A snazzy new garden cafe in south London...

19.9.16

A Second Serving reviews Brother Marcus in Balham...


Brother Marcus is a brand new garden cafe in the heart of Balham - the brainchild of three 20-something best friends from London who have a background in catering, coffee and street food. They serve brunch, coffee and cocktails, and it feels like the kind of place where you can start in the morning and stay all day... my kind of venue then! The menu is simple and they're still mixing it up with new additions, but what they do have is VERY good. Just don't try and tot up the calories. They do some mean cocktails as well and there's also a great garden space outside for those who want to linger.

Why go?

This is the place to go if you're after tasty, filling food, in an easy, relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff and brilliant food. The big boy loaded buns come with quirky names such as the Notorious P.I.G. which is well worth a try if you're visiting. Made up of slow roasted spiced pulled pork, crunchy apple and rocket salad, lime yoghurt and a dirty Mexican sauce, the addition of crispy corn adds a cheeky extra dimension and is super more-ish. A bargain too, for just £9. The Salty Wench - 14 hour braised salt beef, two fried eggs, shredded potato chips and gherkins with a delicious smokey paprika sauce - is also a must try. As soon as you read those list of ingredients together you just know it's going to work. Nom nom nom! We also had a side of mac and cheese balls (standard) and sweet potato chips, which both went down a treat. The four cocktails on offer are all £8 and really pack a punch. Mrs Robinson, made up of gin, prosecco and lemon, was delish, as was the Negroni. All in all, Brother Marcus is well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Downsides?

It's very hard to find anything wrong with this place - the atmosphere was chilled, as I like it, the food, great, and service very friendly. The only thing I'd really have liked is a longer cocktail menu - so I can work my way through it!

Location?

9 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London, SW12 8JA.

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