Tonight:
5°c
Critic rating
The Devonshire is no longer a traditional pub
24 Sep 2009
The Young's makeover juggernaut rolls into Balham and this is the result.
Not too long ago the Duke of Devonshire was a large, adept community boozer: one that could with equal conviction play host to older locals in the front bar and a younger crowd in the back.
Now, it's something different - yet rather familiar if you've been to any of the many new-look Young's pubs which are sprouting up across London.
The Devonshire's now a more sedate, respectable drinking hole, with traces of the old pub wiped away as succinctly as its former name - so farewell to the TV and the games machines; hello to an open plan kitchen and a Botticelli reproduction).
One standfast from the old regime: they still serve you a decent pint of Young's. It's the sort of place that's perfect for aspirational, gentrified Balham - but it's one that's hard to get overly excited about, and it's no longer a pub.
NEAREST STATION: Balham station
FEATURES: disabled facilities, ATM, real ales - all Wells and Young's, outdoor seating, separate restaurant
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
