The Duke of Devonshire, Balham

Having never posted any sort of review before, I can't help by comment after reading the previous postings - you have definately brightened up my boring Wednesday.

First, I better state that I a. don't work for any pubs in Balham and b. havn't been drinking in the 'Duke', 'Devo', 'Snugglededukeywooks' - or whatever you want to nickname it - for 20 million years...

I have however, during my trips to the DofD enjoyed a fair few Sunday roasts, spent numerous summer afternoons in the beer garden and been extremely drunk of a Saturday evening as the winter nights draw in.

My experience of the pub during these times has been:
Inside it was a run down, ugly, slightly seedy sh**hole which seemed to attract every freak and loon from the surrounding area to its Saturday night 'disco'. I was particularly incredulous at the horrific car crash of Halloween or Christmas decorations they used to put up at the relevant time of year. Face it - it was pretty crap.

Thats said, it was a laugh if you were pissed, the Sunday roast was decent (better than the Bedford I'd say) and in the summer, the true 'raison d'etre' of the pub came alive - the beer garden. Its brilliant, and buzzing when the weather is good.

So, like most things in life - there were good points and bad points.

Now, I must be honest - I have NOT YET been in the newly refurbished DoD, but as I was walking past last night, thought it looked to be an improvement on the dour surroundings that were there before. I cannot comment on the staff, service etc etc

But lets address the obvious - with the popularity of places like The Clarence (constantly busy) just across the road and competition such as Balham Bowls Club, The Exhibit, Harrisons, The George within a stones throw, the DoD HAD to do something...
Breweries don't spend money refurbishing for the sake of it. They must be worried about profits slumping, or losing their market share.

The truth of the matter is that Balham is changing (Starbucks, Pizza Express, over-priced 'boutique-style' and antique homewares shops). Its not the down to earth little community it once was.

So you better accept it and embrace it, or get out.

12 Mar 2008 13:53