The Bedford Balham - Live Music Venue

Clean and comfortable

The shower leaked, the towel warmer didn’t work nor did the safe. The coffee maker also didn’t work.

I really did not know what to expect but I could not have been happier with my visit to the Bedford. It is a very short walk from Balham Station (but I never heard a train from inside the hotel) and I arrived about 15 minutes prior to check-in. There was a "burger and a pint" deal for £15 so I availed myself of a pint of Landlord and the burger. Both were excellent. When it came to check-in I discovered I had been upgraded to a superior room. It was fantastic - quiet and comfortable. I freshened up and went back to the bar to tackle the crossword with a second pint. The bar staff were all outstanding but I would like to give George a special mention as he introduced me to Jameson Black Barrel, which is delicious. The comedy venue is great - I could hear, I could see - all the things I like at a show. I snuck out before the end to have supper in their restaurant. I was very well looked after by Oscar and I enjoyed my Padron peppers, peri peri chicken and lemon posset. I washed it down with a very good Chardonnay. It was all top notch and because I was a hotel resident I got a substantial discount (a third off the bill!) I was really impressed by all the staff I met - everyone was charming and friendly. I thought it was quite remarkable. The bed was comfortable and there was lots of hot water in the shower. I could have stayed all week!

There were no bin liners in the bins in my room. I expect this was deliberate policy but I always feel a bit uncomfortable throwing rubbish into an unlined bin because it is not very nice for whoever has to empty it the next day. If you are a little unsteady on your feet, I would ask to be on the first or second floor. The lift only goes to the second floor so being on the third floor involved a few flights of stairs. I need and enjoyed the exercise but I can imagine a scenario where it would be tricky. Just let them know when you book!

Great staff, lovely room. Comfy bed.

The toilet was not clean and has someone else's poo stairs in it - not nice!

It had a pub

Everything is quite old, dated, broken door handle, broken shower, dirty and lifted carpet in corridors, scratches on walls. Room not as beautiful as the ones in the pictures.