The Devonshire is no longer a traditional pub

The Young's makeover juggernaut rolls into Balham and this is the result.

Not too long ago the Duke of Devonshire was a large, adept community boozer: one that could with equal conviction play host to older locals in the front bar and a younger crowd in the back.

Now, it's something different - yet rather familiar if you've been to any of the many new-look Young's pubs which are sprouting up across London.

The Devonshire's now a more sedate, respectable drinking hole, with traces of the old pub wiped away as succinctly as its former name - so farewell to the TV and the games machines; hello to an open plan kitchen and a Botticelli reproduction).

One standfast from the old regime: they still serve you a decent pint of Young's. It's the sort of place that's perfect for aspirational, gentrified Balham - but it's one that's hard to get overly excited about, and it's no longer a pub.

NEAREST STATION: Balham station

FEATURES: disabled facilities, ATM, real ales - all Wells and Young's, outdoor seating, separate restaurant

The Devonshire
39 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AN