Balham Bowls Club

Should be four stars...

15 Jul 08, 17:21 Below expectations

I really like this place, with its retro decor and tasty (if slightly expensive) tapas, but I haven't been there recently because of the horrible smell of burning chip-fat which pervades the whole place and makes your clothes and hair stink. This isn't something we've really had to worry about much since the smoking ban, so maybe I just notice it more now, but it seems to have got worse recently, which is a real shame.

If they would sort out the ventilation in the kitchen I'd give it at least two more stars, because everything else they've got absolutely right.

Tapas bowled me over

13 Apr 08, 17:08 Above expectations

This is possibly one of Balham's coolest bars.

The tapas is both excellent in quality and value. The duck rolls in particular are pretty good.

The main reason for coming here is the decor. The place was an old bowls club and most of the original features are still there. Think oak panelling and wonky furniture.

It gets quite lively at weekends but is also a sedate enough for a few quiet drinks mid week.

Throwback to a bygone era

31 Mar 08, 17:21 Above expectations

Seems to have been mothballed some time in 1967 - and only reopened very recently.

Decent selection of lager, lovely place for an afternoon pint and a marvel at the bizarre decor. Slightly pricey for what should be a working men's club..

Yes, the green out back could be better, but on the upside, they have opened the snooker room now & have 2 tables.

A bit different

29 Jul 07, 14:09 Above expectations

This place serves decent lagers in a mocked up bowling club.

Before it became BBC, the building was a disused bowling club. Now they've done it up with features salvaged from a bowling club.

There's a good choice of continental lagers available, and you can also order food. The atmosphere is pretty laid back and its never been too busy when I've been in.

My only disappointment is the outdoors drinking - I'd hoped for a pristine bowling green, but the beer garden is rather shabby.

Different

20 Jul 07, 12:52 Above expectations

It smells of chips and the beer is too expensive but I still find myself coming back time and again. Maybe it's the friendly bar staff (the tall chap who looks like Louie Theroux is particularly nice) or perhaps the interesting selection of lagers. Maybe it's just the fact that most of the other places in Balham are either shit or stuck up. Or both.

Whatever the reason, I go to the BBC more than anywhere else in the locality and always have a great time. If that isn't worth 4 stars then I don't know what is.

Just remember to wash your clothes afterwards or you'll end up smelling like Harry Ramden.