The scene One wants a normal pub to drink beer out of a normal glass, the girl is sick of the shitty dives you keep dragging her to and the other drinking buddy just wants the game on. Everyone’s happy at The Regent in Balham. It may fall down for trying to please everyone, but it does a mighty fine job of it.
Arvos are special, as full-length windows pour light into its two large spaces – the first for casual dining or drinking, the other with booths, tables and TVs. Live music goes on here, too.
The grub The spring menu’s still on with classy, seasonal pub grub, such as a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with colcannon and nettle pesto (£14), tiger prawn and chorizo rigatoni (£13) or 35-day-aged rump steak (£16.95). Check out the two-for-one burgers on Wednesday or six items under £6 for beer-belly lining. All good.
Behind the bar If it’s not here you’re too picky. Lagers range from Kronenburg to Staropramen, Guinness is on tap and ales last week were Doom Bar and Bombardier. More in bottles, too. A well-picked wine list from the old and new world, with a stonking 17 of them by the glass. Cocktail drinkers aren’t left out, with the likes of pear cosmos or long island iced tea for the purists.
Bill please Pints from £3.95; wine from £3.40/ £16.50 a glass/ bottle; cocktails £7.50; mains from £11; burgers from £9.95; desserts £5.95.
Verdict A fancyish dinner, a group piss-up or the big game. All sorted. Mg
21 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JB
theregentbalham.co.uk
Tube | Balham
