Nightingale, Balham  

When an area gentrifies there's usually an impact on the local pubs. Round these parts the rise in house prices has seen pubs remodelling themselves with lounge style interiors, or, as in the case of the Surrey Tavern, being shut down to make way for luxury flats. For remaining true to its boozer roots then, this Nightingale is indeed a rare bird. Devotees of gastropubs won't be stepping foot over the threshold until there's at least one lunchtime option featuring balsamic vinegar; the rest of us will make do with a pub that plays to the traditional pleasures of good beer, bantering locals and an atmosphere conducive to knocking a few back. And given the pub is big on collecting for charity (photos of all the Guide Dogs the pub has raised money for take up a whole wall) the punters seem a decent lot as well. All in all, a fine little pub.

reviewed:
28/09/2008

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

Sky TV

beer garden

darts

disabled facilities

ATM on premises

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