Brickwood Balham

It’s a brave caff that opens up a few doors away from M1lk on Hildreth Street, a local destination that has queues out of the door every weekend. But Brickwood has a track record: the original Clapham branch also does a roaring trade. Brickwood has upped the game for Balham, with its beautifully crafted shack-like interior, extensive menu, and service from cheerful Aussies who are even chummier than the norm. Brunch is served until 3pm, with imaginative dishes such as wild mushrooms on brioche with poached egg, grated pecorino and truffle oil – for an extra £2, you can add morsels of ham hock.