The Exhibit, one of Balham’s most popular bars and restaurants, has opened its second site on Streatham High Road: Exhibit B. The new sister venue – focused on drinks and entertainment first and foremost – has completely tailored its offering to its environs with everything sourced from and inspired by this up-and-coming pocket of South London.
2018 – and beyond
Exhibit B is the brainchild of Lisa Loebenberg – ex-Drake & Morgan – and the Weatherhead brothers – the original creators of The Exhibit in Balham 17 years ago. With plans on more South London sites and strictly areas demonstrating economical growth, the second bar will be used as a template for others to join the group in the coming years. Lisa says: “Every site must feel like a natural fit for its area in terms of décor, beverages, food and events. We’re all about keeping it local, no matter how much we expand. Exhibits should always be somewhere that our neighbours want to come to, whether they’ve been living in the area for two months or 20 years. Our strapline is ‘a youth club for adults’ and that, too, will remain at the heart of everywhere we open.”
The Design
Exhibit B has cemented the concept: it has been personally kitted out by the team using only materials from the vicinity and without the help of an interior design firm. “It’s a lesson in doing things on a shoestring,” says Lisa, “and I think it really epitomises London’s current love of reclaimed décor.” EBay and salvage yards have been raided for a 70s-meets-warehouse vibe that features unique touches like retro Tube fabric, a multi-coloured ‘lightwall’ and a signature oversized fish tank. When it comes to layout, it has been designed as a flexible, all-day space to cater for customers from late-morning until late-night: a glossy black and white bar up front is for drinks, dinner and dancing; while a private area out back is for events hire. Bedecked with edgy works from a vibrant artist, it’s sure to become a favourite for everything from Christmas parties to birthday celebrations.
The Entertainment
Entertainment has been carefully curated with Streatham’s diverse mix of drinkers in mind: South London DJs, local live musicians and neighbourhood drag acts will join experts, hosts and talkers from the postcode for an eclectic schedule of events throughout the year.
The Drinks
Select cocktails, beers and spirits have taken their cues from their new surroundings: signatures include the Streatham Sling (gin, vermouth, elderflower, mint, lime, salt); the St.Reatham (a Munich-style lager made locally); and the Graveney (a grapefruit and basil G&T using Tooting-based gin). All the usual concoctions, crafts, spritzes and sparklings are stocked behind the bar, too, continually evolving and developing according to customers’ tastes.
The Food
Like the original site in Balham. the seasonal, locally-sourced menu remains truly international in flavour and spans brunch, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The à la carte has been refreshed to incorporate some of 2018’s leading food trends: highlights include Sriracha wings, salt beef croquettes, goat curry, coconut-battered fish and chips, and all-vegan black bean and kale burger.