This tapas bar gives you not just great food or great service or a great atmosphere, but all in abundance! Originally I had planned to go with a large group and had been in contact with Philippe the chef via email discussing pre-ordering to save time while there amongst other things. He could not have been more welcoming and I was immediately at ease that this choice of eatery would be a good one. The welcome when you arrive is lovely from Manuela and the rest of the waiting staff. They are attentive and welcoming without being overpowering. Then the food came out.....wow! We'd ordered nearly two thirds of the menu and it was all brought out looking amazing and smelling even better. The food tasted fresh and delicious - and far from being the chatting social meal I thought it would be, we were face down fighting over the array of different dishes coming out of the kitchen. I recommend everything - honestly. Hours of discussions could not tie us down to our favourites. The appearance of Philippe from the kitchen at the end of the meal was great - it was lovely to commend him in person. I'd go back to this restaurant tomorrow and I 100% recommend everyone else tries it too

I celebrated my 30th birthday at Lounge. They were able to accommodate my party of 40 by letting us have the whole top floor. I've been here before for parties and so had no hestitation booking it for my birthday as I knew how wonderful the service was. Philippe and Manuela, the lovely owners are so welcoming and hospitable. You can tell they genuinely enjoy what they do and they are very relaxed and friendly, while doing a great job of serving up delicous food for a large group very efficiently. They do set menus, so you can avoid the painful bill splitting at the end as well. Would definitely recommend. Great taste of Spain in Balham

I may have found my new favourite place to eat in London. The Lounge has a rich and varied menu that makes you want to order e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g on it. There's a calm and intimate atmosphere with wonderful service from genuinely lovely people. I felt very much at home. The food is absolutely to die for. The Lounge scores top marks on all counts. But especially the food. The only down point of the evening was when I had to stop eating as there were so many more delicious sounding dishes to try. For that reason I'll be back. And back. And back.

Our wedding party at the Balham Lounge could not have been better. The organisation was excellent, the service was wonderful and the food, as ever, was delicious. It was great that we could customise the menu for our party of 35 people, and Philippe was really helpful and flexible regarding the table arrangements and seating plan. Manuela was the perfect host and made sure everyone received a glass of champagne on arrival (which was great because we ended up arriving a little late!).

A big heartfelt thank you to all the staff at the Balham Lounge.

Dan and Christine

Delicious, fresh tapas made and served by the owners in a friendly neighbourhood restaurant. I have brought friends, family, colleagues and clients to The Lounge to rave reviews. It’s still my favourite venue for a meal for two – outstanding. -FD

I think the problem with some reviewers is that they have never been to Spain! Going to the Lounge is like being in a tapas bar/restaurant in Sevilla or Madrid. It is homely with a huge welcome and great food well presented.

Absolutely terrible tapas, tiny portions, over-cooked and poor quality meat, my lamb chops....well mutton dressed as lamb, the garlic prawns were tiny and rubbery. Oh and the beer was warm.

Quality Spanish food - gorgeous interiors and pleasant service. I'd recommend this to those south of the river.