Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Clapham South, London, United Kingdom

Balham's Bar - by RoniD

RoniD — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:09:11 +0000

Review by RoniD

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 86733232

never been, but has the best cow model in balham....never been, but has the best cow model in balham....

The Avalon - Not Good by niklog77

niklog77 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:25:45 +0000

Review by niklog77

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8675 8613

Website: http://www.theavalonlondon.co.uk/

Tags: gastro pub, bar, food

Have eaten twice at The Avalon now the 1st time was barely accectable, but thought we try again. On both occaisions waitstaff were hopeless,setting wrong cutlery for places at our table, taking wrong food to customers at our table, generally slow and un enthusiastic.

This brings me to the most worrying part of my dining experience. The 2nd occaision at The Avalon was for a birthday with a surprise cake. Upon arriving the person taking care of the surprise cake was approadched by a waitress and asked if the candles should read 32 or 23...... Infront of the person whos birthday it was. Surprise!! Then came back later and spoke to the same person taking care of the surprise and asked so who is the surprise for??... Infront of the person whos birthday it was. Cats out of the bag now.

We proceeded to eat our meals have the " surprise " cake and couple of drinks from the bar. Upon leaving the birthday guest got violently ill from what he knows was something he had consumed during the evening. It was very worrying.

Have eaten twice at The Avalon now the 1st time was barely accectable, but thought we try again. On both occaisions waitstaff were hopeless,setting wrong cutlery for places at our table, taking wrong food to customers at our table, generally slow and un enthusiastic.

This brings me to the most worrying part of my dining experience. The 2nd occaision at The Avalon was for a birthday with a surprise cake. Upon arriving the person taking care of the surprise cake was approadched by a waitress and asked if the candles should read 32 or 23...... Infront of the person whos birthday it was. Surprise!! Then came back later and spoke to the same person taking care of the surprise and asked so who is the surprise for??... Infront of the person whos birthday it was. Cats out of the bag now.

We proceeded to eat our meals have the " surprise " cake and couple of drinks from the bar. Upon leaving the birthday guest got violently ill from what he knows was something he had consumed during the evening. It was very worrying.

Be At One - Lovely but needs later licence and DJs . by aussigirl

aussigirl — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:25:41 +0000

Review by aussigirl

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7978 6595

Website: http://www.beatone.co.uk

Tags: friendly, young and fun, pop

Lovely but needs later licence and DJs . Went dancing at Peacock after

Never been to a cabaret show before? Worried its not your thing? Don't be you can still enjoy the great bar vibe and Djs after (although we find almost everyone is bowled over by the shows! anyway) - plus we only ever put volunteers on the stage promise!!!

Coming later for the Djs and dancing? Do'nt forget to book your guaranteed entry guestlist for Fridays/Saturdays (entry free anyway) and we may be able to rustle you up some seating too!

We are just two minutes from Clapham Junction Station and less than five minutes from Battersea Rise, Lavender Hill, Northcote Road and St Johns Hill.

To make your party, celebration really stand out why not as well as booking a reserved area or cordoned off area take part in "Stars In Their Eyes". and be invited on stage from the audience by our singer who will sing you a love song whist you look adoringly into his eyes or dance away. For men we can pair you up with one of our female performers if you fancy being sung "Big Spender" whist our performer writhes around you. For the more adventurous we can also arrange for our trannie performers to do something a little raunchier!

EVERY FRIDAY -"Oh What a Lovely Recession" 8pm-2.30am (Open from 5pm, 2 for 1 cocktails till 8pm)

On Fridays from 8pm-2am we bring you "Oh What A Lovely Recession" a club night with a twist combining burlesque shows early with retro indie tinged 80/90s/00s Djs after to create a truly memorable night .

Never been to a cabaret show before? Worried its not your thing? Don't be you can still enjoy the great bar vibe and Djs after (although we find almost everyone is bowled over by the shows! anyway) and we only ever put volunteers on the stage promise!!!

We begin the performances from 9pm with a great burlesque & cabaret shows - anything from Sinatra to Tranny's (see the list of performers at www.the-peacock-bar.co.uk) - and we always include a lot of audience participation!.

After the shows from 10.30ish its indie tinged disco and dancing with DJ Paul Knight of Living & School Disco fame spinning indie tinged 80s, 90s, 00s tunes with a bit of rock thrown in too until carriages at 2.30am. All aided by tacky original 70s/ 80s visuals and rubbish cheapo lighting for that real School Disco feel.

