You know the café in Balham, Brother Marcus, another great choice for anyone living south and looking for his or her Sunday morning avocado fix. The lads at Brother Marcus are currently holding their own, with the likes of Brickwood and MUD in Tooting and they’ve just gone and taken things one step further by introducing an evening menu including beer, wine, cocktails and loaded buns. Yes, the hungry people of Balham can now get their hands on these big boy sandwiches every Wednesday to Saturday from 18.00, which was the perfect mouthwatering time for a neighbourhood beer and feed when I checked them out.
Loaded buns
We were excitedly greeted and taken straight through the café and out to the back garden which felt like we’ve just popped into a mates house for the evening. “Can I get you guys some beers?” This coming from the place where the only decision I usually make is if I want avocado or spinach with my eggs. “Yes! Beers please”. They’ve already won us over with the decent tunes, beers and large communal tables and a real neighbourhood feel with plenty of people enjoying the food, drinks and decent weather.
They haven’t tried to over do it with their evening menu here, just the four loaded buns to choose from. I went with the Salty Wench (14 hour braised salt beef, two fried eggs, shredded potato crisps and gherkins with a smoky paprika sauce), while my meat-loving companion ordered the Notorious P.I.G (slow roast spiced pulled pork, crunchy apple and rocket salad, lime yoghurt, crispy corn and a dirty Mexican sauce). The beautifully toasted focaccia buns struggle to hold in the deliciousness in both our hands as we give the standard ‘Oh yeah!’ nod to one another and dive in for another huge bite. The less is more feel, transfers over to the side options also and while the rainbow ‘slaw isn’t going to win too many awards anytime soon, the sweet potato chips with aioli do the trick to complete the meal.
After struggling to polish off the mammoth sandwich, I declined the dessert, but soon wish I hadn’t. The girls next to us did, it was just like it would have been at mum’s house, served straight from the fridge in a casserole type dish and slammed down on the plate in front. A great excuse for me to return soon.
The espresso martini to finish the night was fitting and we headed out very satisfied. Brother Marcus, we thank you. The chilled vibe they’ve created, great tunes, solid food and that small neighbourhood feel, that is hard to find will have people remembering the name. Alex and his partners in crime have got it right with their coffees; brunches, shakes and juices and now they have given us a new reason to go back again and again.
Need to Know:
Brother Marcus
9 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JA
Tube: Balham
