BUY
Lesser known but much loved, Balham is home to conservation areas, bags of period properties and an under-the-radar venue where musical legends have played, says the branch’s Clifford Harvey.
“Balham is South West London’s rising star. It’s not as famous as its neighbours, Clapham and Battersea, but that hasn’t stopped famous people like TV presenter Susannah Reid from moving in. And who can blame them?
Beautiful Edwardian and Victorian properties line the streets – some have been split to offer more affordable apartments while others have been restored to yield fine family homes. What many Balham properties have in common is outstanding taste – the residents have a keen eye for detail and produce interiors that would grace the pages of any Livingetc magazine.
When Balham residents aren’t wielding a paintbrush, they can be found frequenting the town’s many bars and pubs. Favourites include the Foxlow restaurant and it’s speakeasy-style cocktail bar below, called The Owl; Balham Bowls Club (one of Antic Pubs’ venues) and The Bedford – a live music venue, pub, restaurant and comedy club where The Clash, U2 and a little know singer called Ed Sheeren (you may have heard of him) have taken to the stage.
Although there are too many Balham eateries to mention in one go, we have to recommend the Wicked Vegan restaurant - perfect if you’re going meat-free in 2019; Chadwicks the butchers - ideal of you’re starting the New Year on a high-protein diet, and the Blackbird Bakery – for those who’ve blown their resolutions already.”
Why not ask the rest of the Balham team for their personal favourites?
