16 Balham Hill,
Balham,
London,
SW12 9EB
(020) 8675 8613
The ViewLondon Review
One of a number of south London pubs owned by the Renaissance pub group, The Avalon has deservedly earned a reputation as a sophisticated purveyor of gastro cuisine and premium spirits.
The Venue
The Avalon stands out proudly from the comparative dreariness of its Balham Hill location, with a wide front terrace and large pillars guarding its entrance. Inside, a long, spacious bar area gives way to a large dining room in which a distinct Victorian theme is evident - oil paintings from the era decorate the walls and there's a large, aviary-style chandelier. The pub also boasts a giant beer garden, which is open from April to October (weather permitting).
The Atmosphere
The venue has no trouble attracting the numbers to justify its size. The bar crowd tend to be on the younger side, and seem unbothered by the slightly overbearing dance music. The dining room is a different affair, retaining the feel of an elegant restaurant, complete with subtle lighting and a well-mannered clientele. Service is attentive, with well-trained staff that are eager to please.
The Food
There is plenty of food on offer at The Avalon, including a bar menu which features - amongst the usual favourites like fish and chips (£11.50) - the dramatically more upmarket option of oysters (£2.50 each and £24 for a dozen).
The menu in the dining area is true gastro fair, reflected in both prices and in detailed, foodie-baiting descriptions. A starter of wood pigeon, confit leg, pickled walnuts, blackberries and radicchio (£6.75) is served rare, with the accompanying radicchio fresh, robust and a good complement to the complex flavour of the meat. Home cured trout, damson gin, pea pancake and crème fraîche (£6.50) is also good – with perfectly cooked fish nicely enriched by the creamy dressing.
A main course of braised beef osso bucco, snail bourguignon and white onion purée (£13) is rich, tender and bountiful in juiciness and full, meaty flavour. Braised lamb shank, roast garlic mash red currant and rosemary jus (£13) is equally indulgent, with the lamb served falling off the bone, and perfectly smooth and well-seasoned mash.
Desserts include a bramley apple and blackberry crumble with stem ginger ice cream (£5.50), which comes with a sweet, buttery topping that gives way to delightfully fresh, ripe fruit. Sticky toffee pudding (£5.50) also fails to disappoint, and those with a sweet tooth may want to order a lighter mains in order to truly appreciate it.
The pub also serves barbecue food to private parties, including the option for a whole hog roast (£500 to serve 50 people) or lamb (£400 to serve 30).
The Drink
The drinks selection is vast, and includes a gigantic range of nearly 100 whiskies - the list sub divided into the different regions of origin, including Isle of Islay, Highland and Speyside brands of varying ages.
There are over 20 different tequilas and rums available, as well as a staggering 50 types of liqueur. Prices average at £3.50 for a single measure, but can go up to £6 for the more exclusive, premium options. Cocktails are also on offer (priced from £6.50 to £8), and include champagne-topped concoctions.
The selection of beers and ciders includes both Doom Bar and Timothy Taylor on draught, as well as Hoegaarden and Aspall. Lagers such as Fosters and Kronenbourg are available for those who prefer a more straightforward pint - although with prices averaging at £4, this is not to say it is a cheap one.
The wine list is sizeable, and categorized according to palate. House bottles are priced at £13.90, and the Champs Du Moulin red has a good ratio of acidity to delicate, floral undertones.
The Last Word
The Avalon is definitely an asset to the area, and the effort made to uphold quality is more than evident, with nearly everything about the place grand in ambition and scale. If you have the cash, you should definitely spare the time to sample this venue’s hospitality.
The Avalon has been reviewed by 31 users