please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Large Youngs pub in an unassuming residential location in Balham. You probably wouldn't find it in passing. I was surprised at just how big it was inside. But I believe there were only 2 other customers. Seating is fairly comfortable. Service was pleasant. Ales on were Youngs Special & Ordinary, with Addlestones cider also available. Not too bad. But lacked a little atmosphere.
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This pub has just come under new management (last Friday, so only a few days ago and after the disappointing comments below). I went yesterday and found the staff to be friendly and helpful and the new manager, Richard, was lovely and chatty. I would definitely recommend giving it another go, and make sure you have a chat to the new manager while you are there!
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I have to agree with the last two posts unfortuately. What has happened to the Staff at The Grove? We too were part of the group in the last post and said staff were really grumpy and unhelpful that night. I think that when a large group comes into a pretty empty pub that at least one member of staff would stay on that side of the bar instead of hiding around the corner and making us walk round to buy drinks....
The staff used to be very helpful and accomodating, but now....
A great shame as we were all local, use the pub especially in the summer months, but not so sure that we want to go back again - The Nightingale around the corner holds far more charm and pleasantness.
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My husband and I decided to have a little gathering at The Grove as we were moving out of the area and invited a few friends and neighbours for a drink at The Grove, we chose this pub because it was perfectly located for our friends to walk to and everyone was familiar with this pub. Unfortunately on this evening from the moment we walked in the person who I believed to be the manageress with blond shoulder length hair decided that she would not smile for the entire duration that we were there but rather made we feel as if we were disturbing her peace. The pub wasn�t even busy that particular evening and at one point there must have been at least 30 to our party so considering we brought 60-70% of the business a little friendly smile from the staff would have been nice, I had called in advance to try and book the seating area but was told it was already book, so with so many people we moved one table to join another which by the time half of our guests had left the manageress instructed her barman to ask us to move this table back, considering there was still 8-10 of us there and that the bar was still relatively empty still we thought this was a little rude, if she didn�t want us to move it in the first place she could have told us straight away. Earlier on some friends also came with their 18 year old son and when they bought a round of drinks the manageress asked to see his ID even though his parents vouched for him that he was indeed 18 and can legally drink but she insisted that unless he showed his ID he was not to consume any alcohol on the premises, as they only lived down the road he could have easily ran back to get it but he decided not to drink, even though the lady was only doing her job surely it was a little rude and a bit �jobs worth� of her to undermine his parents. Near the end of our evening at this pub the teenagers parents bought him half a pint of Guinness but the moment the poor boy put his lips to it the manageress instructed her barman again to dash out again from behind the bar and quite publicly gave the teenager and the parents a telling off for buying him a drink. For arguments sakes if for some reason the pub was raided and the police asked for the 18yr olds ID he would have just popped down the road and got it. She could have asked the parents of proof of their address to make sure they were local so that if needed his ID were close at hand, but instead she just chose to embarrass him and undermine his parents.
Considering the amount of money that we spent in the pub the staff especially the manageress was extremely ungracious, as I said it was as if our being there annoyed her, we weren�t rowdy or drunk, our group consisted of couples a couple of young families and a couple of teenagers. We were all local residence who had been to the Grove before. Even when we came to settle the final bar tab which was a significant amount the manageress do not smile at all and I barely heard her say thank you. All I can say is she has put many of us off from going back to the Grove and we certainly would not recommend it to any of our friends anymore.
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What has happen?
Went here 6 months ago and loved the place. Now the staff don't seem to care. The food has really gone down hill and the manager is nowhere to be seen. Ordered a roast dinner and waited 40 minutes before the wrong food arrived. I asked to speak to the manager and was told that he was busy. Not sure what has happened but avoid at all costs!
A real shame as it used to be so good. I would advise the other Young's pub across the road.
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yeah i'm a big fan, been in a few times in the last 6 months and it is a very well thought out pub with a nice atmosphere and a good mix of people both behind and infront of the bar.
Keep up the good work!
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Always a pub i visit when in Balham, very comfortable and always a place that lends its self to conversation very easily.
Food pretty standard Youngs offering, but mostly good, it isnt cheap, but where in London that is any good is these days.
I like it it, have many good memories of this place over the years.
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I went in recently for the first time in a long time. It was very good. Friendly and helpful staff and a good range of beers and drinks.
I only ate the chips but they were excellent and the rest of the food I saw looked very good. I also took part in the quiz which was really good fun.
The only down side I'd say is that the place was very expensive a good 50p extra on a pint than you'd find in most other parts of Balham.
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Great Pub. Went for Sunday lunch after reading some reviews and was not disappointed. The beef was superb and possibly one of the best roasts I have had in a pub. Nice to see they are using free range and British produce which is unusual for a pub.
