Balham Kitchen and Bar

Went here for brunch and experienced a catalogue of errors. Firstly they brought the wrong pastry. Then they brought tea and no milk. I asked for my dish without baked beans. When it came, what a suprise- there were beans on it. So I sent it back. I waited for 20 minutes expecting a fresh plate of food or at least a transfer to a different plate and lo and behold when it came back to the table it was the same plate of food with the beans scraped off. I wouldn't have minded so much had the waiter been polite and apologetic but he was surly to the point of rudeness never offering an apology. They then had the nerve to add a service charge of 12.5%. I have never refused to pay a service charge before but this time I did. An absolute disgrace. It's a shame because the decor and atmosphere is great and the food is very good if you get what you ordered. There are far, far better places in Balham for overall experience.
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Daniele
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Thursday, February 22, 2007

Went there last night with friends for a birthday dinner. Packed out, indeed the manager admitted they were overbooked. Service was appalling, food disgraceful and virtually inedible. How can a restaurant ask a group to choose from a fixed menu and then have the front to ay that they had run out of one of the dishes? My steak would have done well as a tyre, totally inedible and not even one steak knife in evidence (apparently they don't have any).

Avoid this farce of a restaurant at all costs
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Jonathan Dumbell
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Sunday, February 18, 2007

I feel a bit let down. Can't understand what the fuss is about. Apart from the look and expensive furnishings, nothing else seems to be of any value. Would rather stay in the West End and pay the same prices for better food and much better service. Not going back unless someone else is paying!
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Sheldon
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Monday, February 12, 2007

Just moved to the area and being told i would hate it!HOW WRONG! had a sunday brunch there it was superb! staff was very good manager Matt helped with wine choice and explained the menu! had a great time!Will be comming back
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Joanna
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Like some other reviews of Kitchen and Bar, I have tried on a few occasions to give this restaurant a second (third and for my sins fourth) chance. For somewhere that looks so good and is always full of customers the food is boring and badly cooked. It is shockingly over priced and is only saved by the friendly efficiant service. I would go there again for drinks (they have a interesting and varied bar) but never again for food.
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Dora
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Monday, January 29, 2007

This is a decent restaurant, nothing more.

Food is of a reasonable standard, and did not disappoint in terms of quality, and service was ok.

However, I will not eat here again for the simple reason that it offers such poor value for money.

For the same price, I have eaten in various Michelin starred restaurants, which by the nature of the award offer excellent quality and inventive food, and impeccible service.

Balham Bar and Kitchen falls very short of these standards despite a similar approach to pricing, and it is for this reason that I won't eat here again.

That said, if you fancy a nice meal and are prepared to pay over the odds for it, then you won't be too disappointed.
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Ian
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 1
Thursday, December 21, 2006

Still trying to see what all the fuss was about I tried again to enjoy a meal at this place. The waiter we had could not have been more rude and then shouted at us when we plucked up the nerve to complain about the terrible salad. Overpriced and food not all that. Lose the attitude guys, your not that good.
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Annabel Peaty
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

I have been a regular for a few years, on and off! However, no more. I have just simply given up supporting this place. Service is ok thats if you get some. Its a shame as the service about a year ago was so so good. Food also is becoming as tastless as the staff and managers manners! Sorry guys, you just lost one!
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Vanessa Thornton
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Sunday, December 10, 2006

3 of us spent a lovely afternoon here yesterday (Sunday). Excellent table, super roast beef and desserts, lovely wine and great service. Very relaxed, good atmosphere and we were able to spend hours without being rushed.
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Cherry
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Monday, October 23, 2006

I enjoyed a good meal there recently. No problems with service. Great atmosphere and good drinks. Tom I'd suggest the problem is closer to home.
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Phil
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 4
Friday, October 20, 2006