Devonshire, Balham

This is a substantial brick, corner-site pub, probably refitted in the late 1890s when, no doubt, the pink granite facing was fitted on the ground floor. There has been a great deal of opening out and replacement of fittings internally such as the modern bar counter in the rear section and the modern pewter-style bar top throughout but this pub is included here for the startling and impressive amount of high quality glass.

Most notable is the row of etched and coloured mirrors lining the blind wall of the front bar but close examination shows that some have cut scalloped edges, but others have the same design, but are not etched so may be modern copies. Equally impressive is the eight-bay bar-back in the rear saloon with pilasters and capitals picked out in gold and in particular the etched mirror glass.

There are doors with etched and coloured glass bearing the name ‘saloon’. In complete contrast is the inter-war glass in the front bar outside windows where pretty, coloured pieces are interspersed randomly in the rippled and plain panes. The bar counter in the front bar is probably late-Victorian and dado fielded panelling looks old. You should also note the grid design of the ceilings throughout.