The Avalon's south-facing terraced garden is a much needed oasis in the heart of Balham. Set over three levels, there's plenty of space, lots of greenery and even a Roman-styled tiered fountain. From Thursday to Sunday there's a delicious Meditteranean grill.
Look out folks, there's a hot new grill on the block. The lovely, newly landscaped garden at the back of The Avalon has it's own, dedicated 'garden menu' served 6-9pm Saturday and Sunday from a spanking-new, stainless steel barbeque. This includes a piping hot skewer of lamb souvlaki served on a round pitta bread with a greek-styled salad and bowl of tzatziki; the meat was nicely charred. The bap filled with shoulder of Middle White pork was also sensational. The salads being devoured at the next table almost had us ready to renounce the flesh; both the tabbouleh version and the Caesar looked great. Simpler snacks include chips (from the indoor kitchen), half pint of prawns and of course, ice cream - Jude's, in this case. Outside the weekend rush hours, the regular bar menu is served from the indoor kitchen. Table service makes it a very civilised affair, this is more of a jug-of-Pimm's joint than a packet-of-crisps-and-lager place.
A welcome recent addition to the South London drinking/dining scene, with a big glossy beer garden and other terraces to boot. Food is good too - there's a rotisserie and a grill with changing offerings, from mergueuz hot dog to whole seabass with a lime salad. An ideal spot in which to catch a tan, eat good food and - of course - be merry.
Enjoy rotisserie piglet and apple sauce in a bap at this newly landscaped sanctuary in Clapham. With table top parasols, a staoine fountain, ornate jardinieres (that's posh plant pots to you and me) and tumbling pansies, the pub's outside sapace looks like a scaled-down version of the garden's at Versailles. there are plenty of different seating areas, including some beautiful arm chairs in a secluded spot by the fountain - perfect for a secret rendezvous.
Like the front terrace? You've seen nothing yet. How about the pretty side garden? Just wait. Through the back is not just the best pub garden in Balham, but one of the best in London.
It was recently landscaped and now has raised beds, three levels of decking, sturdy wooden furniture, patio heaters, mercifully unbranded sun umbrellas and even a Roman-style tiered fountain at the very back. It's surrounded and partially covered by mature trees, adding to the bucolic feel.
Table service should ensure there's no need to traipse back inside to the bar to get a drink. Beers include the excellent Wandle from the new Sambrook's Brewery in Battersea, Timothy Taylor Landlord or Sharp's Doom Bar. A blackboard advertises several appealing items from the barbeque too.
Fancy retreating to a secluded garden for a tasty bite and respite? head to The Avalon's newly opened sanctuary. With it's refined styling, large parasols, pretty hanging plants and water feature, this certainly isn't your average pub garden. Friendly staff served us delicate tuna carpaccio with a fennel and white radish salad followed by spatchcock poussin with aioli and a choclate and beetroot muffin with hot fudge sauce. Perfection.
Avalon is about 13 types of wow.
For starters, the proof is indicated by the alfresco indulgence: a quiet side garden for confab bitching; a slate-under-foot front garden for smoking demonstrations; and a rear garden fitted with outdoor kitchen, fountain feature and an entire Homebase worth of paraphernalia.
Internally, they’ve proven time travel. If you’re looking to get into Victorian dining, ladies and gentleboys, then the back room’s transformation from grubby holding pen for football fans shouting at an inert TV into a 19th century brasserie will excite you more than hearing your firstborn’s first words. The shiny butcher-white tiles are a dead giveaway. Set amongst them are newspaper drawings from the era that depict the science of butterflies, pugilists getting down to business and soldiers messing about with their canons. Hanging from the natural skylights high above the diners are two billowing sails of copper and steel; odd yet eye-catching chandeliers. And of course, the menu’s Art Nouveau font makes no attempt to hide its provenance and its content proudly parades antiquated words such as oxtail, pigeon faggots, and Spatchcock poussin.
The Sudoku challenge of deciding what wine, starter and main to add to one another will take you an age, so as a general guide avoid the steaks and roasts as there’s are better fish to fry. Like Mr Monkfish, for example, who is bigger and juicier than any Giant Peach that James might have. Mr Monkfish arrives with a dash of rogue buffalo mozzarella, yet still commands the plate magnificently. Similarly, the guinea fowl is accompanied by the rather fetching rosti; but the latter only serves to compliment the star breast, not usurp it.
The starters are spruced up in fine fettle. In fact one of them IS fine fettle, from Yorkshire no less (??). Alternatively, surprise yourself with the ham hock and pig’s trotter croquettes - yes, croquettes - like meaty terrine that’s been crisping in the sun.
