Turned up for a easy New Years Day dinner with the family. Arrived with only 2 staff working. After taking my order for the family, was then told they don't have any food so we'd have to go some where else. A real shame as I usually love this pub but on this occasion it fell well short of any sort of hospitality standard
MartinR208
Problems started with the first round of drinks, 3 of our preferred wines were not available although the person serving was apologetic and helpful. Then we took up or table for lunch, the staff were friendly but there was confusion about availability of some choices. When the food arrived it was clear there was a problem in the kitchen, the beef roast arrived cold, the half chicken roast was a small leg of chicken and borderline undercooked and again cold. The fish and chips was just about ok but with very soggy batter. We complained to the manager who explained he had staffing issues and was dealing with a "nightmare week". He was generous to offer the entire meal at no charge, we felt it fair to at least pay for our drinks. It's a lovely pub in the backstreets and I've been many times previously without issue so hopefully a temporary glitch
MargaretJones52
The food was very good as usual but the service was the very worst I have experienced. We ordered our meal for 3 adults and 2 children. The adult meals arrived but the children's didn't we had to ask for them and by the time they arrived our meals were cold. We asked for water for the children 3 times but it never arrived. At desert there were only 2 choices left on the menu (ice cream and chocolate fudge cake). We ordered ice cream for the children and the fudge cake for an adult. The ice cream arrived but the fudge cake didn't. When the bill arrived it included a discretionary service charge which we discussed around the table with the manager. We were offered some gestures from the manager including an apology. But I paid the bill in full including the service charge. I have eaten here before and been satisfied even when it was busy but it wasn't busy that evening Sunday 3rd December at 6pm. Not sure I'll visit again.
Emily631
Went on Saturday evening to watch the rugby, Amelia our waitress was so good and friendly. Good atmosphere but let down by the good, had some of the starters / snacks - very basic
VKing1307
We came here for a Sunday roast after seeing it billed as one of the better ones in the area. The pub itself is cute and spacious and the staff were super friendly and attentive. The roast itself was a bit disappointing, great on the meat front (plenty of beef) and the yorkshires were great. Unfortunately the veg was a bit lacking, we had cabbage, roast potatoes, onion and mashed swede (I think!). No carrots, no cauliflower or broccoli etc. The veg selection just seemed a little bland and not the usual full selection. Roast potatoes were also not too crispy and looked a bit anaemic. We had a good bottle of red to accompany it so all was not lost, but overall there are better roasts out there!
Pauline B
I go to the Grove regularly and really like the pub. However, my visit today was very disappointing. The service was slow and the food very disappointing, even though the pub was empty. Overcooked burger and Caesar salad side which consisted of a plate of lettuce leaves and a couple of hard croutons. I would also like a choice on whether I pay a service charge or not, particularly at 12.5%.
Finn Thatcher
Had a smashing time at this wonderful pub tucked away in Balham on a Sunday. The grove has a great atmosphere and happy staff ready to assist in anyway possible. The roast however was the highlight of my trip the roast chicken was cooked to perfection and very flavourful. Also big thanks to the management for being so efficient and helpful. Truly had a wonderful time. ???Would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a lovely meal with great service.Kid-friendliness: Super helpful and caring to all children that come in
will davies
Beautiful cozy bar tucked away in the heart of Balham. Came for the pub quiz that they do on a Thursday night and it was one the most fun quizzes I've done. Lovely Atmosphere and all the bar staff were great vibes!
greenwichsocial
Watched one of the World Cup matches here - the booking I made gave us a huge area where everyone could be seated and was right in front of the TV. The staff were quick and it had a great atmosphere and interior.
amelia s
I had a great time at the grove! The pub quiz is one of the best nights out! The drinks were flowing and the food was great!
We had overseas (British) friends coming into town and they were really missing a Sunday roast lunch so booked a table. I had been before and it was pretty good. This time is was not so great - slow service for drinks, roast lamb was pretty tough and food was luke warm, plates were cold (although the cauliflower cheese was hot), nice wine (Viognier). Service not brilliant - cleared some plates and left some, and had to be asked to remove used glasses.
Catalina Duarte
On a Friday at 6 pm they didn’t have lemon/mint so half of the cocktails were not available. We ordered what they had but ended up with a watered down Campari. We requested a refund and the manager kept trying to convince us we were wrong. We also ordered some hummus which was really supermarket quality and clearly over-priced. It’s a shame because the building is pretty. Simply not worth a visit.
caroline_gregoryuk
We have spent quite a bit of time at the Grove over the BH weekend whilst visiting family in Balham and on Saturday we held a party there for my daughters 21st birthday. We’ve really enjoyed spending time there, the atmosphere is chilled and the staff very friendly, particularly the gorgeous lads from the north-east!It’s a modern, quirky pub with plenty of space. It’s just off the main road in Balham so doesn’t have the queues at the bar that some of the high st pubs have. We were given a lovely area to decorate and spend time with everyone who came to the party. Got to say the food was just amazing, it appealed to everyone and everyone commented what a fantastic buffet they supplied. They do a normal menu too which looked very nice.Thank you for making us feel so welcome (dog friendly too) we had the best party. Looking forward to coming back again soon!
LindaCarling18
Lovely pub, plenty of space , good vibe , generous portions , good menu choice from burger to roast ......only gripe was no mint sauce for the Roast Lamb which is a bit like not having ketchup available for chips. Other than that, friendly , hard working staff and a lovely atmosphere.
Reg L
Ordered a sausage roll, and dorset coppa (cured meat platter). The sausage roll was 1/2 a portion, so not great value. The meat platter was supposed to come with sourdough but it was basic white bread with, get this, a side dish of margarine. Grim. Not keen on eatng there again if they are cutting corners like this.
