BALHAM BRUNCH

WHERE TO GO & WHY

Coffee in a takeaway cup

“Fancy getting brunch in Balham?” Eeek. This can mean many things. For some, it’s getting sloshed whilst eating bang-average food; for others, tucking into avo on toast with an oat milk latte in hand. I’m a little bored of both…

Fortunately, some fantastic brunch spots are cropping up that offer better versions of these worlds. I’m confident you’ll find somewhere that’ll fulfill your needs – be it sober, boozy or foodie.

Have a good one,

The London Butler signature in black

the apple blue

BRUNCH HEDONISM


As I exit Balham tube station, more often than not I smile – and that’s down to the apple blue. I have fond memories of this lil’ brunch joint. 

The space:

It’s a wee pâtisserie with a surprising amount of seating. And that’s the first point to stress: it’s a pâtisserie that does brunch – but it’s fast becoming known as a brunch spot that does all things pâtisserie. Whichever way round it is, it’s a good’un.

The menu:

If sweet’s your vibe, you’re in for a treat. We’re talking cookies, brownies (hello, Biscoff), pastries, cakes, and, well, a LOT more. The peanut butter and caramelised apples croissant, finished with popping crumble and ice cream, is everything you’re told not to eat but everything you want to eat. SO good. 

Savoury friends, I’d recommend the English Muff (careful) with spicy hash brown, maple bacon and fried egg; or the lamb shawarma (does what it says on the tin). If these aren’t taking your fancy, the breakfast croissant packs an almighty punch. 

They also do a ‘Dutch Baby & Fried Chicken’ – think a Yorkshire pudding-style pancake. We’re yet to have it but they were flying out of the kitchen, so do with that info as you will. 

A lovely lil’ spot that caters to all. It’s defo worth checking out if you’re in Balham.


The London Butler tip: They’re halal. Oh, and it’s walk-ins only. They have a 60–minute window for busy periods so do bear that in mind.


 212 Balham High Rd, SW12 9BS; the apple blue
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All images by the apple blue (our photography is bang avg!)

Balham Social

* MY PICK OF THE BUNCH *


Balham Social isn’t your typical brunch spot, and it’s all the better for it. For one, avo on toast isn’t on the menu – as nice as it can be, jeez, it’s everywhere. Secondly, this is an Indian affair – and it stands heads and shoulders above other Indian restaurants in and around Balham.

We’re here to talk brunch but I seriously advise you go for dinner – it’s one of my favourite spots in the area. Anyway, brunch: long story short, it’s bloody delightful – inventive Indian cuisine with a touch of flair.

The food:

We’re talking things like pan-seared tiger prawns, scallops and seabass; lamb boti kebabs; grilled salmon – and that’s scratching the surface. 

I went for the grilled octopus with sweet potato, asparagus and salad – if you told me I’d be having octopus for brunch, I would’ve laughed. But it was amazing. Cooked to perfection, packed with flavour and most importantly, super balanced – I know that sounds like nonsense but I mean it.

They also offer a social veggie brunch – a spin on the more traditional breakfast dish.

If you’re in the mood for booze, Balham Social offer bottomless bubbles for ~£20 p/p or a range of cocktail options. Espresso Martinis? You bet. 

Why we love it:

It’s miles away (figuratively) from your typical brunch spots, and I mean that in the best possible way. I seriously recommend choosing Balham Social for your next brunch outing.

Natas Coffee Bar

A COMMUNITY AFFAIR


Natas just does things right. 

Whilst this sounds like a load of old trite, I mean it.

You see, some brunch spots curate dishes for socials – and by that I mean the food looks great but flavours seldom compare. Nata’s goes old-school: it’s a friendly, community-focused space that focuses on your experience as a customer. The food is hearty. Each ingredient serves a purpose.

The food:

Expect brunch staples such as eggs benedict & co, smashed avo with feta on sourdough, porridge, etc. They also pride themselves on their loaded Belgian waffles… savoury your thing? Go for the fried chicken. Have a sweet tooth? You’ve got many options – think banana, strawberries and chocolate or mixed berries, coconut and maple syrup. 

All that said, my favourites lie in their Mediterranean roots. I’d suggest kicking it off with patatas bravas and following it up with one of their creamy pastel de natas – a dream light bite.


The London Butler tip: Natas is a small space and the tables are very close together. Check out the pic above and decide whether it’s enough to put you off (some hate this sort of thing).

betto

PURE FUN


betto is a portmanteau combining ‘better’ and ‘together’ – and whilst a lot of places claim to be one thing but actually do the opposite, Betto lives and breathes this mantra.

The space:

The exterior is vibrant yellow and sets the tone for everything else – it’s a welcoming, fun space that’ll make you feel like a regular despite never having visited before.

The food:

I’ve got a proper penchant for Mediterranean grub. Betto is a Mediterranean-style tapas and cocktail bar, and it delivers in bucketfuls.

Our favs from their brunch menu were the Shakshuka – packed with flavour and served with a bread basket (a place that finally gets my need to mop everything up), along with the ‘Mediterrenean Way’ (Turkish garlic sausage, halloumi, egg, borek, smashed avo, and all the good stuff).

All this said, the real fun lies in their tapas menu and bottomless option…

Every day between 12:30 and 16:30, you can choose 2 tapas items and get unlimited prosecco, cocktails or sangria for 90 minutes at ~£40. Tapas-wise, you’ve got so many choices. Some of our highlights included the calamari, borek (DELISH), stuffed peppers, patas bravas, king prawns, and asparagus. The world is your proverbial oyster. 

So if you’re on the hunt for a bottomless brunch in Balham or just a fun space to kick back with friends, Betto is the one.


The London Butler tip: They’ve got Turkish dough pancakes on the menu. A must for those in need of their next sugar hit.


 5 Fernlea Rd, SW12 9RT; betto
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All images by betto

Let us know if you visit any of these or where you prefer to go for a Balham brunch.

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And if you’re wanting more tips for the Balham area, be sure to check out our guides to Balham’s cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants.

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