Entry Complimentary all night (guestlist for guaranteed entry) - book your guestlist or reserved area online from our Bookings Page. But do come early as the shows commence at 9pm on the dot and our prima donnas don't like to be kept waiting! DJs and dancing after from 10.30pm ish till carriages at 2.30am

SATURDAYS -"It's a Party" 8pm-2.30am (Open from 5pm, 2 for 1 cocktails till 8pm)

On Saturdays from 8pm-2am we bring you "It's a Party" a club night with a twist combining burlesque shows early with retro 80/90s/00s Djs after to create a truly memorable night .

We begin the performances from 9pm with two great burlesque & cabaret shows - anything from Sinatra to Tranny's (see the list of performers below) - and we always include a lot of audience participation!. If you have not been to a burlesque or cabaret club before and are worried its not going to be your thing don't fret you can still enjoy the great bar vibe during the shows and the Djs after (although we find almost everyone is bowled over by the shows anyway) and we only ever take volunteers from the audience!

After the shows from 10.30ish its disco and dancing with our very own Eastenders celebrity DJ Dave DiskoJuice spinning 80s, 90s, 00s tunes with a bit of funky house thrown in too until carriages at 2.30am. All aided by tacky original 70s/ 80s visuals and rubbish cheapo lighting.

Oh and just so you know Dave DiskoJuice has taken to giving lucky customers signed copies of Hello magazine but if you want to make requests you now have to go through his agent 14 days in advance (very helpful Dave) . That's of course when's he' s not boring you with stories of all the celebrities he now knows!

Entry Complimentary all night (guestlist for guaranteed entry) - book your guestlist or reserved area online from our Bookings Page. But do come early as the shows commence at 9pm on the dot and our prima donnas don't like to be kept waiting! DJs and dancing after from 10.30pm ish till carriages at 2.30am

Directions and contact details

Peacock Bar & Club
148 Falcon Road (2 mins Clapham Junction)

London SW11 2LW
Tel: 020 7223 9633
Fax 020 7542 8032
Email: bookings@the-peacock-bar.co.uk
Web: www.the-peacock-bar.co.uk

Facebook "Peacock Bar"

Lovely but needs later licence and DJs . Went dancing at Peacock after

Never been to a cabaret show before? Worried its not your thing? Don't be you can still enjoy the great bar vibe and Djs after (although we find almost everyone is bowled over by the shows! anyway) - plus we only ever put volunteers on the stage promise!!!

Coming later for the Djs and dancing? Do'nt forget to book your guaranteed entry guestlist for Fridays/Saturdays (entry free anyway) and we may be able to rustle you up some seating too!

We are just two minutes from Clapham Junction Station and less than five minutes from Battersea Rise, Lavender Hill, Northcote Road and St Johns Hill.

To make your party, celebration really stand out why not as well as booking a reserved area or cordoned off area take part in "Stars In Their Eyes". and be invited on stage from the audience by our singer who will sing you a love song whist you look adoringly into his eyes or dance away. For men we can pair you up with one of our female performers if you fancy being sung "Big Spender" whist our performer writhes around you. For the more adventurous we can also arrange for our trannie performers to do something a little raunchier!

EVERY FRIDAY -"Oh What a Lovely Recession" 8pm-2.30am (Open from 5pm, 2 for 1 cocktails till 8pm)

On Fridays from 8pm-2am we bring you "Oh What A Lovely Recession" a club night with a twist combining burlesque shows early with retro indie tinged 80/90s/00s Djs after to create a truly memorable night .

Never been to a cabaret show before? Worried its not your thing? Don't be you can still enjoy the great bar vibe and Djs after (although we find almost everyone is bowled over by the shows! anyway) and we only ever put volunteers on the stage promise!!!

We begin the performances from 9pm with a great burlesque & cabaret shows - anything from Sinatra to Tranny's (see the list of performers at www.the-peacock-bar.co.uk) - and we always include a lot of audience participation!.

After the shows from 10.30ish its indie tinged disco and dancing with DJ Paul Knight of Living & School Disco fame spinning indie tinged 80s, 90s, 00s tunes with a bit of rock thrown in too until carriages at 2.30am. All aided by tacky original 70s/ 80s visuals and rubbish cheapo lighting for that real School Disco feel.

