Christmas Dinner In Balham

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By Kiera Chapman • Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 25th September 2026

Skip the kitchen mess this December and discover the top places for a Christmas dinner in Balham that will leave everyone feeling merry and bright. As the temperature drops and the festive countdown begins, this South London neighborhood is gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year.

Whether you are planning an office Christmas party, a catch-up with old friends over mulled wine, or a stress-free Christmas Day feast with the family, Balham has plenty to offer. From cosy traditional pubs tucked just off Bedford Hill to local restaurants serving up unique seasonal lunches, SW12 is packed with incredible dining spots. 

Find out more about how we created our guide in our Editorial Policy. 

Best Christmas Dinners In Balham: Our Local Guide




1. The Bedford

Burger & Pint Monday and 2 other offers

  • Location: 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD
  • Price: three courses for £42 per person (or £31.50 with early-bird or midweek offers)
  • Why we recommend: boasting stunning bars, a legendary club room stage, and 15 luxurious boutique bedrooms, it offers the ultimate all-in-one destination for Christmas

First built in 1931 and beautifully refurbished, this magnificent venue features gorgeous spaces like the grand ballroom and cocktail bar, plus an iconic stage that has hosted legendary acts over the decades. This year, The Bedford is serving an affordable Christmas dinner in Balham in the form of a festive three-course menu for £42 per person (with 25% off Monday to Friday lunchtimes and early-bird slots bringing it down to £31.50).

Kick things off with starters like a twice-baked Montgomery Cheddar soufflé or duck confit and chicken liver terrine, followed by stellar mains including red wine braised shin of beef, roast Chalk Stream trout, traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, or a celeriac, mushroom and truffle Wellington. Finish up with decadent puddings like sticky toffee pudding or orange, rosemary and olive oil cake, and take advantage of fantastic pre-order drink offers like £30 prosecco and £50 beer buckets.

2. The Devonshire

  • Location: 39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN
  • Price: three courses for £47 per person
  • Why we recommend: you're guaranteed an amazing festive knees-up at this vibrant urban local. Whether you are booking a laid-back get-together or a lavish office party, its gorgeous spaces - including a covered, heated winter garden and stylish Arch Room - are built for celebration

Book a Balham Christmas dinner that's packed with timeless pub charm and plenty of atmosphere at The Devonshire. This South London social hotspot pairs a wonderful heritage and stylish decor with fantastic private spaces like the Front Bar, Middle Bar, and the brilliant heated garden, making it the ultimate winter venue for groups of 50 to 100 guests.

Check out its festive set menu for £47 per person, featuring three courses of hearty, seasonal food. Kick things off with starters like spiced butternut squash soup or a Devon crab and crayfish cocktail, followed by standout mains such as West Country rump of beef, or a truffled mushroom and chestnut pie. Finish up with classic festive treats like a traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter ice cream or a dark chocolate brownie.

3. Exhibit

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

  • Location: 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG
  • Price: three-courses for £39.95 per person
  • Why we recommend: from private bars and a karaoke suite to a fully covered, heated winter garden complete with a custom-built sleigh, it has everything you need for a party of any size

For a festive gathering packed with fun, flexibility, and holiday cheer, look no further than The Exhibit in Balham. This sprawling three-floor social hotspot features incredible private spaces, including The Gallery, The Studio, The Mezzanine with its private balcony, and the stunning Winter Garden.

There's various food options to choose from, such as pizza platters and a three-course festive menu for £47 per person (minimum party size of eight), featuring delicious starters like chicken liver parfait or a prawn and crab cocktail. Follow this up with mains such as traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, crispy salmon, or a butternut squash and truffle risotto.

4. The Cyclist

  • Location: 194 Balham High Road, SW12 9BP
  • Price: three courses from £45 per person
  • Why we recommend: you can experience a sleek, modern British gastropub that elevates seasonal dining and sharing plates. It's a fantastic spot for craft beer lovers for their holiday festivities

Situated right in the lively heart of Balham, The Cyclist offers a contemporary twist on the classic British pub experience. Known for its stylish modern decor, exceptional craft beers, and creative small plates, it transforms into an inviting winter destination when the holiday season rolls around.