As for desserts; cheeseboard, on y’bike. The desserts generally exude seduction thanks to a good number of ‘clotted’, ‘rum toasted’, and ‘glazed’ scattered amongst the menu and they’re all opulently presented; especially the chocolate & beetroot muffin which comes with sparkles and looks, for all the world, like a piece of brown Kryptonite. However, ignore them all and dive right into the summer pudding. This is the Tarantino of desserts. Delivered on a pristine white plate, this is fruit which has been murdered, but in a good way. Now, without sounding fruitist, fruit death is definitely warranted in circumstances like these. The blood red ooze may look like a crime scene, but unlike the other calorific counters, it certainly wont kill you.
As for the negative comments about the food that have previously appeared - if they pre-date April 2009 they can very much be ignored. A new Sheriff (or chef for short) is in town and things are gonna be might different ‘round here from now on.
So save for the miniscule hinderances - the omission of English wine and the unfortunate view of the King of Burgers over the road - Avalon is an out-and-out 9er. As destinations go, this is England.
One of London's top 10 gastropubs.
Avalon: a blessed utopia of Arthurian legend, where delicious food is abundant and everyone lives to 100. No pressure, then, for this new gastropub in Balham.
The legend is hinted at in the classical mural that runs the length of two walls in the front bar, one of a few eye-catching features enhancing the usual dark-wood gastro aesthetic. Aproned bartenders serve house ale Timothy Taylor, 20-odd wines by the glass, plus classic cocktails and pie-like snacks.
In the dining room to the rear, a comprehensive, modern British menu is on offer. Executive chef Massimo Tebaldi was once of Clerkenwell steakhouse Smiths Of Smithfield, which explains The Avalon's carnivorous leanings.
There are five steak options, ranging from wagyu rump (£16) to a 440g slab of chateaubriand for two to share (£38). From the middle of the range, a Scottish fillet (£19) was fab, both to look at (charred on the outside but oozing red within) and to taste.
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder was just as impressive, flaking apart under the fork and marbled with rich fat. Both dishes summoned the kind of involuntary moans of delight that would get you arrested on a Dubai beach. Elsewhere on the menu there's pan-fried salmon in champagne sauce (£10.95), plus starters including scallops with black pudding (£7.95). A buttery, potted apple crumble (£4.50) rounded things off well.
It's a very impressive new venue from owners who already run great London gastros, such as The Bolingbroke and Abbeville. For locals, it's a fine addition. For steak lovers elsewhere, it's worth a pilgrimage to SW12.
27th March 2009
"The Avalon mixes elements of a traditional tavern with industrial and luxurious touches. Pop into the large bar for a drink and you’ll have a choice of quality British cask ales such as Doom Bar, as well as a comprehensive international wine list and some well made classic cocktails..."
1st February 2009
"Flush with the success of The Bolingbroke, the Renaissance Pubs team have transformed the insalubrious The George to The Avalon creating a contemporary-meets-Victorian take on grand pub with dining room and enticing menu."
"My veggie son gave the wild mushroom risotto and selection of Jude’s sorbets a resounding thumbs up too."
23rd January 2009
"Drinkers are served from a walnut bar in a space replete with Victorian fireplaces, while diners will find the restaurant no less handsome."
"The cooking is a cut above gastropub: think roast wood pigeon with chanterelle mushrooms or slow-cooked pork belly with honey-glazed butternut squash."
22nd January 2009
"Tom Peake, Mark Reynolds and Nick Fox of Renaissance Pubs have taken The George and turned the old pub into a stunning new restaurant and pub."
13th January 2009
"...the Avalon feels very much a safe and stylish haven to retreat into, the bar being spacious and welcoming in a way we’ve come to expect from gastropubs and the dining room one of the nicest I’ve stepped into in a long time."
8th January 2009
(So many pubs, so little time)
"Classic cocktails, a trio of cask ales and a wide-ranging list of world wines classified by style, with many available by the glass or carafe."
25th December 2008
"...f you are looking for a sophisticated gastropub experience then the selection of food and drink here will certainly not disappoint."
17th December 2008
"The idea, until recently, that anyone would have positively chosen to dine out on Balham Hill would have been pretty much ridiculous. Well, no longer, it seems."
"Pudding was impressive – as good a chocolate tart as you’ll find anywhere..."
15th December 2008
"Newly renovated and decorated in elegant bespoke wallpaper and unusual tiles, this stylish bar and restaurant serves up delicious gastro meals, including hearty meat dishes."
14th December 2008
"The Avalon is exactly what Clapham South has been waiting for..."
2nd December 2008
"...relax in a space that mixes elements of a tavern with industrial and luxe touches."
"It’s the stuff of legends."
1st December 2008
"...you won’t be disappointed"
27th November 2008
"Particularly appealing is a dining room overflown by fantastical galleon-shaped chandeliers..."
