The 9 best bars in Balham

Treat your senses to the flavours and aroma of the authentic Thai cuisine as you step into one of Balham’s most popular bars – Firefly Bar and Thai Kitchen.

The perfect spot for your classic bar environment, Firefly Bar and Thai Kitchen is a bar suited to all seasons. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, choose between enjoying the sun outside or catching the match on the big screen indoors.

Set up in 2004, this Balham bar offers 17 local and imported beer on tap and classic cocktail options. Immerse yourself in relaxing Thai music and try a Thai dish (or two) from Firefly’s menu.

Arguably one of the most fun bars in Balham, Lost & Found Bar has everything you need for a great night out. Get lost in the funky music and admire the kitschy floral wallpaper, quirky photo frames and vintage bits (but not for too long, there are drinks to be had).

Known for its creative cocktails, Lost And Found Bar know a thing or two when it comes to drinks. Whether you’re going for the exclusive apple and rhubarb margarita or just sipping on their classic beer, Lost & Found has a proven track record of keeping the art of mixology creative and fun.

If you’re up for belting out Whitney or Aerosmith and want to rent out the karaoke room for private hire, do pop in for a query.

An independent neighbourhood bar, cinema, restaurant and event spot, the Exhibit has been a stalwart in Balham for the last twenty years.

Spread across three floors, and with some of the best entertainment, delicious food and drinks, the Exhibit is essentially the soul of Balham.

Offering a daily happy hour, amazing Saturday brunch parties, bottomless brunch, films, pizza, cocktails, DJs, The Exhibit is known for their top class service and good vibes (plus there’s an amazing fish tank to gawk at while you sip on your favourite drink there). The Exhibit offers its gallery, garden, studio, balcony, mezzanine, cinema and karaoke room for private hire so drop them a line if a celebration is on the horizon.

An intimate independent cocktail bar, Voodoo Bar will definitely pull you in a trance with its cool drinks and mouth-watering menu.

Be sure to take advantage of Voodoo’s happy hours (that’s Monday to Thursday from 5 to 7 pm) and get 2 of the same cocktails for £10. The Voodoo Bar is also known for its famous Prosecco Mondays where a glass of Prosecco is only £3 and Gin Thursdays where you can sip on two glasses of your favourite gin and tonic for just £10. Yes, really.

With a private hire option available, be sure to check this venue out for your nights out (their karaoke rooms are top-notch).

With a 72-hour slow-fermented pizza dough base, authentic wood-fired oven, timber interiors, and cosy outdoor seating, The Honest Italian is every pizza lover’s dream come true. While we agree that it’s definitely one of the best pizza spots in London, don’t miss out on their bar.

Aside from classics like margarita pizza, lasagne and garlic bread, The Honest Italian have a pretty good selection of drinks. Choose from wines (red or white), spirits, ciders, beers, and liqueurs, that’ll go down nicely with a slice.

Come down to Balham High Road and experience the flavours of Italy for yourself. We’re sure you’ll love it, honestly.

Taking its name from Better Together, Betto has come to be known as the best tapas and cocktail bar in Balham.

With banquet-style tables, fun art and inspirational neon signs (look out for “we are all better together”), the bar’s interiors feel just as sunny as the outside. Boasting a tapas-style menu that’s inspired by Mediterranean culture, Betto is all about sharing and community.

Betto host Happy Hours from Monday to Friday between 4 to 7 pm, and they’re serving up refreshing signature drinks like 'Better Together', 'Naked Mermaid' and 'Pear Me Up'.

Open seven days a week, this Balham bar also offers full venue hire and is one of Balham’s most pet-friendly bars. Just look for the yellow building.

A gorgeously intimate wine bar, Heidi is only a short walk from Balham Station. It's the perfect place for a date, celebration, or evening cocktail, thanks to the exposed brick, gentle lighting and cosy atmosphere.

Sip on a glass of Malbec as you help yourself to Heidi’s small plate bites like cheese bites and prawns. With an extensive list of beer and cocktails, this Balham bar is not only famous for its wide range of drinks but also for its world-class service.

Open 7 days a week (with Monday being open only for private hire), Heidi is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine. While you’re at it, why not try their Prosecco gun, which is reason enough to visit.

The Devonshire welcomes guests from all over the country to sample the best seasonal food, the extensive gin shelves, and cocktails straight from their kitchen and bar. Situated in the heart of Balham (in between Balham and Clapham South tube stations), The Devonshire is known for its menu of delicious dishes that are perfect for any time of the day.

Now onto the drinks. Expect fresh, fruity and refreshing cocktails to keep you cool in your sun-soaked beach hut-themed cubicle.

The Devonshire's garden has been transformed into one of the hottest seasonal attractions in South West London. The "Balham Beach Club," complete with the tastiest burgers from the renowned Burger Shack, keeps the drinks flowing drinks all day and night.

A modern British bar nestled right in the heart of Balham, The Cyclist is just as good at seasonal dishes as they are with creating classic sharing dishes.

Stop by for a Saturday brunch as this Balham bar has craft beer, creative cocktails, small-batch gin, wine and bubbly for days. An ideal spot for a quick bite or a round of drinks, The Cyclist’s street-side terrace is made for al fresco drinking and dining in the summer.

The Cyclist really is one of Balham’s most sought after bars, and with a lovely atmosphere, chill vibe and amazing service, it’s obvious why. They’re open seven days a week, so why not go and see for yourself?