Balham Area Guide
Balham is now one of the most popular residential neighbourhoods for young professionals and young families. The area is quieter than neighbouring areas such as Clapham and Brixton and is known and loved for its green and village feel. The area is very relaxing and is perfect for those who are looking for a less hectic lifestyle. Locals are well served by fantastic transportation links such as Balham underground station (zone 3), railway stations and a range of bus links, making commuting into the City extremely easy.
Eating and Drinking
Balham offers a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars. Locals like to spend their evenings relaxing and enjoying live music and comedy which can be found at the Bedford pub and every year hosts Balham’s Comedy Festival which is a week full of exciting comedy event. The Exhibit is one of Balham’s most loved venues and offers an American diner, cinema, gallery and bar. If you’re looking for a child friendly coffee shop, you must visit Bertie and Boo. This quirky, fun and family-friendly restaurant serves great food perfect for all ages. With an adjoining magical play room, it is the perfect place for children to have fun and adults to kick their feet up a little. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy those warm summer evenings, then the Devonshire pub has everything covered. With a recent refurbishment, the pub offers a splendid outdoor beer garden and barbeque area to socialise and relax.
Architecture
The arrival of the railway in 1856 developed the area which was just a small hamlet of country houses to what it is known today. Most of the developments seen today are a result of Alfred Heaver, a man who began building family homes in the late 1880’s and built a path which stretched from Bedford Hill to Tooting Bec, now known as the Heaver Estate, this is a conservation area which remains popular amongst families.
Du Cane Court, was developed in the mid 1930s and is a wonderful Art Deco monument. Once the largest, privately owned block of flats in Europe. Balham is also home to some beautiful Victorian and Edwardian period homes, conversion properties and mansion blocks which were built to house the increasing population.
Transportation
Rail: Balham rail station provides locals with regular connections to London Victoria, Caterham and Epsom. The station is only a couple of stops away from Clapham Junction station and provides an array of connections to other parts of the country.
Tube: The northern line serves the Balham area (Zone 3) providing access into the City and West End in just 20 minutes.
Bus: There are a number of bus links that serve the area:
155 to Elephant and Castle
249 to Clapham Common
355 to Brixton
315 to Norwood
A word from Patrick: Balham is home to a wide mixture of demographics, from those who are just starting out their careers and would like to take advantage of the fantastic transport network to the established families with children who study in the local fantastic schools.
My favourite part of Balham is being sandwiched between three fantastic commons namely Wandsworth, Clapham and Tooting Bec.