Entry Complimentary all night (guestlist for guaranteed entry) - book your guestlist or reserved area online from our Bookings Page. But do come early as the shows commence at 9pm on the dot and our prima donnas don't like to be kept waiting! DJs and dancing after from 10.30pm ish till carriages at 2.30am

SATURDAYS -"It's a Party" 8pm-2.30am (Open from 5pm, 2 for 1 cocktails till 8pm)

On Saturdays from 8pm-2am we bring you "It's a Party" a club night with a twist combining burlesque shows early with retro 80/90s/00s Djs after to create a truly memorable night .

We begin the performances from 9pm with two great burlesque & cabaret shows - anything from Sinatra to Tranny's (see the list of performers below) - and we always include a lot of audience participation!. If you have not been to a burlesque or cabaret club before and are worried its not going to be your thing don't fret you can still enjoy the great bar vibe during the shows and the Djs after (although we find almost everyone is bowled over by the shows anyway) and we only ever take volunteers from the audience!

After the shows from 10.30ish its disco and dancing with our very own Eastenders celebrity DJ Dave DiskoJuice spinning 80s, 90s, 00s tunes with a bit of funky house thrown in too until carriages at 2.30am. All aided by tacky original 70s/ 80s visuals and rubbish cheapo lighting.

Oh and just so you know Dave DiskoJuice has taken to giving lucky customers signed copies of Hello magazine but if you want to make requests you now have to go through his agent 14 days in advance (very helpful Dave) . That's of course when's he' s not boring you with stories of all the celebrities he now knows!

Entry Complimentary all night (guestlist for guaranteed entry) - book your guestlist or reserved area online from our Bookings Page. But do come early as the shows commence at 9pm on the dot and our prima donnas don't like to be kept waiting! DJs and dancing after from 10.30pm ish till carriages at 2.30am

Directions and contact details

Peacock Bar & Club
148 Falcon Road (2 mins Clapham Junction)

London SW11 2LW
Tel: 020 7223 9633
Fax 020 7542 8032
Email: bookings@the-peacock-bar.co.uk
Web: www.the-peacock-bar.co.uk

Facebook "Peacock Bar"

The Grove - Superb by steve123

steve123 — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:47:31 +0000

Review by steve123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 86736531

Tags: gastro pub, jazz, friendly

Went to the Grove despite the reviews as it is local and I was very surprised. It's a beautiful pub with open fires and a lovely dining room.

We went on a Sunday so it was busy but we were served quickly and our food arrived within 10 minutes. The roast was the best I have ever had in a pub and the burger was very good too.

The staff were very attentive and offered table service even when busy.

Not sure if something has changed since the other reviews but I loved this pub.Went to the Grove despite the reviews as it is local and I was very surprised. It's a beautiful pub with open fires and a lovely dining room.

We went on a Sunday so it was busy but we were served quickly and our food arrived within 10 minutes. The roast was the best I have ever had in a pub and the burger was very good too.

The staff were very attentive and offered table service even when busy.

Not sure if something has changed since the other reviews but I loved this pub.

Nightingale - Best Young's pub ever! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:57:46 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 1637

Tags: traditional pub, beer garden, posh

This is a great boozer. Definitely the best Young's pub I've ever come across and quite probably the best pub in Clapham/Balham/Wandsworth Common area...

It's a bit off the beaten track (and I shan't give you directions!) but it's definitely worth the trek where ever you are coming from.

It's very cosy and traditional, a proper "pubby" pub - eye level glass shelves, shiny brass work, dark stained wooden bar with stools. I'm a bit of an aficionado (read fussy git?) when it comes to the best bars at which to sit. The criteria are quite rigorous and this one scores highly! Comfortable stools, some with back and arms, a foot bar, coat hangers, a good height. Perfect for lounging away a Sunday afternoon.

They serve a fine selection of beer, and I've never had a bad pint - Youngâ¬"s "Best", Special, and Bombardier plus a guest, which for the last few months has been Winter Warmer - one of the finest winter beers ever! They also have a generous selection bottled beers which they sell for off as well as in house drinking. You can even have a 2pint "takeaway" (I think it's a pretty generic Young's thing now...)

Aside from that there is a standard selection of lagers, cider and Guinness. I'm not aware of any poncy beers here and a good thing too!

The food isn't bad - good honest contemporary pub food, reasonably priced. I mean, I wouldn't take my Mum there for dinner, but if I was peckish and in that neck of the woods then I can think of worse places to go.

