The Bedford, Balham  

The Bedford is big. In another world it could be an army barracks. A huge slab of a building containing a ballroom, a theatre, umpteen function rooms various bars - of course - stairs, half landings and various mysterious doors. A bar tender could probably work downstairs and never meet the upstairs employees. And this is so much more than just a place to drink in - although the choice isn't bad with up to half a dozen real ales promised. On this Tuesday night we spotted only Young's and 6X, but that's not a bad start point. Food appears to be available - although all we saw was people with bowls of chunky chips; no one seemed to have risked the salt cod fritters advertised on the blackboard. Dance lessons seemed to be going on in the ballroom, new comedy acts were losing their virginity on the top floor and a rather dire duo were slaughtering "Norwegian Wood" in the big downstairs bar. Young, vibrant and lively is, for once, an accurate description - and although we are not quite sure why, it seems to be summed up by the bicycles double and triple banked and chained to the railings outside. Not a place for the quiet contemplative pint and a relaxed chat but if you want full-on entertainment, noise and activity look no further

reviewed:
31/7/2007

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

Sky TV (big screen)

large function room for hire

live music

dogs welcome

Link to your pub's web site