The Lounge Bar in Balham

Even with High Street restaurants trying to commercialise the concept of

‘Tapas’, is there anything that remotely resembles this beautiful Spanish

cuisine the way The Lounge Bar in Balham does?

Ever since 2002, this tapas bar, owned by Philippe and Manuela, is widely

regarded as one of the best in the UK, attracting a widem variety of audiences

ranging from those local in Balham to the many tourists that come from further

afield.

Manuela and Philippe have great restaurant experience having previously owned

restaurants in Zurich and then London, varying from Spanish, Italian, French

and Swiss cuisine. But tapas is what they know best and they are the best

at it.

Whilst Manuela ensures everything is comfortable and the guests enjoy their

dining experience, Philippe takes charge of the kitchen bringing you the finest

in Spanish cuisine serving some of the most delicious Vieiras al Vino con

Saffran (scallops in white wine and saffron sauce), Almejas a la Marinera

(clams in spicy white wine and tomato sauce) and Calamares Andaluza (fried

squid).

One of the beauty’s of the Lounge Bar is that they’re not afraid to educate you

about the tradition and wide choices of tapas dishes you can choose from. Both

Manuela and Philippe both take it upon themselves to make sure you get the full

exposure and experience of this quintessential Spanish experience.

Even if you’re a bit scared of trying the “tapas dining” experience, one

of the best things about The Lounge Bar is that it will encapsulate you to the

point that you’ll almost feel as though you’re sitting in the heart of Madrid,

nestled in one of the lovely little tapas bars of the Gran Via, sipping on a

glass of refreshing wine.