The Nightingale boasts a very nice, partially covered beer garden out the back as well as plenty of space (I hesitate to call it a garden...) at the front. It faces the road but it's not that busy and on a hot summer afternoon, who cares?

The atmosphere inside is just lovely. The fire in the middle of the main bar adds to the cosy, comforting atmosphere. (Top tip: if you see the arm chairs by the fire being vacated be quick. And be armed. And prepared to fight for them! But by gad it's worth it!)

There is no "background" music, there is a TV but hardly ever on. (I shall probably be camped out here for most of the Six Nations which they very graciously agreed to screen last year.)

The clientele are a bit of a mix. As well as the regular local crowd there tend to be a smattering of well heeled Wandsworthians, elderly chaps in tweed, young families, and young professionals (or "Fair King Sloanes" as one gentleman was loudly explaining to me in the gentlemen's restroom one Friday afternoon. He'd had a good day. Not quite sure what he meant though...) An eclectic but generally pleasant crowd.

One of the things that I really like about the Nightingale is that it is truly a community pub. They proudly display their charitable credentials. The Nightingale Walk has been running for about 130 years (exaggeration...) and raises thousands of pounds (No exaggeration) each year for various charities. They also donate 10% of the cost of every sausage and mash sold to charity. For the cutsey among you, your bangers will be served on plates decorated by local children. One, two, three: "Awwww!"
I wonder how much money could be raised if every pub in Balham donated 10% from a dish to charity...

I think that I've covered more or less everything. Apart from the little fact sheets in the gents! Very entertaining! I can't speak for the ladies facilities, I wasn't paying much attention.This is a great boozer. Definitely the best Young's pub I've ever come across and quite probably the best pub in Clapham/Balham/Wandsworth Common area...

It's a bit off the beaten track (and I shan't give you directions!) but it's definitely worth the trek where ever you are coming from.

It's very cosy and traditional, a proper "pubby" pub - eye level glass shelves, shiny brass work, dark stained wooden bar with stools. I'm a bit of an aficionado (read fussy git?) when it comes to the best bars at which to sit. The criteria are quite rigorous and this one scores highly! Comfortable stools, some with back and arms, a foot bar, coat hangers, a good height. Perfect for lounging away a Sunday afternoon.

They serve a fine selection of beer, and I've never had a bad pint - Youngâ¬"s "Best", Special, and Bombardier plus a guest, which for the last few months has been Winter Warmer - one of the finest winter beers ever! They also have a generous selection bottled beers which they sell for off as well as in house drinking. You can even have a 2pint "takeaway" (I think it's a pretty generic Young's thing now...)

Aside from that there is a standard selection of lagers, cider and Guinness. I'm not aware of any poncy beers here and a good thing too!

The food isn't bad - good honest contemporary pub food, reasonably priced. I mean, I wouldn't take my Mum there for dinner, but if I was peckish and in that neck of the woods then I can think of worse places to go.

The Nightingale boasts a very nice, partially covered beer garden out the back as well as plenty of space (I hesitate to call it a garden...) at the front. It faces the road but it's not that busy and on a hot summer afternoon, who cares?

The atmosphere inside is just lovely. The fire in the middle of the main bar adds to the cosy, comforting atmosphere. (Top tip: if you see the arm chairs by the fire being vacated be quick. And be armed. And prepared to fight for them! But by gad it's worth it!)

There is no "background" music, there is a TV but hardly ever on. (I shall probably be camped out here for most of the Six Nations which they very graciously agreed to screen last year.)

The clientele are a bit of a mix. As well as the regular local crowd there tend to be a smattering of well heeled Wandsworthians, elderly chaps in tweed, young families, and young professionals (or "Fair King Sloanes" as one gentleman was loudly explaining to me in the gentlemen's restroom one Friday afternoon. He'd had a good day. Not quite sure what he meant though...) An eclectic but generally pleasant crowd.

One of the things that I really like about the Nightingale is that it is truly a community pub. They proudly display their charitable credentials. The Nightingale Walk has been running for about 130 years (exaggeration...) and raises thousands of pounds (No exaggeration) each year for various charities. They also donate 10% of the cost of every sausage and mash sold to charity. For the cutsey among you, your bangers will be served on plates decorated by local children. One, two, three: "Awwww!"
I wonder how much money could be raised if every pub in Balham donated 10% from a dish to charity...

