Set right in the beating heart of Balham, The Cyclist is a perpetually popular pub for drink meet ups, seasonal small plates, hearty gastropub classics, brunch and Sunday roasts. It’s also popular on matchdays, hosts pub quizzes and live music nights on a regular basis, in case you’re looking for something extra.
In summer, you should make use of the picnic bench seating outside, as well as the covered streetside patio, while winter at The Cyclist means cosy indoor tables, book seating, and heartier menus to match. Inside, decor is modern, featuring exposed brick walls, and a mixture of lighting, tones, and prints.
The Cyclist menu puts the focus on a seasonal small plates. And while these vary throughout the year, to give an example of that to expect, dishes for the table might include coriander hummus with flatbread and pomegranate, padron peppers with smoked sea salt, or honey and wholegrain mustard chipolatas. You might also see a mezze board to chare, loaded up with snackable, drink frendly foods.
Small plates, meanwhile, might include the likes of chilli and garlic prawns with toasted sourdough, crispy chicken with Korean ketchup and sesame, or grilled lamb koftas with minted yoghurt and flatbreads. You can go for a selection of these to share, or treat them as starters and follow with main courses like chicken schnitzel with wild rocket and fennel salad, lamb ragu pappardelle, or a double smash burger with American cheese. Sides and specials are available too.
If you’re visiting on a Satuday, do look out the the brunch offering, while Sunday diners will be pleased to hear that The Cyclist offers a very solid range of roast options. For instance, you might spot free range pork belly, lemon and thyme White cobb chicken, or sirloin beef roasts alongside a trio of options, vegetarian alternatives, and roasts to share. All come with ample traditional trimmings.