About Us

Originally a hotel developed in the 1830's, The Bedford has been the central community hub of Balham for its entire existence. In the late sixties and seventies it was a spit and sawdust live music venue, serving as a springboard for early gigs by acts including The Clash and U2.

It was also famously used as the courtroom for the unsolved murder case of Charles Bravo, upstairs in what was then the billiard hall, and which is now the Ballroom.

Our aim is to provide a first class night out for everybody, making full use of our three floors, five bars, and five function rooms.

We offer dance classes four nights a week, live music five nights a week and club nights every Friday and Saturday.

We've hosted the legendary Banana Cabaret comedy club for 25 years every Friday and Saturday, as well as a New Acts comedy night, and one of the best Quiz nights in South London every Wednesday.

There aren't many better places to watch a live game of football or rugby than the Bedford. Our huge Globe Theatre creates an incredible atmosphere, which has seen considerable celebrations, nervous moments and not a few tears in the last ten years.

We offer a handpicked tariff of first class ales and international lagers, to complement a daily menu of uncomplicated, freshly prepared British pub grub. The place has been sensitively tidied up (but not wrecked) in the late 90's, staying true to the original building as it was built, rather than emasculating the place in an attempt to catch up with gastro ventures.

We've won several awards over the years, including the Evening Standard's Pub of the Year and The Publican's Music Pub of the Year in 2002. We're proud of our local community ties, and our record of constantly evolving to give our customers what they want.

This year we developed our garden as a barbeque and heated smoking area, and have also opened our two sister pubs, The Distillers in Hammersmith, and The Distillers in Smithfield,  providing cracking live music venues, first class food and drink and a terrific atmosphere.

We're delighted to welcome you to The Bedford.