I think that I've covered more or less everything. Apart from the little fact sheets in the gents! Very entertaining! I can't speak for the ladies facilities, I wasn't paying much attention.

The Balham Tup - Meh by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:55:46 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8772 0546

Tags: friendly, dj, pool

Meh... good enough for sporting events (I choose to go here for rugby matches. Note to the wary - favours soccer over rugby), the beer is passable, though nothing to write home about, and the food isn't too shabby either - "pub" food too, nothing fancy. And the staff are pleasant when not rushed off their feet. It will take you a long time to get served when there's a game on. Suck it up. This isn't aided by the fact that the back of the bar is lined with a more or less continuous row of TVs, encouraging people to settle at the bar, 3 deep, just when you're trying to squeeze through.

I'm trying to remember what beer they serve, and I can't. Speaks volumes really. I remember having a pretty average pint of Doombar once upon a time...

To be honest, it's a bit of a barn and when there isn't a major sports fixture you can feel a little lost and lonely!

There's nothing really Wrong with it, and it's worth paying a visit. Lower your expectations and you'll probably find yourself pleasantly surprised, but this place ain't gonna blow you away.Meh... good enough for sporting events (I choose to go here for rugby matches. Note to the wary - favours soccer over rugby), the beer is passable, though nothing to write home about, and the food isn't too shabby either - "pub" food too, nothing fancy. And the staff are pleasant when not rushed off their feet. It will take you a long time to get served when there's a game on. Suck it up. This isn't aided by the fact that the back of the bar is lined with a more or less continuous row of TVs, encouraging people to settle at the bar, 3 deep, just when you're trying to squeeze through.

I'm trying to remember what beer they serve, and I can't. Speaks volumes really. I remember having a pretty average pint of Doombar once upon a time...

To be honest, it's a bit of a barn and when there isn't a major sports fixture you can feel a little lost and lonely!

There's nothing really Wrong with it, and it's worth paying a visit. Lower your expectations and you'll probably find yourself pleasantly surprised, but this place ain't gonna blow you away.

Balham Bowls Club - Best pub in Balham. Hands down. by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:13:57 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 4700

Tags: relaxed, friendly, pool

I love the Balham Bowls Club! It took me ages to find and then brave it, as from the outside it can look pretty non-descript. I'm so glad I did.

Not only do they have the most charming and efficient bar staff in London* but the atmosphere, the whole quirky, idiosyncratic feel of the place is just lovely. Not too pretentious but absolutely unique.

It feels cosy and welcoming, while being quite a spacious place. There are leather chairs, wooden pews and benches and all sorts of unexpected items of furniture, and a little bit of random bowls paraphernalia, tucked away here and there. It's sensitively lit while not feeling gloomy and there's something curiously intimate and romantic about the place.

The clientele seem on the whole pretty decent and inoffensive. You have to endure the odd Rah in collars and pashminas talking about what a, you know, like sariously orrrr-sum time they had in En-fair-Nose last night, but such is life.

The music they play is just fantastic and most importantly, it is background music! It doesn't attempt to be heard over/drown out the pleasant sound of a good pub; it just complements the atmosphere when things are quiet. Kudos my friends. Well done!

They don't have a vast selection of drinks on draft but I admire that. I know people have different tastes but, on the whole, if you have one standard and one premium continental lager, a cider, stout, bitter and one "other" (Hoegaarden if my memory serves me correctly?) then you've pretty much catered for any one (other than those who won't be happy anywhere) And the wine list is pretty good.

The BBC keeps a very good Tim Taylor's Landlord, of which I am a fan. And frankly there is little point in living in SW12/17 unless you like Tim Taylor's Landlord and is nigh on the only beer not brewed by Youngs that you can get.

I don't like the food.
"No!" I hear you gasp!
"Is it because it's a little bit pretentious and over priced but if you were being fair you'd be forced to admit that it's actually very imaginative and interesting and People like that kind of stuff?"
Yes. Yes that's exactly it. It's just so fussy and noncy and would really make me excited if I saw it in a restaurant. But not in a pub please?
Basically, as I've said before and I shall say again, life is too short to poach quail eggs.

How ever, I shall let this flaw pass, docking but one star for the fact that one can't get a sandwich, because in every other way the place just rocks. (And the food is actually really interesting! But don't tell anyone I said that.)

