The most beautiful pub I have ever seen! Ample seating both indoors and out. Bright inside with lovely finishings and décor. Unfortunately only one cyder on tap but a huge beer selection. Great neighborhood spot in Balham.
Barry B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 East Dulwich, London, United Kingdom
Great gastro pub positioned just off the main Balham high street which means it avoids huge crowds and keeps a local clientele. Great for Sunday lunch or evening meal with a delightfully compact menu that caters for all tastes. Food is good if not slightly over-priced but I’m not quibbling over a couple of quid when the standard of service, welcoming atmosphere and newly refurbished décor make up for any slight dent in the pocket.
D_ster
Rating des Ortes: 1 London, United Kingdom
I’ve lived around the area of the Grove for 7 years now, and it’s changed hands a few times over that period. I’ve had some nice meals there(occasionally), some absolutely dreadful ones(the Ploughman’s Lunch saga was the worst) and I’ve been ignored by bar staff at the bar the last two times I’ve been there(did someone tell them about my Ploughman’s complaint??) which made me boycott the place for a year. I stuck my nose in again today to see what was going on after the latest refurbishment, but the place looked like a crèche(so not really my sort of place) so I left quickly and doubt I’ll ever go back in again.
Brixto
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
This is a great local pub(one of Young’s) which serves guest and locally-brewed beers. Been refurbished recently the staff are very friendly and the whole place has a nice vibe. Sundays get busy though so be prepared to wait for your Sunday lunch. Since refurb, it’s arrived on yummy mummy map so there are a few too many prams around at the weekend. If you think kids should be seen and not heard(or rather not see them at all in a pub!) then you may get annoyed by the braying Nightingale Triangle types. They have areas you can reserve for parties, and do special events and quizzes.
Chris F.
Rating des Ortes: 3 London, United Kingdom
A nice looking Youngs pub off the main streets(EST1877). I ordered a Waggle Dance as I am sure I used to like it, but recent tastes have not been impressive, as was the case here. Meantime keg should have been the way to go. There were some annoying running squealing kids around during the day.
Cooled
Rating des Ortes: 2 London, United Kingdom
Three weeks ago we went for Sunday lunch at the rove and it was delicious we couldn’t fault it. Today we have returned and it was terrible. We waited 45 minutes for our main courses. When they arrived we had to return two of them, the burger wasn’t as it was advertised on the menu, the roast chicken was stone cold in the middle. My toddlers meal was the last one to arrive which having already waited 45 minutes was unacceptable and meant he was rapidly loosing patience. Once returned my husbands burger was so overlooked it was rock solid and my toddlers burger was much the same. We subsequently ordered deserts which took another 25 minutes, asked for vanilla ice cream and was given and charged for a kids brownie sundae. The Grove is our local pub and we are so disappointed that the quality of the food has deteriorated so significantly.
Heidi8
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
Great pub, beautifull inside and a small beer garden which is pretty tight in size so doesn’t accomodate many, plus is right by the road so not so great for taking children to. Though there is seating area in the front of the pub which is nice to sit by on a sunny afternoon with adult company. However the inside bar accomodates children relatively well if your looking for a family friendly pub lunch location. The food isn’t amazing as far as pub grub goes, but its passable. I would more than likely come here for a quiet weekend afternoon drink with my fiancé than come for the food as a family.
Matt B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 London, United Kingdom
The Grove is situated off the main Balham High Road and has the potential to be a great pub, unfortunately it is missing that certain something. There are a good selection of beers served including Grolsch Blond which I don’t usually see on tap in London but the food served is awful. There are air conditioning vents around but they are only for show as it can get unbearably hot inside. Having said all of this, they do a good pub quiz on a Sunday night and I came home with £60 in my pocket so it isn’t all that bad.
Chloe B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
Don’t come here you wouldn’t like it! It helps that The Grove is my local, but i think it’s a great little pub. Hidden back off the main drag not every knows about it which means even when you’re watching England in the World Cup there’s still space to stand and you can get a drink at the bar. The manager has changed over the years and the menu has fluctuated a bit, but right now it’s a reliable pub, with friendly bar staff and so so gastro pub food. As a foodie experience it’s lacking but it has my pub essentials: booze, quiz night and quiz machine plus outside area. But then if everyone felt like I did it would turn into another crowded Youngs pub and I’d have to wait to get served!
Haggis
Rating des Ortes: 5 Reigate, United Kingdom
Decided to go there for lunch today after reading the reviews on here. We were not dissapointed. Great looking interior with comfy areas and smarter dinning area. The staff were very friendly. The wine list was very good and my partner had a great glass of wine while I decided on a Staropramen against a Peroni and all your other usual beers and ales. The food was good, fish and chips for me and chicken Sunday Roast for her. Great portions and very fresh tasting food. I will definately be returning here. They have a big screen for the Lions rugby as well as a BBQ beforehand.
Wimbjo
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
This has to be one of my favorites. Just got back from a roast lamb shank that was amazing and very reasonably priced. Service was spot on and the delightful barmaid made my day. Went in last week for the rugby which was great with the big screen and still offering table service even with a full pub? They have a surprisingly good range of beers for a Young’s pub that are always well kept and change frequently. If you can find it off the high street then this is a must visit pub. Comfy sofas and the recent change to the music was much needed and really makes the Grove a place I keep going back to. The St. Paddies party sounds good with live music and Irish food so I’ll see you all there.
Stacey
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
What a lovely place I’ve been here a number of times now and have enjoyed myself each and every time. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming that you could easily come here by yourself and not feel akward. The décor is relaxed and comfythink big open fire and large couches to laze on. There is a good selection of wines including a take out botte service for only £7.00! The menu consits of traditonal pub farefish & chips in beer batter, steak & kidney pie, burgers, steaks and a full roast with all the trimmings is served on a Sunday. I’ve sampled a lot of the menu and everything has been pleasing. Sundays are usually very busy all afternoon so it’s probably best to book ahead. I believe they also hold quiz nights and live bands, great for a mid week local night out.
HR
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
This pub has to be rated in my top 10! Not purely because it is 10 steps away from my house but because the food it top notch and the atmosphere homely. Yes I know ‘homely’ sounds very cheesy but it’s the only word that describes the open fire and big comfy sofas! They have recently changed their menu and they are focusing on the good old British pie, I tried the steak and mushroom pie last night and it was truly delicious. The price was also really reasonable at around £8. Mid week the place isn’t too busy, mainly locals but at the weekend it does tend to get fairly busy so I would recommend you book a table if you want to eat at a particular time. The Grove is definitely on my ‘Must Visit’ list!
Paul C.
Rating des Ortes: 2 London, United Kingdom
It’s a shame that a pub which is so nice inside, is so expensive and lacks any kind of personal service. Good choice of beers but £3.50+ a pint. It’s changed ownership a number of times, which hasn’t helped but it could be so much better with a bit of attention. Food is awful as well.
Georgi
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
This is a charming pub just behind Balham High Road. It has one of those warm, welcoming interiors. I think it has a seating area to suit everyone’s taste — leather sofas, a formal dining area, an outside area, high tables with stools or just a plain pub table and chairs — I think they have it covered! There is a nice gastro pub style menu and sometimes there are 2 for 1 offers on in the week. Of all the pubs in the area this is definitley the best kept and most pleasant. Its always steadily busy but never rammed, always good for a quiet drink.