Milk, Balham
Ed Marshall

Balham area guide

Looking for great things to do in Balham? Check out the best restaurants, bars and pubs, markets and attractions in the south London neighbourhood
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Tucked between buzzy Clapham and newly-cool Tooting, Balham is something of a south London hotspot. Though it has kept its local community feel, SW12 now offers a wide variety of restaurants, some cool cocktail bars and plenty of characterful pubs. Just off the high road, Hildreth Street is well worth a visit, especially now its age-old market is surrounded by an enviable selection of coffee shops, delis and brunch spots. Whether you’re young or slightly-less-young, there’s definitely a place for you to hang out in Balham.

RECOMMENDED: London by area

Things to do in Balham

Balham Swimming Pool
Sport and fitness

Balham Swimming Pool

High vaulted ceilings and oodles of natural light make this a pleasant place to do a few lengths. 

Restaurants in Balham

Milk
Restaurants

Milk

Never one to rest on its laurels, this hip café is still the place to be seen for breakfast or brunch in Balham. Staff are full of smiles as they serve...
The Umi
Restaurants

The Umi

  • price 2 of 4
A swish modern Japanese restaurant serving an izakaya-style menu against a backdrop of glossy woodwork, stone walls and designer light fittings. Misfires...
Gurkhas Diner
Restaurants

Gurkhas Diner

It may be billed as a ‘diner’, but this popular Nepalese spot is more serious than that. Smiling staff and folksy music create just the right...
Megan’s on the Hill
Restaurants

Megan’s on the Hill

  • price 2 of 4
South-west London is well-served by Megan’s, and the Balham branch has all the necessary neighbourhood credentials. During the day, its twee interiors...

Bars in Balham

The Exhibit
Bars and pubs

The Exhibit

Multi-purpose venue with great cocktails.
Hagen & Hyde
Bars and pubs

Hagen & Hyde

  • 3 out of 5 stars
Huge bar with roof space and garden.

Pubs in Balham

Bedford
Bars and pubs

Bedford

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 1 of 4
A busy corner pub.

The perfect weekend in Balham

Hotels in or near Balham