I think I've covered everything. Apart from the massive rooms with pool and snooker tables (for members only. Membership is about a quid I think. And there's no need to pay in advance) front and back beer "gardens" (which shan't win awards but they are, like the rest of the pub, comfortable and quirky), and did I mention that the staff are charming? I think they also do book clubs and chess clubs and fight clubs (from which I'm now, presumably, banned), something to cater for everyone! Think of it like the Bedford but shrunk down to a sensible size, but where everything is nice rather than horrible.

*This may be an exaggeration, but not much of one...I love the Balham Bowls Club! It took me ages to find and then brave it, as from the outside it can look pretty non-descript. I'm so glad I did.

Not only do they have the most charming and efficient bar staff in London* but the atmosphere, the whole quirky, idiosyncratic feel of the place is just lovely. Not too pretentious but absolutely unique.

It feels cosy and welcoming, while being quite a spacious place. There are leather chairs, wooden pews and benches and all sorts of unexpected items of furniture, and a little bit of random bowls paraphernalia, tucked away here and there. It's sensitively lit while not feeling gloomy and there's something curiously intimate and romantic about the place.

The clientele seem on the whole pretty decent and inoffensive. You have to endure the odd Rah in collars and pashminas talking about what a, you know, like sariously orrrr-sum time they had in En-fair-Nose last night, but such is life.

The music they play is just fantastic and most importantly, it is background music! It doesn't attempt to be heard over/drown out the pleasant sound of a good pub; it just complements the atmosphere when things are quiet. Kudos my friends. Well done!

They don't have a vast selection of drinks on draft but I admire that. I know people have different tastes but, on the whole, if you have one standard and one premium continental lager, a cider, stout, bitter and one "other" (Hoegaarden if my memory serves me correctly?) then you've pretty much catered for any one (other than those who won't be happy anywhere) And the wine list is pretty good.

The BBC keeps a very good Tim Taylor's Landlord, of which I am a fan. And frankly there is little point in living in SW12/17 unless you like Tim Taylor's Landlord and is nigh on the only beer not brewed by Youngs that you can get.

I don't like the food.
"No!" I hear you gasp!
"Is it because it's a little bit pretentious and over priced but if you were being fair you'd be forced to admit that it's actually very imaginative and interesting and People like that kind of stuff?"
Yes. Yes that's exactly it. It's just so fussy and noncy and would really make me excited if I saw it in a restaurant. But not in a pub please?
Basically, as I've said before and I shall say again, life is too short to poach quail eggs.

How ever, I shall let this flaw pass, docking but one star for the fact that one can't get a sandwich, because in every other way the place just rocks. (And the food is actually really interesting! But don't tell anyone I said that.)

I think I've covered everything. Apart from the massive rooms with pool and snooker tables (for members only. Membership is about a quid I think. And there's no need to pay in advance) front and back beer "gardens" (which shan't win awards but they are, like the rest of the pub, comfortable and quirky), and did I mention that the staff are charming? I think they also do book clubs and chess clubs and fight clubs (from which I'm now, presumably, banned), something to cater for everyone! Think of it like the Bedford but shrunk down to a sensible size, but where everything is nice rather than horrible.

*This may be an exaggeration, but not much of one...

Gigalum - nice food, great atmosphere! by LPeating

LPeating — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:27:21 +0000

Review by LPeating

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8772 0303

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

I came here last night for some dinner with a friend and thought the ambience and food were really good, we also noted how friendly the staff were. A big bonus is that its very near a tube station, literally a minute walk which was good when we stumbled out after having a few to many cocktails!
I came here last night for some dinner with a friend and thought the ambience and food were really good, we also noted how friendly the staff were. A big bonus is that its very near a tube station, literally a minute walk which was good when we stumbled out after having a few to many cocktails!

Adventure Bar & Lounge - Fun at Adventure Bar by theboytopper

theboytopper — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:50:37 +0000

Review by theboytopper

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8673 4447

Website: http://www.adventurebar.co.uk

Tags: rock, pop, cool

I discovered this insane asylum of a bar on Halloween...literally by running into the cast of The Wizard of Oz, Jesus, Gothic Fairies and any number of kittens/ghouls/ghosts...oh and I really don't want to mention Michael Jackson and Bubbles the monkey!

Adventure Bar is a cocktail bar based on the really simple concept of friendly service and good drinks, both of which it has in spades. After my original visit, I came back on a quieter night of the week and then again the next weekend.

