The Devonshire, Balham

If there’s one thing that Balham seems to do well, it’s pubs. The Devonshire is a sweet little, actually not that little, pub on Balham High Road, with a small garden out front and a big (proper) garden through the back. Perfect for those warm summer days spent outside with a beer and burger in hand, or for sitting inside with a hot meal when the weather turns. 

Let's start with summer. The beer garden is picturesque with undercover booths and wooden tables with parasols, it's a great way to spend the day. You have plenty of choice when it comes to food too as they're one of many with the famous Burger Shack stand outside as well as the restaurant menu. 

Whether it's too cold to sit outside, which let's face it we live in England so it's probably the case, or you fancy a nice sit-down meal, then grab a table and enjoy the table service. The menu is pretty fancy for a local pub, a few items that are definitely overpriced, so stick with the classics and enjoy. For starters, select from menu options such as crab cakes with pineapple salsa, smoked salmon and vegetables or a small salad. For mains, you have the options of sharing boards or the classics menu. We decided to go for the camembert sharing board with a side of chips and the starter of pulled pig cheek (to mix it up). Our friends ordered the fish and chips and gave it raving reviews, although maybe a little expensive at £14. 

The camembert board was delicious, served with a honey glaze dip and sourdough bread. Perfectly cooked so it smothered the bread and dripped everywhere! The chips were chunky and crispy, an ideal combo. The pig cheek was interesting. Not something I have eaten before or even seen on the menu, it was the intrigue that tempted me. When it came, pictured below on the bottom right, it was a tiny little piece of coated meat served on a massive plate and looked a little underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, it was tasty but it was around £8 and definitely not worth it. The lesson learnt here was definitely to stick with what you know. 

As it's my local, I will definitely be heading back and already can't wait to give Burger Shack a try. It's mostly a thumbs-up from me.