Bars & Pubs

This vast Balham institution attracts a diverse crowd, in part due to Banana Cabaret, comedy nights held in the lofty, lordly Globe Theatre for more than 20 years. The gaping main room of the pub itself is soulless when empty (which it rarely is). There are plenty of other spaces to explore, including an intimate, canopy-covered back yard and three further bars. To drink, there's a good range on tap - four ales and San Miguel among the lagers - plus seven of each colour wine by the glass; to eat, there's upmarket pub grub and light bites.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9