I can't recommend this bar highly enough at any time of the week if you're looking for fun and good times...rock on with the Jager Bombs!!I discovered this insane asylum of a bar on Halloween...literally by running into the cast of The Wizard of Oz, Jesus, Gothic Fairies and any number of kittens/ghouls/ghosts...oh and I really don't want to mention Michael Jackson and Bubbles the monkey!

Adventure Bar is a cocktail bar based on the really simple concept of friendly service and good drinks, both of which it has in spades. After my original visit, I came back on a quieter night of the week and then again the next weekend.

I can't recommend this bar highly enough at any time of the week if you're looking for fun and good times...rock on with the Jager Bombs!!

Iniquity - Great Saturday by 127645

127645 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:18:21 +0000

Review by 127645

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7924 6699

Tags: relaxed, food, dj

I was in Iniquity last Saturday night after a gig at Brixton Academy, the tunes, staff and my pint was great, the cocktails look awesome as well.

i will be back next time i'm in South londonI was in Iniquity last Saturday night after a gig at Brixton Academy, the tunes, staff and my pint was great, the cocktails look awesome as well.

i will be back next time i'm in South london

Bar Social - Great fun, great crowd by raveboy

raveboy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:44:31 +0000

Review by raveboy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7223 2000

Website: http://www.barsocial.co.uk/

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

Was there last Friday and the Music was a good mix and the people were not too showy. Friendly staff (good looking as well), couldnâ¬"t have asked for a better night.Was there last Friday and the Music was a good mix and the people were not too showy. Friendly staff (good looking as well), couldnâ¬"t have asked for a better night.

Kisse Bar - by herb

herb — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:49:15 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7924 3360

Tags: bar, food, dj

what is that you look for when you go out? well good atmosphere and great place to have a drink and to meet other people. kisse bar weill give you all of it

what is that you look for when you go out? well good atmosphere and great place to have a drink and to meet other people. kisse bar weill give you all of it

Bedford - fun times by ben_e_h

ben_e_h — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:06:20 +0000

Review by ben_e_h

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8682 8959

Website: http://www.thebedford.co.uk

Tags: live music, relaxed, lively

This is a very popular place in Balham. There is a bar area downstairs and then typically a place upstairs with a few small bars and club/music area. It is often very busy and can be quite difficult to get a drink. The kind of people in their can be a bit unfriendly but generally OK. It is a good place to go if you want to stay in one place all night, from bar drinking to a bit of dancing late doors. I dont think this place is that special really but it is popular and has a busy atmosphere.This is a very popular place in Balham. There is a bar area downstairs and then typically a place upstairs with a few small bars and club/music area. It is often very busy and can be quite difficult to get a drink. The kind of people in their can be a bit unfriendly but generally OK. It is a good place to go if you want to stay in one place all night, from bar drinking to a bit of dancing late doors. I dont think this place is that special really but it is popular and has a busy atmosphere.

The Moon Under Water - Cheap and Cheerful! by loyd

loyd — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:08:04 +0000

Review by loyd

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 0535

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Tags: food, standard pub food, pub chain

Now the smoking ban has stopped visits to this Weatherspoons turning into a smoke fest, this is probably the best place to get a cheap drink in Balham.

There is a larger than average population of elderly gents who are usually keen to partake in any conversation, whilst sipping on a napkin laden pint, but they usually drift off if you bring up anything modern. The pub is good for watching bigger sporting events, and does get quite packed, especially during London derbies, where things can get a little heated.

The toilets are a little on the rough side and I have never had the privilege of walking on a dry floor in the gents.

However, cheap does mean you have to take some cuts and they do not put me off! Cheap drinks, cheap food, nice staff... winner!Now the smoking ban has stopped visits to this Weatherspoons turning into a smoke fest, this is probably the best place to get a cheap drink in Balham.

There is a larger than average population of elderly gents who are usually keen to partake in any conversation, whilst sipping on a napkin laden pint, but they usually drift off if you bring up anything modern. The pub is good for watching bigger sporting events, and does get quite packed, especially during London derbies, where things can get a little heated.

The toilets are a little on the rough side and I have never had the privilege of walking on a dry floor in the gents.

However, cheap does mean you have to take some cuts and they do not put me off! Cheap drinks, cheap food, nice staff... winner!

