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Avalon

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16 Balham Hill, SW12 9EB Full details & map

Gastropub: Modern European

Prawns grilled to perfection - Jonathan Perugia

Time Out says Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 31 2011

Setting a standard for gentrified good looks, the Avalon is a grown-up pub and dining room that has become a firm local favourite. The restaurant's walls are lined with milky-white tiles and vintage sepia prints for a classic period look, while the more informal main boozer boasts a huge Greco-Roman-style mural, comfy vintage sofas and a sweeping wooden bar. Best of all for summer, there's a peaceful decked rear garden - complete with mature trees and a four-tiered fountain.

The cooking, sadly, doesn't quite live up to the rarefied setting. Gastropub favourites are generously portioned, yet ours lacked finesse, with risotto primavera on the starchy side and a well-cooked steak let down by its watery béarnaise sauce. Better to play safe with a simple burger or the pie of the day, and a drink from the bar (there's Landlord on tap, plus a great range of spirits).

Service, likewise, is a little amateurish, with condiments forgotten and empty glasses unnoticed. Not that such shortcomings make one jot of difference - the Avalon has been playing to packed houses since opening, with Balham and Clapham's middle classes flocking here, particularly on Sundays when a traditional roast is the draw.

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Tags: European, Modern European, Families & kids, Outdoor : Drinking, Outdoor : Dining, Something different, Speciality beers, Wow factor, South, Balham, Mid-range, Pub, Restaurant, Gastropub

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Avalon details

Address

Avalon

16 Balham Hill SW12 9EB

Transport Clapham South tube

Telephone

020 8675 8613

Avalon website

Open noon-11pm Mon-Wed; noon-midnight Thur; noon-1am Fri, Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun. Lunch served noon-3.30pm Mon-Fri; noon-4pm Sat. Dinner served 6-10.30pm Mon-Sat. Meals served noon-9pm Sun

Main courses £9.50-£21

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Tables outdoors ( 22, garden; 10, pavement; 10 courtyard ), Babies and children welcome ( children's menu; crayons; high chairs; nappy-changing facilities ), Booking advisable ( weekends ), Separate room for parties ( seats 20 ), Disabled ( toilet )