If you’re in the mood for a party and fancy drinking cheap, quality cocktails made by smooth talking bar staff then Be at One Balham is a great choice – just be prepared to leave on wobbly legs!

The Venue
A stone’s throw from Balham station, you’ll know you’re headed towards Be at One Balham thanks to the hoards of people standing outside huddled around the cosy patio heaters.

Inside, the bar is small but perfectly formed. Low lighting and flickering candles make you think this is a low-key, quiet venue, but looks can be deceiving. The bar is the focal point and the energy from the staff behind it radiates around the venue. The high, bar-side stools allow you to chat to the bar staff whilst enjoying a drink. At the back there are comfy leather sofas and little polished tables if you want to settle in for the evening.

The Atmosphere
If you were hoping to have a quiet drink at Be at One Balham after work then think again as this is a party bar. Cheesy classic sing-along songs and the fun-loving vibe of the bar staff make it an incredibly laid back experience. The staff like to chat to all the punters and have a knack of making everyone laugh. Almost without fail you’ll have a highly amusing if not alcoholic night. The staff act with immense professionalism but do know how to have a laugh. Greeting regulars warmly and new customers in a friendly manner, they know how to keep their customers happy. They even do shots with the whole bar joining in!

Typically, the clientele here range from their early twenties to forties and are out for a fun night out with mates and some decent cocktails that won’t break the bank.

The Drink
With a selection of over 180 cocktails, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Starting at £6.50 for the classics, £7 for Champagne cocktails and £4.50 for shooters, they’re easily affordable particularly with their amazing BOGOF deals during their daily Happy Hour. The cocktail menu is easy to navigate with different sections including Fresh Fruit, Champagne, Classics, Rum, Whiskey, Tequila, Bartender’s Favourites, Gin, Vodka, Shooters, Ice Cream and Non-Alcoholic. If you’re still overwhelmed by the huge menu, the bartenders are on hand to help. They ask you what flavours and spirits you enjoy, and with that they devise a cocktail that completely suits your requests.

Highly recommended is the Mango Collins (£6.50). Crammed full of mango, all you can taste is the richness of the fruit and, for a minute, you’ll forget that it’s an alcoholic cocktail. For shooters, be sure to try the Bubble Gum with Stolichnaya shaken with banana liqueur, orange juice and grenadine. It comes in a large shot glass so may take a couple of gulps before it’s all gone, but nevertheless it tastes exactly like bubble gum.

There is the option of bottled beer here but as the cocktail deals are so good, the vast majority opts for that - except a few lads who strongly clasp their beer bottles.

The Last Word
Be at One is a fantastic chain that has seen roaring successes across all of its venues. Although the cocktails are the main feature of this bar, it’s the bar staff who make this place what it is and punters come back time and again to experience the atmosphere.

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