Remember the Peter Sellers monologue describing the excruciating boredom of Balham as the traffic lights change . . . . . and change . . . and . . well, all that's long gone and Tapas Hit Balham is the headline that matters in southwest London right now. At Fat Delicatessen you can combine picking up some very tasty items of food with having a little snack. Think anchovies with shallots and parsley, acorn fed Jamon Iberico, manchego cheese with fig and almond wheel, or for something more substantial a bowl of the Fat Deli soup, smoked mackerel bruschetta with trimmings, Toulouse sausage and lentil stew, and confit belly pork with creamed rosemary Fagioli.

In addition you can be seduced by a very decent bottle of Gevery Chambertin or champagne at affordable prices. There is also advice on what is in or out of season. Everything is beautifully displayed, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly; in short if you have nothing better to, and even if you have, a run down to the Fat Deli is likely to be one of the best treats you've had for quite a while.