The Avalon, a public house and garden on Balham Hill in London’s Clapham South, is elegance incarnate. And what an incarnation – housed in a gorgeous heritage building, The Avalon contains a number of sumptuous places to wine and dine. Accessing The Blue Room from downstairs via the secret staircase hidden near the well-stocked bar, you enter a palatial dining room replete with Georgian furnishings and rococo fixtures. But it isn’t all old fashioned – The Blue Room features state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment for the perfect private party. In summer months, al fresco dining is well-rewarded out in The Avalon’s peaceful courtyard. As if you weren’t already spoiled for choice, the side garden has been attracting rave reviews as one of the best pub gardens in all of London.

The Avalon’s menus are extensive – just a brief overview would have to cover their popular weekday lunches plus their equally popular weekend menu, in addition to sophisticated brunches and dinners. Extra-special menus include the barbecue menu, served on the courtyard by appointment only, The Blue Room’s 4-course degustation menu, annual Christmas and New Year’s menus, and a little one for the kids. The Avalon is a proud addition to Clapham South, and to all of London. Make sure you reserve well in advance, this gem atop Balham Hill is justifiably as mobbed as the Round Table.