I used to come to Balham quite often, only out of necessity though, to get on the Northern line or nip into Sainsburys for a quick shop. Not once did I consider visiting this area of south London to hang out or enjoy a boutique brunch, I always assumed Balham didn’t have that kind of eatery on offer. Harrisons however provides a reason to visit Balham and I would happily do the lengthy journey again for food of this calibre.

Brunch is a tricky meal to get right… you have to provide equally for the breakfast crowd and the hungrier lunch lovers. There must be sweet and savoury options, light and heavier dishes, and a whole range of drinks from Bloody Mary cocktails to revitalising fresh orange juice and wakeup worthy cappuccinos and comforting teas.

Harrison’s glittering sign draws you from the street into the large New York style diner. A sibling of Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick, this restaurant will appeal to everyone, it has a jolly vibe and welcoming staff. The tables are cosy and casually surround the busy kitchen, the food is absolutely delicious and perfect for a relaxed weekend meal.

A typical west London girl, I was quite out of my comfort zone this far south… but bumping into an old (also west London) school friend proved Harrison’s popularity. After a refreshing non-alcoholic strawberry cocktail at the bar, we took a seat, starving and SO ready for a feast. Enamoured by the Buttermilk pancake stack at Sam’s, I couldn’t resist a comparison test here: served with smoky bacon and maple syrup for my friend and blueberry compote and crème fraiche for me. To pick a favourite between the two options would be impossible as both excel. Usually I don’t like sweet and savoury combinations but the marriage of high quality bacon and sweet fat pancakes just works: melting, perfect mouthfuls. The pancakes here are cooked to perfection, soft and light but plump and flavoursome. The fruity compote and dollop of rich crème fraiche option are absolutely divine.

For second course (there were far two many yummy options to have only one course each) I tried the popular cheeseburger and my guest opted for the epic steak sandwich. The chips here are just right: thin, crispy and salty, definitely worth considering when ordering a burger or sandwich meal. The steak sandwich was juicy and full of flavour with sloppy onion and grain mustard. I really enjoyed the burger: well seasoned meat with luscious melted cheese, crisp salad and red onion… the only problem was the lack of tomato… one of my favourite elements in a burger. We finished off the meal with coffees… my friend politely demanded a vanilla skinny latte; I was very impressed that Harrisons had the ingredients to offer this and came back with a beautiful sunset coffee in a tall glass, so pretty that I regretted my boring cappuccino choice.

At Harrisons you will find the best brunch in Balham and I think it would be hard to find better anywhere in South London.

Visit the Harrisons website here for more information and to book.