In the last year, Balham has risen to become a proper hotspot for food and drink in London. So much so it now hosts its own food festival, which is coming up in September. It’s no surprise therefore that newcomers Brother Marcus have decided to open their doors just seconds from the underground on Chestnut Grove. Here’s what you need to know about the new opening:

Brother Marcus: What

Brother Marcus, Brother Marcus Balham, balham restaurants, restaurants in balham, restaurants balham, restaurants in balham london, italian restaurant balham, restaurants in balham sw12, italian restaurants in balham, french restaurant balham, restaurants in balham high road, restaurants balham high road, restaurants balham area, good restaurants in balham, restaurants balham london, italian restaurant balham high road, balham restaurants reviews, balham high road restaurants, restaurants near balham station

Brother Marcus is the creation of three best friends from London who have worked alongside each other for years. With an extensive background in coffee, catering and street food, they one day decided to put other jobs aside and set up their own café and event space, turning around the greasy spoon that occupied the space before in just a number of days.

Brother Marcus: The Vibe

Brother Marcus, Brother Marcus Balham, balham restaurants, restaurants in balham, restaurants balham, restaurants in balham london, italian restaurant balham, restaurants in balham sw12, italian restaurants in balham, french restaurant balham, restaurants in balham high road, restaurants balham high road, restaurants balham area, good restaurants in balham, restaurants balham london, italian restaurant balham high road, balham restaurants reviews, balham high road restaurants, restaurants near balham station

It’s easily somewhere you could come to, sit down in the morning and stay until the evening. Wooden tables, cream walls and lots of light mean Brother Marcus has an easy, relaxed atmosphere, something which has clearly filtered down from the boys themselves (who can be easily found dotted around the cafe).

Brother Marcus: The Food

Brother Marcus, Brother Marcus Balham, balham restaurants, restaurants in balham, restaurants balham, restaurants in balham london, italian restaurant balham, restaurants in balham sw12, italian restaurants in balham, french restaurant balham, restaurants in balham high road, restaurants balham high road, restaurants balham area, good restaurants in balham, restaurants balham london, italian restaurant balham high road, balham restaurants reviews, balham high road restaurants, restaurants near balham station

Whether it’s Caravan coffee in the morning breakfast, brunch or lunch, Brother Marcus clearly apply the same set of principles to everything it does. The food is simple, organically sourced and just, really tasty. We had the Sister Salad and a chicken sandwich. It isn’t fancy but with fresh ingredients and some of the best tasting bread in Balham, there’s no need to fuss.

13533221_1177092835676840_6896674554120416726_n

In the evenings they will play host to guest chefs, entertainers and supper clubs. A look at the calendar revealed masterclasses with Masterchef’s Tony Rood and a summer pop-up by The Billingsfield Kitchen.

Brother Marcus: Our Verdict

Brother Marcus, Brother Marcus Balham, balham restaurants, restaurants in balham, restaurants balham, restaurants in balham london, italian restaurant balham, restaurants in balham sw12, italian restaurants in balham, french restaurant balham, restaurants in balham high road, restaurants balham high road, restaurants balham area, good restaurants in balham, restaurants balham london, italian restaurant balham high road, balham restaurants reviews, balham high road restaurants, restaurants near balham station

12440595_1110648605654597_1934336806491456669_o

With a great garden space and a wood fired pizza oven to come, Brother Marcus will be a perfect spot for the summer. Keep an eye on their website for details of their events etc and changes to the menu. oh and the name? One of the founders has a brother called Marcus…it’s really as simple as that.