Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Goya
Are you on the hunt for a cosy wine bar in Balham to indulge in the perfect glass of wine? Look no further than Heidi Balham, where the ambience is as delightful as the wine selection.
If you watched my Instagram stories from this weekend, then you’ve probably already seen my new favourite wine bar in South West London: Heidi Balham 🍷
Located a stone’s throw away from Balham station (making that journey back home a breeze!), a good location isn’t the only thing that Heidi has to offer.
With exposed bricked walls lined with fridges housing 60+ wines from different regions (which you can help yourself to with a top-up card), a cosy interior, a good menu that caters for vegetarians/vegans as well as meat lovers, and a lovely outdoor area which is perfect for al fresco dining, Heidi is *the* place to be to have a lazy afternoon catching the last bit of the London sun while watching the world go by. Or for a date, a nice little meal or a weeknight tipple.
Honestly, it is very versatile!
Address: 1 Balham Station Rd, London SW12 9SG | Phone: 020 8772 9555
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5-11 PM; Fri 5 PM – 12 AM; Sat 10 AM – 12 AM; Sun 12 PM – 9 PM
Wine Selection at Heidi Balham
The standout feature of Heidi is its self-dispense wine system.
Lined with fridges full of an extensive selection of wines, visitors to Heidi can help themselves using a pre-loaded Heidi wine card, which not only offers a diverse range of wines to choose from but also gives patrons the freedom to sample different types and find their personal favourites.
We dove right in and tried a whole variety of wines — too many to name here. But let me tell you, the Croatian Riesling and the Gewürztraminer from Alsace? Absolute highlights!
Heidi Balham Menu
Complementing the wine offerings is a delectable food menu that caters to a wide array of tastes. Each dish is carefully crafted to offer a burst of flavours and textures, making them a delightful accompaniment to any wine selection.
During the week, you can indulge in an assortment of small plates to share. With the likes of smoked almonds, baby back ribs, Padron peppers, burrata, prawn or veggie gyoza, crab on toast and indulgent Iberico croquettes on offer (or Sirloin Steak for those looking for something more substantial), there really is something for everyone!
Speaking of offers, don’t miss out on the weekly offers that include likes of Meat Mondays and Oyster Tuesdays (booking essential)!
For vegetarian and vegan diners, Heidi London provides small plate options like ‘roasted cauliflower with chickpea fregola, grains and tahini verde’, ‘patatas bravas with artichoke, roast peppers and miso aioli’ and ‘chargrilled tenderstem broccoli with salsa verde and hazelnut’, or various other snacks…
Saturdays are for brunch (10 AM – 4 PM) with 2 hours of bottomless prosecco, while on Sundays, Heidi Wine Bar transforms into one of the best spots in Balham for a roast.
We went for some Pimientos de Padrón and a veggie pie (part of their Sunday roast), which were both delicious:
But the real star of the show was the carrot hummus served with zhoug, sumac and flatbreads… An absolute must-try (whenever it is on offer)!
Did you know that Heidi Wine Bar also has a Christmas menu?
If you find yourself tasked with organizing this year’s Christmas Party in Balham, look no further! Heidi Balham is all set to add a touch of magic to your celebrations with a delicious and affordable three-course Christmas Menu and Christmas drink packages (mix & match 5 bottles of wine or prosecco).
Speaking of Christmas, for a truly festive London experience, you may want to combine your visit to Heidi with a visit to Kew Gardens for Christmas at Kew (it’s only 30 mins from Balham) beforehand or cosy up under the blanket watching a Christmas movie set in London after your festive feast there.
Final Thoughts: Heidi Balham
Overall, the food at Heidi was delicious, the portions generous, the wine selection varied and the service impeccable! I enjoyed it so much that, despite not being local, I am already thinking of going back to try the rest of the stuff they have on offer, like the oysters, brunch or cocktails…
So, whether you’re planning a romantic date, a celebration, or just want to unwind after a long day, Heidi Balham offers an experience that is both sophisticated and relaxed, making it a true gem in the heart of Balham… And, well worthy of adding to your list!
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If you have tried Heidi London before, or decide to go after this post, let me know your thoughts and recommendations. It’s always nice to hear from you guys!
Until then, cheers to you all!
GG
