Another week and another Antic pub has opened in the borough of Wandsworth.

The Hagen & Hyde, in Balham High Road, Balham, is the latest venture to open under the pub group Antic.

Located in what was formerly Blithe Spirit, the venue has had a makeover with a large upstairs dining room added to the back.

The decor is typical of the Antic group, vintage interior, comfy armchairs and quirky curiosities hung up on walls.

I was entertaining a couple who live in Streatham and I had to prove the journey to Balham was worth it.

It turns out the Mrs was delighted with the drink of the week French Martini, priced at £5, while her fella was impressed with the eight real ales on offer.

There are also 12 keg beers and two real ciders, as well as a reasonably priced
cocktail list.

I’m yet to make a reservation at the restaurant, but the pub’s tweets seem to place a focus on seafood dishes.

Live music and DJs perform at the weekends, with the venue open until 2am Friday and Saturday nights.

I adore Antic pubs, and as proved by the recent campaign to Save the Wheatsheaf, so do my fellow Wandsworth pals.

But all of the pub’s models are rather similar and I’m starting to wonder if the trend for all things vintage may become tired.

The Hagen & Hyde, Balham High Road, Balham; 020 8772 0016; hagenandhyde.com.

 



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