Staff were superb and the young lady was able to recommend wine and very keen to offer table service. Couldn�t get a seat in the dining room as they were busy so booking in advance is a good idea probably.
Very good example of a Young�s pub being run properly.
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Really enjoyed this pub. The atmoshere was pleasant and we had a nice sofas in front of the fire on a cold night. The staff were efficient and friendly and though I have never been a great Youngs fan the Winter Warmer slipped down very nicely. I wish I lived closer.
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Used to drink in the George but the new Avalon isn't my cup of tea. Too noisy and poor service. Haven't been to The Grove in years and was shocked by how much it has changed. Greeted by a roaring fire, mulled cider and friendly staff. The food was excellent and I can't speak highly enough about the staff. This little gem is now the best pub in Balham and I wanted to add support to the other comments. Will be back soon.
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Went here last Friday and ended up spending the weekend there. The service is second to none and the food is great traditional pub food. Spent Sunday in front of the open fire with the best roast I have had in years. This pub is my hidden gem in London and I hope it doesn't get spoilt by getting too busy. Another great Youngs transformation.
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Awful awful pub. The food was disgraceful and the service was equally as bad. For the prices your paying you may as well be dining in a proper resturant. Advice: Do not set foot in this place. Go another 2 minutes down the main road and you will get to a beautiful pub by the name of the duke of devonshire.
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My husband and I haven't been here in a few months and a lot has changed. I think there is a new manager or owner. The food has got a lot better and there is a buzz about the place again. A bit quiet but the staff were very good and the new look is really great. This is the best local for miles.
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There is yet another manager again but this one seems to be doing the right things. The food and Beer are much improved and the place looks better than ever. This will be my escape from the common during the summer.
Keep up the good work
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The food used to be good. New manager. Now it isn't. Also the music has been turned up too loud.
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Four of us came for a roast on the sunday just gone and were universally disappointed. Chicken Liver pate with red onion chutney looked and tasted like it was from the own brand section at Iceland and was not even served with toast just bits of stale ciabatta and the Prawn cocktail came from that same freezer cabinet. Things did't get any better with the mains, the meats were all totally overcooked and of poor quality as was veg/fish. Staff were pleasant enough and were obviously aware of the dogs dinner we were served as no one dared to ask whether we enjoyed our meal...apparently it's better during the week.
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I went to the grove the other day and found the whole experience utterly delightful. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by the staff in a warm and welcoming way and was served immediately by someone who seemed genuinely pleased to serve me. She recommended several items on the menu to which my partner and I chose. They were delicious and served with a smile! I had the BBQ Chicken Pita with Mozzerella and Bacon and my partner had the Steak, all were cooked just as we liked it even though we had several specifications.
The beer was delicious as was the house red.
I would recommend this pub to anyone as a most relaxing establishment with the winter fire going it is the perfect place to unwind!
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Not quite what you'd expect to find in a back street in Balham - this is a fairly typical chainy Youngs Pub and Dining Room, which has limited appeal for serious drinkers.
Carry on walking to the nearby Nightingale, if its a bit of atmosphere and a proper pub you're after.
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I suffered a meal here afew nights ago. The staff didn't seem to know what they were doing and the food was awful. We ate from their 'Christmas Fayre' menu which was overpriced for what we got. Apparantly their roasts are good but there is no way I will be returning to find out. The only good thing about the pub is the decor, it looks nice inside but this cannot make up for the rest of the experience. The other good thing was leaving.
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Never had any problems in this pub. Staff are friendly and efficient, there is always somewhere to sit and their roast dinners are lovely and not over priced.
EllyE - 11 Dec 2007 14:36 |
This is a terrible pub. My friends and I were physically threatened by some "regulars" for absolutely no reason, and the pub staff did nothing, despite it being totally obvious.
Avoid like the plague
anonymous - 31 Oct 2007 19:09 |
Uninspiring, and the food was awful when I visited.
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I have to agree with the earlier review - thank goodness they've got rid of the previous 'spartan hotel lobby'! So much better now. Staff friendly as always, food and wine not bad; I'd be more likely to go for a drink than supper..
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Went here last night. It is an excellent pub. Good selection of beers, very friendly bar staff, and the food looked amazing, will be trying it next time I visit. Was a bit smokey, but we might as well let them enjoy it until the ban comes in next month. The only down side was it was a little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. Highly recommended.
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Went along at the weekend, brilliant little pub. Good beer and very good food. I stood at the bar, I was immediately greeted by the women behind the bar (who was serving someone else at the same time), another member of staff was collecting glasses, stopped what they were doing and also tried to servce me. I had salt and pepper squid and then quite frankly the best burger I have had in a long time. What can I say, everything was good - just dont let this little secret out to to many people.
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This is a beautiful old pub which has a great atmosphere. Good selection of well kept beers and the staff are nice. The food is good, but way too pricey.
