham has managed to combine gentrification with tradition successfully. One of many areas deemed up and coming, the phrase appears to be used a little loosely in the case of this South London suburb which offers a range of shops and cafés you are unlikely to have visited before. Although there has been an influx of city professionals, it still maintains a family atmosphere catering for a slightly older crowd than your usual young and trendy...
More
Its first Waitrose did not open until 2006 and local store Record Corner stood firm against HMV until 2003. Balham has managed to combine gentrification with tradition successfully. One of many areas deemed up and coming, the phrase appears to be used a little loosely in the case of this South London suburb which offers a range of shops and cafés you are unlikely to have visited before. Although there has been an influx of city professionals, it still maintains a family atmosphere catering for a slightly older crowd than your usual young and trendy. Theres also quite a multiethnic feel with a number of Brazilians and Poles finding home here. Some complain that the area is quite dull and whilst its no Clapham, it does have a few notable hotspots. The Bedford pub is a fantastic choice for live music and comedy whilst Balham Bar and Kitchen has fans all across London.