Their festive three-course menu starts from £45 per person and features appetizing starters like Crown Prince squash and carrot soup or pink peppercorn and pomegranate cured Scottish salmon. For the main event, choose from seasonal favorites such as a traditional roast crown of Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings, baked North Sea cod fillet, confit Aylesbury duck leg, or a butternut squash and chestnut wellington. Wrap up the celebration with sweet treats like sticky toffee pudding.

5. The Regent

Festive Feast & Fizz 🌲 and 3 other offers

  • Location: 21 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JB
  • Price: two courses for £35, three for £41 per person
  • Why we recommend: The Regent is a social and welcoming pub that puts on a great Christmas spread for an affordable price. It's ideal for bringing everyone together over some gloriously crispy roast potatoes 

In independent and laidback pub in the heart of Balham, The Regent is a joyful place to hunker down and tuck into a Christmas feast with loved ones. We love it's high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and dangling pendant lighting woven above the bar. They're unafraid of the row of odd fairy lights or two here, as well. 

Among a twinkling dining room, you can enjoy roast turkey stuffed with apricot and sage stuffing, slathered in gravy, as well as some epic pudding such as a rich chocolate brownie served with mince pie ice cream. 

6. The Nightingale

  • Location: 97 Nightingale Lane, Balham Hill, SW12 8NX
  • Price: three courses for £42 per person
  • Why we recommend: you can settle in by a roaring fire and let your neighborhood local handle all the festive stress - it's the ultimate cosy retreat 

If you are looking for a quintessential neighborhood local to cosy up in this winter, The Nightingale on Nightingale Lane offers a wonderfully snug backdrop complete with a crackling fireplace. Whether you are organising a family feast or a relaxed evening with colleagues, it delivers a proper community pub atmosphere for your holiday celebrations.

Their seasonal three-course menu comes in at £42 per person and features warming starters like spiced butternut squash soup or Severn & Wye smoked salmon. For the main event, choose between comforting classics such as a Crown of English turkey with all the classic trimmings, West Country rump of beef, pan-roasted seabream, or a hearty parsnip and celeriac nut roast. Conclude your meal with treats like a traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter ice cream or a rich dark chocolate brownie.

7. The Grove

  • Location: 39 Oldridge Road, W12 8PN
  • Price: three courses for £46 per person
  • Why we recommend: you're bound to be well-fed at this pretty pub. Plus, the menu is brilliant value for money, especially if you're dining as a group. Don't skimp on dessert - the spiced winter fruit Bakewell is calling

For a Christmas dinner complete with cosy Victorian charm, look no further than The Grove in Balham. This gorgeous pub fronts golden chandeliers, gorgeous skylights and plenty of foliage. It's also open on Christmas Day should you fancy avoiding cooking completely over the festive period. 

Check out its set meu for £46 per person, featuring three courses of hearty food. We're talking Severn & Wye smoked salmon or ox cheek and blue cheese croquettes to start, followed by Crown of English turkey, goose fat roast potatoes, crushed winter roots, Brussels sprouts, maple roasted parsnip, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, and gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you book Christmas Day lunch at Balham pubs?

Yes. Several local favorites, such as The Grove and The Nightingale, open their doors on Christmas Day to serve festive menus, allowing you to enjoy a traditional dinner without the stress of cooking or washing up.

What options are available for large work Christmas parties in Balham?

Venues like The Exhibit and The Bedford specialise in large group events, offering private rooms, dedicated bars, customisable festive sharing platters, canapés, and entertainment packages (including karaoke and live music spaces).

How much does a festive set menu cost in Balham?

Three-course Christmas menus across Balham typically range from £39.95 to £47 per person, with some venues offering early-bird discounts or mid-week deals (such as The Bedford's £31.50 early-bird offer).