The ViewLondon Review
Sleek and very friendly, Adventure Bar and Lounge Balham breathes some much-needed life into Balham’s party scene.The VenueThis really nice cocktail bar looks cool without being pretentious. Decorative highlights include the black-on-black floral wallpaper, red lights scattered all around, photos of cocktails and a brick wall feature. It’s furnished effectively with high tables and stools. Adventure Bar and Lounge Balham definitely looks attractive but it has nothing of the daunting glamour of expensive Central London cocktail bars.
The AtmosphereAdventure Bar and Lounge Balham is a winner in atmosphere, too, with an extremely friendly and welcoming staff. This bar definitely succeeds at being small, young and very vibrant. The loud party music (think Abba and Calvin Harris) is very enjoyable and the crowd of twenty-to-thirtysomethings seem to have a great time. This is the kind of place that will cheer you up even when you’re in the blackest of moods.
The DrinkThe cocktail menu at Adventure Bar and Lounge Balham is fun and well priced, especially for the Champagne-based drinks, which are only £6.50. Within this group, where classics mingle with new concoctions, try the Porn Star (vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree and liqueur, vanilla sugar and a shot of Prosecco on the side). The list continues with martini-style, fruit and Adventure-own cocktails (all £5.80). Highly recommended are the Japanese Slipper (lemon and lime, Cointreau and Midori), sweet Uncle Vanya (vodka, creme de mure and sours), Surfer’s Paradise (coconut, mango and passion fruit purees, pineapple juice and Havan Club) or the sunny June Bug (Midori, Malibu, banana liqueur, sours and pineapple juice). With over forty cocktails, you have plenty of options but if you are looking for something shorter, you can order a shooter (£4). The ever popular Jager Bomb (Jagermister and Red Bull) may be a favourite but the Liquid Bubblegum (blue curacao, Baileys and banana liqueur) and the Springbok (creme de menthe and Baileys) are far more attractive.
The drink list is finished off by Champagne (£30-£95) and a dozen bottles of wine: cheap at £13.50 per bottle. The selection is pretty good due to an unusual selection of whites and reds, such as the Marques De La Villa Malvasia Blanco or the Sanvigilio Merlot.
The Last WordAdventure Bar and Lounge Balham is definitely one of the best venues to spring to life in Balham and it is excellent for a vibrant and friendly night out.
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