Head north from Balham station or south from Clapham South and you’ll pass a few pubs, including this huge Young’s operation. Wicker furniture on the terrace (weather permitting) is a nice touch; inside, the open-plan front area, kitted out with contemporary sofas and banquettes, feels both lived-in and looked after, a world away from some of the more workaday pubs owned and operated by the same brewery across the city.
A dividing wall covered in memorabilia – a Clash gig ticket from the ‘16 Tons’ tour, images of a life lived in and around music and pubs – sections off a dining area with a tasteful mural running around it. The wine list is long for a Young’s pub, with more than three dozen varieties; burgers and salads are joined on the food menu by sharing platters.
The star attraction in summer is the yard at the back, which they call a 'garden' but is in fact an outdoor dining area with a very busy barbecue station. This is in operation from 6-10pm Mon-Fri, and 1-10pm Sat, Sun. The garden itself is open noon-11pm daily.