If you’re thinking of moving to Balham or you've already made up your mind, then you’re in for a treat. Expect a lively, friendly culture that’s full to the brim with independent shops, foodie hotspots and a bustling nightlife. But where to visit first? DesignMyNight have put together a selection of the best places to try near your new home. Whether you’re looking for anything from boujee restaurants to creative cocktail bars, you’re in for a treat.
The Exhibit
The Exhibit is a real Balham beauty. They have a bar, restaurant, cinema and an event space which is perfect for partying. These guys always have stuff going on, whether it’s live music, DJs, quizzes, Saturday brunch, daily happy hour, films or life drawing classes. So if you’re looking for a cheeky post-work drink, fancy catching dinner and a film or want to dance the night away, The Exhibit is what you’re after. Don’t leave without taking a picture with their giant fish tank.
Address: The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG
Homes for sale near The Exhibit.
The Cyclist
Seeking out your new local bar can be tricky, but look no further. The Cyclist is modern, stylish, and it serves up some seriously delicious drinks. They’re also a fabulous spot to pop in for some seasonal small plates, Saturday brunch or a succulent Sunday roast (some say it’s the best in South West London). Head over during the warmer months to experience their street-side alfresco dining - it’s the ideal place to people watch and enjoy tasty food.
Address: 194 Balham High Road, SW12 9BP
Homes to rent near The Cyclist.
Lost And Found
Lost and Found is your new quirky home away from home. This wacky cocktail bar is more like a cosy lounge, showcasing funky floral wallpaper, tilted picture frames and vintage knick-knacks dotted about the joint. Sip on your apple and rhubarb margarita whilst catching up with friends, explore their vast range of craft beers and get stuck into a homemade sourdough pizza if you’re a little peckish. You won’t find another place like it.
Address: 10 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG
Homes for sale near Lost and Found.
The Devonshire
In the very centre of Balham, you’ll find The Devonshire - a traditional British pub that you’re set to love. The shelves are jam-packed with gin and they’ve got a whole range of seasonal dishes for you to devour. During the summer months, their beer garden transforms into a ‘Balham beach club’ where they serve up beefy delights from the famous Burger Shack, as well as many fruity cocktails. Enjoy all the benefits of going to the beach without getting sand in your shoes.
Address: 39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN
Homes to rent near The Devonshire.
Haché Balham
Are you a lover of beautifully stacked burgers? Then there’s no better place for you to visit than Haché. Their award-winning burgers will blow your mind. Their meaty menu is packed with everything you could ever want, they even do chicken and plant-based treats. For those of you with a sweet tooth, why not try their crème brȗlée or malted chocolate Biscoff milkshakes. Ensure to make plenty of room in your stomach before visiting.
Address: 37 Bedford Hill, SW12 9EY
Homes for sale near Haché Balham.
Betto: Tapas And Cocktails
With the name inspired by the phrase ‘(bet)ter (to)gether’, Betto: Tapas and Cocktails is the ultimate place to spend quality time with friends. Boasting some of the best tapas Balham has to offer - you’ll definitely want to order everything from the menu. Happy hour also runs from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays which gives you the best excuse to try their espresso martini which is supposedly one of the best in the industry - but you can be the judge of that.
Address: 5 Fernlea Road, SW12 9RT
Homes to rent near Betto: Tapas and Cocktails.
The Regent
Just because you’ve moved to Balham, it doesn’t mean you can’t drop a message in the group chat and tell everyone to get down to The Regent. It’s friendly, vibrant and serves up some delicious pub grub. If you partied a little too hard on a Friday night, then The Regent’s ‘recovery brunch’ will bring you back to life. You can even soak in the summer sun on their hidden terrace, which also has three giant screens outside to watch all the big sporting events.
Address: 21 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JB
Homes for sale near The Regent.
Brasserie Vonne
Brasserie Vonne provides some of the best Belgian cuisine London has to offer, such as juicy muscles and succulent meatballs. There’s also a full range of Belgian beer to try. These guys have brought a bit of Belgian to Balham, whilst still supporting the surrounding community. Artwork created by local artists is showcased throughout the restaurant and they also host the best of Balham’s music scene for open mic nights. Get yourself down to this European delight ASAP.
Address: 16 The Boulevard, 205 Balham High Road SW17 7BW
Homes to rent near Brasserie Vonne.
Daisy Deli
When you’re craving an all day breakfast or a sandwich so big it could put you in a food coma, then Daisy Deli is the place to go. This family-run restaurant uses organic and locally sourced food to create all of their tasty dishes. Their New-York inspired sandwiches, blackbird bakery pastries and dreamy soups will leave you wanting more. Pair you bite to eat with a hot drink, or a little tipple if you’re feeling cheeky - whose for a mid-week Aperol spritz?
Address: 57-59 Balham Hill, SW12 9DR
Homes for sale near Daisy Deli.
Want to move to Balham? Register with My Foxtons for property alerts to beat the rush. Also, if you're considering moving to or selling in the area, you can learn more about the local market in Balham and talk to our team of Balham estate agents.
Learn more about Balham's schools, amenities and properties with Foxtons Living in Balham guide.
Looking for more of the best restaurants in South London? Visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
DesignMyNight is the UK's fastest growing discovery website, with over 3.8 million monthly users. It's present in over 21 UK cities, alongside Ireland and Australia and is the number one platform for finding and booking a table at the best bars, restaurants and pubs alongside purchasing tickets to some of the biggest events, pop-ups and experiences in the business.
Any other London areas you're considering? Check them out with our DesignMyNight area guides guest written for Foxtons buyers and renters by the DesignMyNight team.
