What do we want in Balham? Post Reply

[Based in Balham]

With a number of banks having recently closed in Balham, it seems like their vacated premises are now, for the most part, being replaced by yet another coffee shop.

It's been announced that Black Sheep Coffee is coming soon to the former Nationwide site at the bottom of Hildreth Street, an area already full of coffee shops, and I've heard a rumour that Starbucks is returning to Balham too.

But do we really need more coffee shops in Balham?

Would be nice to have some more useful shops or different dining options. I rarely think to head to Balham if I'm going out for food as the current offering is not exactly inspiring.

What do others think? Maybe we can inspire a change!

[BenandJerry]

Children's toy shop would be good and a Space NK or similar as well!

I also think that Boots could do with a facelift and a bigger Pret would be very welcome! The coffee queue is massive, they need more barista's working at the same time. 

Fingers crossed for any of the above.

[Goldhawk]

There's lots of great food in Balham already!

Starbucks is supposed to open next to Joe and the Juice
Henny's wine bar is newly opened on Balham High Road
Paula's Colombian bakery just opened on Ramsden Road

[2schnauzers]

I would love M&S back on the High Street, somewhere to buy basic clothing. Do you remember Peacocks, not my style but you could at least you could pop in and buy a pair of socks, a basic blouse or tights or a scarf And my mother loved it. A stationers would be good - W H Smith's was pretty run down but I now go to TK Maxx on the off chance of getting a notebook and these days I rely on Amazon for envelopes and printer paper. I don't think our High Street caters for anyone over 50 or 60 or under 20 or anyone without a lot of disposable income. A high street version of IKEA? Does anyone shop in shoe shops any more? Enough of the rant, I'm going downstairs to make a cup of coffee... 

 

[Talkman]

A shame the rents are so high that it’s mostly chains which can afford them. Part of me longs for the days when Balham was a bit more down at heel, when the Bedford And The Balham Hotel (The Regent) were owned by the same Irish family. Ega on Bedford Hill was a great little late night bar and served good Caribbean food. The Duke of Devonshire had DJ and dancing in what’s now the dining area. The Grove had separate rooms, one of which had bands playing. Even the hookers plying their trade up Bedford Hill towards the common had a certain charm (no I didn’t). The Lounge on Oakmead Rd. A fab Wine Bar/Restaurant next to The Dev. There was good Veggie place on Bedford Hill.
How about more hair salons? A Harrod’s Local? Aesop? Brora? Cars: That’s what Balham needs more of. A Porsche dealership?

[Goldhawk]

Ega on Bedford Hill was dodgy
They relocated to Balham High Road and got shut down - no alcohol or entertainment licence 

 

[Talkman]

Of course it was dodgy. That was its charm. The Balham High Road site certainly wasn’t good though.

[Hungry granny]

M and S would be good that sells items other than food. And a Woolworth. For all the shops in Clapham Junction its hard to buy a pair of tights, a button or a screwdriver.

I would love to see a shop that sells fresh seasonal produce at an affordable price, as in Tooting High Rd, unlike the delis for the privileged few.