The Clarence, Balham

The Clarence deserves to win the pub of the year for many a reason. Foremost, I believe that the Clarence has shown that London pubs (and not just bars) can be dynamic, breaking from the traditional and somewhat boring mould. And it does this while still just �being a pub� and not trying to be more than what it should.

Secondly, the pub has made a very conscious decision to sell a huge range of premium beers, the majority of which would be unfamiliar to the average consumer. Starting a pub in this fashion is a risk which most pubs, unfortunately, believe will alienate potential customers. I applaud the Clarence for taking such risk, which thankfully has proved to be a great success. If only we had a similar unique beer selection in every pub�

As for everything else, food is great and exactly what is needed in between a few Kolsch beers!

16 Jun 2006 18:00

The Exhibit, Balham

I have been visiting the Exhibit for a few years now, and believe it is a great bar. Cocktails are always fantastic.

However, as of late, management have decided to change the tap beer selection. Gone is the half decent Amstel and Kirin, and the top notch Budvar (which on tap is probably one of the best lagers that money can buy), which have been replaced by Fosters, Kronenburg and some Russian beer?

What are management thinking? Have they gone mad?

In a time when consumers are waking up to the potential that their money can buy, why would a consumer choose a substandard pint of rubbish? Fortunately some pubs are making this choice quite obvious and easy to make (in Balham the Clarence is serving this role excellently).

16 Jun 2006 17:45