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Brilliant with consistently good beer and friendly service (apart from one small barman who appears to have little-man syndrome). Since the last refurb it has turned from a spartan hotel lobby (bad) back into an atmospheric boozer (woohoo!).
anonymous - 2 Dec 2006 12:57 |
I was amazed to find this hidden pub tucked down a quite side road in SW12.
The atmosphere in the bar is very pleasent, a wide and varied food menu and an excellent selection of beers & lagers.
The staff are alert,and knowledgeable of the products sold in this establishment.
I would say that this pub is a major credit to Youngs and the managment & staff should be praised. Furthermore this should be billed as " Balhams best kept secrect"
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Nice comfortable youngs pub with a good crowd and a nice atmosphere. Pretty good selection of drinks as you'd expect from Youngs. As has been picked up on in earlier reviews food and service not so great had to send a couple of things back and there was a definate lack of clarity and smiling faces from bar staff. Overall well worth a visit despite the food, it has potential just needs a but stronger mangement.
anonymous - 11 Jul 2006 12:24 |
I'm amazed at the negative comments made about this great pub. The menu definitely stretches beyond fish & chips/ burgers. Last night a friend and I shared a delicious (and substantial) meze plate and salt and pepper squid, not to mention some great beers. And to the anonymous reviewer who mentioned keeping Grove locals out of the 'decent pubs', well I absolutely respect your opinion and we'd be happy to keep it to ourselves and keep the food snobs out.
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decent boozer, good selection of grog on tap and the scran does what it says on the tin - lets face it fellas they're not looking for a michelin star! one gripe is that service is pretty poor and not helped by incompetent aussie/eastern european bar stuff. good quiz though..
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This pub is a great find. Modern yet relaxing design. And loads of games to play, monopoly, scrabble, trivial persuit etc. Good beer selection and friendly staff. I had a burger and it was exellent too. No high chairs but I'm not a fan of babies in pubs anyway.
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last review was timed at 23.33 i can only say it must have been done whilst under the influence. Have to say i lean more towards the negative on this pub especially where the food is concerned (ok for a beer though).In summary if the locals love it that much leave it to them, keeps them out of the better places.
anonymous - 3 Mar 2006 13:55 |
I disagree with what Harry5 has said about the Grove. I've been going for ages as its my nearest boozer, the staff always give you a friendly welcome and they all seem to understand me! (Perhaps YOUR English isn't too clear Harry5?!). And I've eaten there many times and have no complaints about the food. In fact I would recommend it!
I'm possessive about my ace local!
anonymous - 2 Mar 2006 23:33 |
Started going to this pub early/mid 04 and it was great: quality food with a constantly changing menu, a good atmosphere for beers and pleasant staff. Admittedly the service was pretty sketchy but the ambience and the food made up for it. After a hiatus i revisited and unfortunately in that time Youngs have got involved and have manged to screw things up. Surly staff with no english who can't get an order right and food that has been too disgusting too eat on three consecutive occasions. Bewarned the chefs ability does not stretch beyond Burgers/Fish + chips.
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Well well well, came in to do the quiz the other night and won the bloody thing! One of the funnest quiz night I'd been too with a great quizmaster. Had a pretty tasty burger too. A good night.
anonymous - 21 Feb 2006 23:03 |
A friendly pub but the service on the food is too slow - I think its become too "restraunty". Good selection of beers though.
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Ambiance has improved significantly after Youngs refit. Bar staff are very helpful and friendly plus the beer quality has improved.
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Just made 2 late evening visits - first time for a few years. Looks a bit 'bog standard gastro' but much improved and the staff were absolutely brilliant.
In fact so good that I thought I'd put a comment to that effect here. Well done to all - I suspect I'll be back!
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Popped into the Grove on Monday night to find that it had been done up! Much improved with great Food and a relaxed atmosphere. Staff were larger than life, will definately go back.
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This is a wonderful pub, recently renovated by Youngs.
Staff are helpful and very friendly
Beer choice is excellent (from lagers, to Belgian beers - try Kriek the cherry beer - and Real Ale) and there is a good, modern wine list.
The food is wonderful. Price-wise its at the top of the range for Gastro pubs, but you get quality and quantity. I've been here with my girlfriend and we shared a starter and a pud and had a main course each and were stuffed.
The menu changes regularly - though I can recommend Salt and Pepper Squid, the Brie and Bacon burger and the Summer Pudding.
This is a wonderful pub, which is a little off the path of other pubs in Balham, so you can usually get a seat in the bar weekend afternoons. The restaurant is often booked out for Sunday lunch, but you can have the Sunday lunch at the bar as well.
I can't rate this bar highly enough.
