An Insider's Guide To Balham
Nestled comfortably between Clapham and Tooting is a laid-back neighbourhood called Balham. If you don’t know it too well, then you’re in for a treat! It is the centre of an urban triangle formed by Wandsworth, Clapham, and Tooting Commons. Known for its wide green open space, it has excellent transport links including overground and undergrounds, and it has some of the cheapest council tax in London. Not a bad place to purchase a home for your growing family. Put all of these added benefits aside, Balham is rich in history and has a plethora of incredible places to eat!
History of Balham
Balham was once a rather insignificant woodland area until the late 1700’s when large homes were built there. The railway station was added in 1856 as a part of the line to Crystal Palace. From there it developed on its own with the addition of a church, shops, and other businesses, and eventually a school that was opened in 1905.
The photograph above was famously taken during the Blitz in World War II when the Germans were bombing London. Balham Station was commonly used as a shelter, however when a bomb unfortunately landed in the high street and burst water and gas lines, it killed 64 people and it took them two weeks to remove the bus from the crater. You can still see a memorial in Balham Station today. It was found out later that the Germans were using Balham as a target for their entire air attack on London.
A local landmark in Balham that remained untarnished during the war was Du Cane Court, an Art Deco apartment block that was the largest privately-owned block in Europe with 677 apartments. When it opened it was famous for housing entertainers and artists along with its active social club, but during the war it was used by the civil service as a barracks. It was never bombed because the Germans had plans to utilise the building as housing for their officers if they successfully invaded England. Today, Du Cane Court is still housing London residents with its studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom flats.
Best Places in Balham
Balham has an incredible history but present day it is still making a name for itself. The area has become increasingly popular to live in, creating more local business for fantastic bars and restaurants. If you live in Balham or just want to explore a different part of London these are the places you need to try!
The Devonshire
The Devonshire is the perfect place to host a party or event, with their outdoor pub garden called the Balham Beach Club. They have an unbelievable Burger Shack menu and a classic roast on Sundays!
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The Georgian
If you’re in the mood for something different, you need to try The Georgian. It’s a fresh venue with a laid-back feel to it and an amazing staff serving up an authentic Georgian menu. You’ll also find another branch of The Georgian in Clapham.
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The Exhibit
The Exhibit has been a part of Balham’s nightlife for over 20 years. This venue has a lot to offer including cinema, karaoke, dancing, as well as a huge garden area. It also hosts a variety of events like DJ’s, quizzes, comedy shows, and cocktail masterclasses, so if you need something to do on the weekend you’ve found your spot!
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The Red Duck
This neighbourhood Chinese restaurant is a local favourite using high quality local ingredients, and trust us, you can taste the difference!
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Balham Social
Balham Social’s unbelievable food comes from Head-Chef Imran Mansuri, who has worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants throughout London. This calm café during the day transforms into a bar and restaurant in the evening serving up inspiring Indian cuisine.
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The Bedford
If there is a place in Balham you want/need to visit, it might be The Bedford. This venue has been open since 1931 but recently had a multi-million-pound renovation. It has five bars, a restaurant, ballroom, and 15 boutique bedrooms. With live music, comedy shows, and a roast on Sundays what else could you ask for?
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For more information on Balham, visit our area guide!