Turned up for a easy New Years Day dinner with the family. Arrived with only 2 staff working. After taking my order for the family, was then told they don't have any food so we'd have to go some where else. A real shame as I usually love this pub but on this occasion it fell well short of any sort of hospitality standard
Problems started with the first round of drinks, 3 of our preferred wines were not available although the person serving was apologetic and helpful. Then we took up or table for lunch, the staff were friendly but there was confusion about availability of some choices. When the food arrived it was clear there was a problem in the kitchen, the beef roast arrived cold, the half chicken roast was a small leg of chicken and borderline undercooked and again cold. The fish and chips was just about ok but with very soggy batter. We complained to the manager who explained he had staffing issues and was dealing with a "nightmare week". He was generous to offer the entire meal at no charge, we felt it fair to at least pay for our drinks. It's a lovely pub in the backstreets and I've been many times previously without issue so hopefully a temporary glitch
The food was very good as usual but the service was the very worst I have experienced. We ordered our meal for 3 adults and 2 children. The adult meals arrived but the children's didn't we had to ask for them and by the time they arrived our meals were cold. We asked for water for the children 3 times but it never arrived. At desert there were only 2 choices left on the menu (ice cream and chocolate fudge cake). We ordered ice cream for the children and the fudge cake for an adult. The ice cream arrived but the fudge cake didn't. When the bill arrived it included a discretionary service charge which we discussed around the table with the manager. We were offered some gestures from the manager including an apology. But I paid the bill in full including the service charge. I have eaten here before and been satisfied even when it was busy but it wasn't busy that evening Sunday 3rd December at 6pm. Not sure I'll visit again.
Went on Saturday evening to watch the rugby, Amelia our waitress was so good and friendly. Good atmosphere but let down by the good, had some of the starters / snacks - very basic
We came here for a Sunday roast after seeing it billed as one of the better ones in the area. The pub itself is cute and spacious and the staff were super friendly and attentive. The roast itself was a bit disappointing, great on the meat front (plenty of beef) and the yorkshires were great. Unfortunately the veg was a bit lacking, we had cabbage, roast potatoes, onion and mashed swede (I think!). No carrots, no cauliflower or broccoli etc. The veg selection just seemed a little bland and not the usual full selection. Roast potatoes were also not too crispy and looked a bit anaemic. We had a good bottle of red to accompany it so all was not lost, but overall there are better roasts out there!
I go to the Grove regularly and really like the pub. However, my visit today was very disappointing. The service was slow and the food very disappointing, even though the pub was empty. Overcooked burger and Caesar salad side which consisted of a plate of lettuce leaves and a couple of hard croutons. I would also like a choice on whether I pay a service charge or not, particularly at 12.5%.
Had a smashing time at this wonderful pub tucked away in Balham on a Sunday. The grove has a great atmosphere and happy staff ready to assist in anyway possible. The roast however was the highlight of my trip the roast chicken was cooked to perfection and very flavourful. Also big thanks to the management for being so efficient and helpful. Truly had a wonderful time. ???Would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a lovely meal with great service.Kid-friendliness: Super helpful and caring to all children that come in
Beautiful cozy bar tucked away in the heart of Balham. Came for the pub quiz that they do on a Thursday night and it was one the most fun quizzes I've done. Lovely Atmosphere and all the bar staff were great vibes!
Watched one of the World Cup matches here - the booking I made gave us a huge area where everyone could be seated and was right in front of the TV. The staff were quick and it had a great atmosphere and interior.
I had a great time at the grove! The pub quiz is one of the best nights out! The drinks were flowing and the food was great!
Restaurantji Recommends
We had overseas (British) friends coming into town and they were really missing a Sunday roast lunch so booked a table. I had been before and it was pretty good. This time is was not so great - slow service for drinks, roast lamb was pretty tough and food was luke warm, plates were cold (although the cauliflower cheese was hot), nice wine (Viognier). Service not brilliant - cleared some plates and left some, and had to be asked to remove used glasses.
On a Friday at 6 pm they didn’t have lemon/mint so half of the cocktails were not available. We ordered what they had but ended up with a watered down Campari. We requested a refund and the manager kept trying to convince us we were wrong. We also ordered some hummus which was really supermarket quality and clearly over-priced. It’s a shame because the building is pretty. Simply not worth a visit.
We have spent quite a bit of time at the Grove over the BH weekend whilst visiting family in Balham and on Saturday we held a party there for my daughters 21st birthday. We’ve really enjoyed spending time there, the atmosphere is chilled and the staff very friendly, particularly the gorgeous lads from the north-east!It’s a modern, quirky pub with plenty of space. It’s just off the main road in Balham so doesn’t have the queues at the bar that some of the high st pubs have. We were given a lovely area to decorate and spend time with everyone who came to the party. Got to say the food was just amazing, it appealed to everyone and everyone commented what a fantastic buffet they supplied. They do a normal menu too which looked very nice.Thank you for making us feel so welcome (dog friendly too) we had the best party. Looking forward to coming back again soon!
Lovely pub, plenty of space , good vibe , generous portions , good menu choice from burger to roast ......only gripe was no mint sauce for the Roast Lamb which is a bit like not having ketchup available for chips. Other than that, friendly , hard working staff and a lovely atmosphere.
Ordered a sausage roll, and dorset coppa (cured meat platter). The sausage roll was 1/2 a portion, so not great value. The meat platter was supposed to come with sourdough but it was basic white bread with, get this, a side dish of margarine. Grim. Not keen on eatng there again if they are cutting corners like this.