The Holy Drinker - Holier than thou by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:06:56 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7801 0544

Tags: friendly, cool, relaxed

As one of only a tiny handful of decent bars in the Clapham Junction area, The Holy Drinker is patronised way above its worth. That's not to say it's a bad place, it's not - good selection of beers and wines, pleasant room, friendly bar staff - but it's always just so busy it's hardly ever worth the hassle dropping in.As one of only a tiny handful of decent bars in the Clapham Junction area, The Holy Drinker is patronised way above its worth. That's not to say it's a bad place, it's not - good selection of beers and wines, pleasant room, friendly bar staff - but it's always just so busy it's hardly ever worth the hassle dropping in.

Microbar - Huge beer selection by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:04:44 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7228 5300

Website: http://www.microbar.org.uk

Tags: cool, posh, relaxed

It is justly famous for its selection of beers, which runs to the hundreds and has examples from all around the world. But rather than the "friendly" service that they have proudly stencilled on their windows from an old Timeout review, I actually find the barstaff a bit grumpy. So I don't go very often. But if you like beer, it should be on your list.It is justly famous for its selection of beers, which runs to the hundreds and has examples from all around the world. But rather than the "friendly" service that they have proudly stencilled on their windows from an old Timeout review, I actually find the barstaff a bit grumpy. So I don't go very often. But if you like beer, it should be on your list.

Pitcher & Piano - Brilliant Local by hollyberry

hollyberry — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:52:25 +0000

Review by hollyberry

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7738 9781

Website: http://www.pitcherandpiano.com

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Excellent little local. Part of a chain but feels more like an independent. Experienced manager and happy team behind the bar. Easily overlooked among the bigger pubs in Northcote Road but the only one that really appeals to grown-ups. Has a covered outside space for smokers and manages to show rugby AND football when necessary, has a good quiz one night in the week. If the brewery would only smarten it up a bit I'd give it 5 stars.Excellent little local. Part of a chain but feels more like an independent. Experienced manager and happy team behind the bar. Easily overlooked among the bigger pubs in Northcote Road but the only one that really appeals to grown-ups. Has a covered outside space for smokers and manages to show rugby AND football when necessary, has a good quiz one night in the week. If the brewery would only smarten it up a bit I'd give it 5 stars.

Blithe Spirit - OK if not outstanding by mario

mario — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:09:07 +0000

Review by mario

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8772 0082

Tags: beer garden, standard pub food, relaxed

It's a fairly nice place for a drink, but there's not really too much to distinguish it from other pubs. There are other places in Balham with far more character. Having said this, its location is convenient and I do drop in for the occasional pint after doing some shopping.. It's a fairly nice place for a drink, but there's not really too much to distinguish it from other pubs. There are other places in Balham with far more character. Having said this, its location is convenient and I do drop in for the occasional pint after doing some shopping..

Revolution Bar - A great place out! by lexie

lexie — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:15:28 +0000

Review by lexie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7738 9104

Website: http://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bars/?bar_id=180

Tags: free wifi

I went to this place on Sunday, after spending 1hr wondering around trying to find a nice place to eat I ended up here!

From the moment I walked in it felt warm and friendly, nice big open rooms with comfortable booths and smart and snazzy decor, I was already very impressed!

Next came the food, the menu was small but all the dishes sounded very nice and I was not mistaken when our food came it was just amazing, nice big portions and very impressive for a pub/bar type place.

The staff was very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to ensure we had a nice experience.

Overall I highly recommend this place, great service great food.
I went to this place on Sunday, after spending 1hr wondering around trying to find a nice place to eat I ended up here!

From the moment I walked in it felt warm and friendly, nice big open rooms with comfortable booths and smart and snazzy decor, I was already very impressed!

Next came the food, the menu was small but all the dishes sounded very nice and I was not mistaken when our food came it was just amazing, nice big portions and very impressive for a pub/bar type place.

The staff was very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to ensure we had a nice experience.

Overall I highly recommend this place, great service great food.

Amnesia Bar Lounge - by jacquiecox

jacquiecox — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:01:01 +0000

Review by jacquiecox

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7228 8775

Tags: moroccan, friendly, belly dancing

Fabulous atmosphere - lovely Moroccan-influenced interior with soft seating; lovely friendly management (and belly dancing!)Fabulous atmosphere - lovely Moroccan-influenced interior with soft seating; lovely friendly management (and belly dancing!)