The Cyclist

The Cyclist

pub
casual-dining
outdoor-seating
good-for-groups
roast-specialty
LocalsTourists
4.6Google (1261 reviews)

Modern gastropub for craft beers, cocktails & a menu that includes weekend brunches & Sunday roasts.

Price range:

About

In the heart of London, The Cyclist emerges as more than just another pub – it's a testament to the city's enduring love affair with gathering spaces that feel both timeless and perfectly of the moment. As you cross the threshold, warm wood tones and gentle ambient lighting create an immediate sense of belonging, while the soft murmur of conversations rises and falls like a gentle tide.

The space unfolds before you with an architectural grace that seems to understand human nature itself. Corner booths curve like embraces, while the central bar stands proud as the room's beating heart. During daylight hours, sunlight streams through generous windows, catching the brass fixtures until they gleam like newly minted pennies. As evening descends, the lighting dims to a honey-warm glow that transforms everyday moments into memories.

At The Cyclist, London's cosmopolitan spirit finds expression in both the menu and the minglers. The bar staff move with practiced ease, their expertise evident in every perfectly poured pint and carefully crafted cocktail. Watch as they orchestrate their dance behind the bar – one mixing a sophisticated cocktail while another pulls a pristine pint of ale, the foam forming a perfect crown. Their knowledge flows as freely as the drinks they serve, happy to guide you through their carefully curated selection of spirits and local brews.

The kitchen here performs its own kind of alchemy, transforming familiar pub classics into something altogether more memorable. The Sunday roast has achieved near-legendary status among locals, with tender cuts of meat accompanied by vegetables that have been cooked with reverence – each potato roasted to golden perfection, each Yorkshire pudding rising like a proud crown. A personal gravy boat arrives at your table like a benediction, ensuring every bite can be as saucy as you desire.

During the week, the menu dances between tradition and innovation. Korean fried chicken shares menu space with impeccably battered fish and chips, while starters like goat cheese beetroot salad and halloumi fries demonstrate the kitchen's versatility. Each dish emerges from the kitchen as a careful balance between comfort and craft, priced to reflect the quality of ingredients while remaining accessible to those seeking a proper pub experience.

The Cyclist's commitment to hospitality extends beyond the plate and glass. Dogs are welcomed as honored guests, their owners often found in the outdoor seating area where London life passes by in all its vibrant variety. Groups of friends can settle in for long afternoons that stretch into evenings, while couples find intimate corners for date nights that feel both special and wonderfully relaxed.

In true London fashion, The Cyclist has mastered the art of the seamless experience. Modern conveniences like contactless payments coexist with traditional pub hospitality. Reservations are encouraged, especially for the coveted Sunday service, though there's usually room for walk-ins at the bar where spontaneous conversations between strangers still bloom like flowers through pavement cracks.

The staff, frequently mentioned in glowing reviews, seem to understand that their role extends beyond service to stewardship of something precious – those increasingly rare spaces where community still flourishes in our digital age. They remember faces, preferences, and manage to make both regulars and first-timers feel equally at home.

As day fades into evening, The Cyclist reveals different facets of its personality. The after-work crowd brings a lively energy that gradually mellows into the intimate atmosphere of dinner service. Throughout it all, there's an underlying current of warmth that makes this London pub feel less like a business and more like a friend's living room – albeit one with exceptional drinks and food.

Step into The Cyclist's story yourself. Join the locals who've made this London pub their second home, where every visit adds another layer to the rich patina of memories these walls hold. In a city that never stops moving, The Cyclist offers that rarest of gifts: a place to pause, connect, and remember what matters most.

Contact Information

Address

194 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BP, UK

London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)

Opening Hours

Sunday: 10 AM - 11 PM
Monday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM - 12 AM
Thursday: 12 PM - 12 AM
Friday: 12 PM - 1 AM
Saturday: 10 AM - 1 AM

Amenities

Dine in
Takeout
Restroom
Reservable
Allows dogs
Serves beer
Serves wine
Good for groups
Outdoor seating
Serves cocktails

Photos (10)

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