{"id":845,"date":"2018-08-31T13:36:19","date_gmt":"2018-08-31T13:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.idealflatmate.co.uk\/flatmate-HQ\/?p=845"},"modified":"2019-04-01T13:22:00","modified_gmt":"2019-04-01T13:22:00","slug":"area-guide-to-balham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/flatmate-HQ\/area-guide-to-balham\/","title":{"rendered":"Area Guide to Balham"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s plenty to do here.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>Coffee<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-846\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1078\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee.jpg 1080w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee-150x150.jpg 150w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee-300x300.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee-768x767.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee-1024x1022.jpg 1024w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/milkcoffee-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Good coffee, good food and good wine is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.milk.london\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Milk<\/a>\u2019s motto. And we love that. Milk is one of those gems you find, but realise that you\u2019re not alone when you see the breakfast queue. They\u2019ve got it going on, have Milk &#8211; they\u2019re laid back with an old-school vibe and are just totally cool to be around, for a coffee or three.<br \/>\nAlso try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escapethedailygrind.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Escape The Daily Grind<\/a> because their passion is high quality coffee and delicious handmade cakes, and they don\u2019t lie.<\/p>\n<h2>Brunch<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-847\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus.jpg\" alt=\"Area guide to Balham\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus.jpg 1080w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus-150x150.jpg 150w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus-300x300.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus-768x768.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/brother-marcus-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a strong Brooklyn style vibe at <a href=\"http:\/\/brothermarcus.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brother Marcus<\/a>, with their hipster brunch, strong coffee and cocktail bar &#8211; and it\u2019s the perfect spot to mingle with your BFF. Even those vegan friends, because that\u2019s the beauty about Brother Marcus &#8211; they\u2019ve also got vegans and veggies at the front of their minds. Basically, go here and you will not be disappointed.<br \/>\nAlso try <a href=\"http:\/\/flotsamandjetsamcafe.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flotsam &amp; Jetsam<\/a> for their ever-changing menu<\/p>\n<h2>Dinner<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-848\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger.jpg\" alt=\"Area guide to Balham\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger.jpg 1080w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger-150x150.jpg 150w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger-300x300.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger-768x768.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/dirty-burger-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Ain\u2019t no burger like a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eatdirtyburger.com\/balham\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dirty Burger<\/a> &#8211; that\u2019s what we say, right? Dirty Burger serves sinful burgers with crinkle cut and onion fries which already has us drooling before we\u2019ve been stepped in the door. And Bird fans are in luck too, because there\u2019s a Chicken Shop under the same roof. Does it get any better than this? We don\u2019t think so.<br \/>\nAlso try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arlos.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arlo&#8217;s<\/a>, because they are serious about their steak.<\/p>\n<h2>Pub<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-849\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent.jpg\" alt=\"Area guide to Balham\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent.jpg 1080w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent-150x150.jpg 150w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent-300x300.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent-768x768.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/the-regent-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s nothing quite like a pub that offers that cosy neighbourhood vibe &#8211; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theregentbalham.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Regent<\/a> 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.<br \/>\nAlso try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devonshirebalham.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Devonshire<\/a> for ultimate pub comfort.<\/p>\n<h2>Drinks<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-850\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club.jpg 1080w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club-150x150.jpg 150w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club-300x300.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club-768x768.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/balham-bowls-club-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The place to be for drinks is <a href=\"https:\/\/balhambowlsclub.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Balham Bowls Club<\/a>. And no, it\u2019s not a bowls club. Although the interior is just as you\u2019d imagine it, with upholstered armchairs, mirrors, scoreboards and wonky lampshades. And yes, it\u2019s just as glorious as it sounds. BBC (as it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h2>Walk<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-853\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham.jpg\" alt=\"Area Guide to Balham\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham.jpg 1080w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham-150x150.jpg 150w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham-300x300.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham-768x768.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/area-guide-to-balham-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you can prise yourself away from the endless brunch, lunch and pub jaunts in Balham, then we\u2019d suggest heading to some of the green space that surrounds the area. You\u2019ve 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\u2019s largest open spaces, Clapham Common. Then wander back down towards the local pubs, because they\u2019re hard to walk by without popping in.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve given you the scoop and the lowdown \u2013 think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.idealflatmate.co.uk\/spare-room\/london\/south\/balham\/rooms\">rooms for rent in Balham<\/a> to find your next home in the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.idealflatmate.co.uk\/search?utm_campaign=blog-flatmate&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_source=idf-website\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1093\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter.jpg 1200w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter-300x58.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter-768x148.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter-1024x198.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s plenty to do here. Take Hildreth Street, an age-old market, that has such &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/area-guide-to-balham\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Area Guide to Balham&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/845"}],"collection":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=845"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/845\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1735,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/845\/revisions\/1735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}