Henny’s

Chic but comfortable, and cool but not trying too hard, Henny’s is a wine bar in Balham that we want to drink in but also be. The walls are deliberately, artfully slap-dash plaster—not like yours where you’ve swatched five different variations of custard—and the bar is the kind of sea green that demands relaxation. Pull up a stool, opposite the art-deco mirror, for a civilised post-work catch-up fuelled by one of the wines of the week. Towards the back is a mustard booth that curves round the corner, where larger groups order Yard Sale pizzas and tucked-away dates try bottles of something orange and hand-harvested. If you prefer a buzzy atmosphere come after 8pm, although we rate Henny’s for quiet solo drinks too.

photo credit: Bennie Curnow