The Bedford Pub, Balham celebrates 20 years in business

BY PALOMA LACY

The Bedford pub in Balham is a South London institution and it celebrates 20 years in business this month.

In 2001, it was a pub famed as a Friday night drinking spot, with legendary comedy sets at Banana Cabaret, housed on the upper floor.

Fast forward two decades and both things are still true but the place has more of a family feel about it, probably something to do with the dining room and fancy cocktail bar adjacent to the saloon bar.

There are also hotel rooms above for visiting out of towners.

Last weekend, my family and I dined from the three courses for £20 menu – a quirky nod to the pub’s emerald anniversary.

It must be the most unrivalled set menu in South London in terms of sheer value for money.

Packed full of solid choices, the most adventurous of our party was our daughter, who plumped for Arancini to start but was put off by the inclusion of truffle.

I was gutted to discover no Steamed Cider Mussels on the menu, as it’s not included in the Sunday menu. Calamari made it through into the second place selection.

Chorizo Scotch Egg was gratefully received by others on our table, with mustard mayonnaise remarked upon by the adults.

Despite the boiling hot weather, Roast Beef with all the trimmings seemed the most sensible way to test the menu.

It was a good 8/10 and huge so no starter needed but it seemed rude not to, given the price of the set menu.

Little one removed her adventurer’s hat and dipped into the kids’ menu.

I was disappointed but the tummy, quite like the heart, wants what it wants.

On this occasion, the yearning was for Chicken Nugget and Chips, and I felt sure it would be more home-made goujons.

I was right and a taste confirmed the high quality and all round deliciousness.

For the next three months, there will be drinks specials, turning the clock back.

Enjoy beer for £2.80 a pint, house wine and Prosecco for under £3, a house spirit and mixer for £3.40, and selected cocktails for just £5 each.

The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD.

 

 

Picture: Great food and drinks (Bloody Mary) at The Bedford. Pictures: The Bedford