This year’s Balham Food Festival kicks off on Sunday September 25 with the all-day Balham Banquet in pedestrian Hildreth Street and Bedford Hill Place, followed by a week of special offers in the restaurants, bars and cafés of the surrounding area.

Hildreth Street was transformed into a modern foodie hub as part of the £2million makeover of Balham town centre completed last year. More than 50 food and drink stalls will line the street for the banquet, with gingerbread-baking workshops for kids provided by Dee Light Bakery and live music by The Bedford pub. For the full line-up of stalls, events and offers go to http://balhamfoodfestival.com.

Balham has developed a powerful food scene in the past few years, with French, British, Indian, Nepalese, Italian, Caribbean and Chinese food offered at every level from fine-dining to street café – all within a few minutes walk from the station.

The latest recognition came this week when local legend Milk won the award for Best Breakfast or Brunch at the inaugural Harden’s London Restaurant awards, beating competition from West End institutions including The Wolseley.