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This is a friendly gem with welcoming staff and a great atmosphere. The food is as good as I've had in some well known and exclusive restaurants. There is a good wine list too. I can't fault this place
anonymous - 28 Feb 2005 09:24 |
No loud music - somewhere to have a conversation bottled Young beers are good
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Brilliant, just ask about anything and they will include you as if you have been going there for years. top notch.
Peter Hotchinson - 23 Oct 2004 04:43 |
By far the best pub I've been to during my 10 years in London. It's wonderful to have a place to relax in with the dog and children without feeling like a criminal! A wonderful family atmosphere. Staff are fantastic and food is superb.
Jo Wilkinson - 11 Oct 2004 11:21 |
Have recently discovered this place and have always had excellent good value food and service. Sunday lunch is especially good.
Jane P - 21 Sep 2004 13:54 |
There are so many pubs that show the football around Balham it is nice to have one that doesn't. This is an excellent pub with friendly staff, good food and of course good booze.
Andy - 20 Aug 2004 15:51 |
Agree with some of the comments - not into all this 'we only show the rugby, none of this football riff-raff' attitude that suddenly seems to be there for no reason - that's what's wrong with it. The guy looked at me like I was an idiot when I asked about watching the Euros. Hope they enjoyed the quiet month they'll have had in June.
Gram - 16 Jul 2004 17:02 |
Under new management now. The best Sunday lunch Ive had in a long time. Great well-scourced meat, Its worth booking a table on a Sunday as it gets really busy.
Daniel Toms - 6 Jul 2004 11:32 |
I thought the barstaff here were great, not your 'I couldnt care less' antipodeans like in the Nightingale.
Food was great and I love the Organic eggs you can buy!
Peter Greame-slough - 6 Jul 2004 10:29 |
Rugby brigade? They kept showing all the games here so no wonder it attracted Rugby players. And whats wrong with that?
Also Andy's comment below about a couple reading Sunday papers on the sofa.... on a Sunady.... erm why is that annoying. They supply the papers and that is the whole point Andy.
This is a relaxed bar with a mix of ages going. Bar staff are friendly, remember your name and serve you quickly.
Not a bar form meeting people but great to relax and is a nice local. Food is good. Pity about the rather geeky comments below as now I know the people in there are 'oh no..look Charles... Rugby players'
Rich Lloyd-Graham - 30 Jun 2004 14:16 |
Been there a few times mostly on Sunday's. Staff were wonderful and friendly and I had no problems getting served. The food was excellent, a few times I ate in the bar and once in the Restaurant, and have been very pleased. I think the decor is pleasent, and atmosphere relaxed. I havent seen any of the annoying Rugby cartel, but there were a young couplee lying on a sofa reading the Sunday papers ( i hate that). Still a welcome escape from the usual bunch of idiots that frequent the George....
Andy - 23 Jun 2004 10:16 |
I have to agree with previous comment about service. Trying to get a drink in here is like pulling hen's teeth. The staff seem to be running around to no effect. We left after waiting ten minutes without so much as a nod from them.
Shame really because it could be good.
The Nightingale is excellent and only a ten miniute walk.
Charles Glass - 21 May 2004 22:30 |
If you are a beer drinker, give this one a miss and go to the Nighting Gale up the road. The people who run this place will agree with me because they discourage drinkers by making them wait up to 15 minutes for a drink. Basically they want diners, not beer drinkers. They are running a restaurant, not a pub. What John Young thinks about this I would hate to think.
Peter Fothergill - 24 Apr 2004 23:54 |
Rugby. Oh God...
robert - 8 Apr 2004 17:06 |
The Grove's a nice, smart pub, but has lately joined the fairweather 'we love rugby' brigade - so I've stopped going in...
Jez - 27 Feb 2004 16:40 |
Comfy surroundings and a great decor.
Worryingly quiet. The food was ok, by the plaes were cold.
Staff were appauling. Will this pub survive after such an expensive refurbishment?
Matt - 1 Dec 2003 10:11 |
This pub is now managed by the Gottos, like The Ship and Alma in Wandsworth Town, Excellent food, drink and decor, as you would expect from Charles Gotto. Parking good,even at lunchtime - read the sgnposts carefully because most of the neighbouring streets are controlled parking only from 10-30 till 11-30 Monday to Friday.
Richard Tracey - 4 Jul 2003 14:51 |
Food was adequate nothing exceptional
BB - 23 Jun 2003 22:46 |
Now a Gotto pub
Chris - 12 Jun 2003 17:06 |
great pub, easily the best in Balham, good pints, friendly bar staff, lots of nice leather seats.
james - 28 May 2003 16:04 |
Set back off Balham Hill, on Oldridge Road. Large cosy Youngs Pub, recenty redecorated. Great local with big screen.
Will Cook - 17 Oct 2002 10:11 |
