The Bedford, Balham, SW12

Tris C left this review about The Bedford

Originally dating from the 1870s as the Bedford Hotel, this grade II-listed pub was rebuilt for Watney’s in 1931 by their inhouse architect, A. W. Blomfield, also responsible for Soho’s French House.
The interior is huge and rambling, like exploring a stately home; just when you think you’ve been in every room, another chamber magically appears. The interior is very gloomy, revealing little if anything of the original features, save for the pretty cornice to a black coffered ceiling, leaded lights and herringbone floor. There’s some exposed concrete to the upper walls and ceiling, a couple of sets of antlers and eclectic décor with plenty of music flyers, attesting to the pub’s music and comedy club credentials; think Ed Sheeran and Joe Lycett. Or perhaps don’t. Furniture is diverse and conventional, customers young and trendy; what was new to me were the lavs, with rusty cubicles.
Beverages amounted to Sambrook’s Drop Kick, Sussex Best and Landlord, £2.90 a half, served in a plastic cup and too cold but drinkable.
This place may have more appeal when the gloom isn’t pierced by cinema-sized screens showing deafening sport to a near hysterical crowd, but otherwise it’s just about average.

On 27^th March 2024 - rating: 5
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