The Best restaurants in Balham

Freak Scene

“On the increasingly enjoyable Go To Food Podcast, a recent episode had Michel Roux Jr. praising the Balham restaurant Freak Scene for its young, energetic service, and excellent food.

….we took that podcast recommendation as a cue to go check it out on an otherwise wet and windy Tuesday night. We’re so glad we did; the place rocks. 

… get stuck into plates of pan-Asian maximalism, all designed by ex-Nobu chef and Kurobuta founder Scott Hallsworth, who has a wicked way with big, bold flavours.

He deploys umami and acidity in basically everything. Sure, it’s all dialled up to eleven and … if you’re in need of a kick about the chops in Balham on an evening that’s otherwise tending towards the tedious, you’ll certainly find it here.

Originally started as a pop-up in Farringdon, Freak Scene has evolved into a two-restaurant operation, the first in Parsons Green, and this second branch arriving in Balham earlier this year. The space itself is intimate, with a mix of tightly-packed, curiously clothed tables upstairs and a quieter, more sultry basement area below which is, again, compact. In other words; don’t expect to just rock up here and get a table straight away – booking in advance is definitely recommended. 

…start with the fried baby Shetland squid with a piquant jalapeno dip, before moving on to the wood-fired poussin with spicy lemon garlic sauce, both of which are excellent. The duck red curry with doughnut bao buns certainly aren’t to be missed, either.

If you’re keen to get properly across the menu, then the best time to visit is during their “Tight Ass Tuesdays” evenings, where diners can enjoy a 7-course sharing menu for just £40 per person. Bargain.

Address: 1 Ramsden Rd, London SW12 8QX