Balham High Street 

Like many of the outer lying areas of London, Balham has humble roots, starting as a village in Saxon times before being slowly enveloped in the entirety of London as it grew. The world (or rather, London) didn't really take notice until the opening of Balham Rail and Underground Station (at the time dubbed Gateway to the South), which provided easy links directly to the city. Unfortunately it also provided the backdrop of one of the most memorable stories from the Second World War (which was reconstructed in the novel 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan and in the film of the same name), when during the 1940's raids over London many went to this tube station for shelter, which was subsequently hit by a bomb, bursting water and gas mains and flooding the station. Balham today is an up-and-coming location, rising in popularity with the middle-class and slowly shying away from it's working-class roots, and the shopping and eateries reflect this with the opening of such stores as 'Waitrose' and organic food giant 'As Nature Intended'. It's turned into a bit of a trendy area, and this atmosphere is certainly noticeable upon leaving the station, and being so close to neighbouring cool spot Clapham, it's easy to see it's influence spilling over into Balham. As such, there are numerous restaurants where you can enjoy an evening meal before moving on to some trendy bars and lounges to finish off a perfect day of shopping.