‘Epic’ Balham bar closing after 13 years as ’emotional’ staff announce special weekend offer

A long statement has been posted on social media from the team running the bar who want to ‘go out with a bang’

‘Gutted’ regulars have shared happy memories of going on first dates with their now husband or wife at a South London bar which it has been announced will be closing this weekend. Lost & Found Bar, on Bedford Hill in Balham, will shut for good on Sunday night (August 23).

The ’emotional’ team working at the bar are running a special offer for the final weekend with 2-for-1 cocktails on sale all of Saturday and Sunday until the bar closes at 11.30pm on the 23rd. The bar is open 5pm to 1am on Saturday and 5pm until 11.30pm on Sunday.

The bar holds memories of special moments for many. Reacting to the news, one person wrote: “I had my first date with my husband in your bar. I had my 40th in your bar.”

Another said: “This is so sad. I was a regular when I lived in Balham, had many dates with my girlfriend (now wife) and celebrated my birthday in the karaoke room. Don’t live there anymore but always come back to visit when I can, you will be sorely missed.”

A third wrote: “Aww this is so sad. Had the most epic karaoke birthday party downstairs here a few years back. Gutted!” Summing up the general feeling, another regular said: “This is so devastating”.

In a post on Instagram on Saturday morning, the Lost & Found team wrote: “Balham, this is the hardest post we have ever had to write. After 13 incredible, unforgettable years of shaking drinks in the heart of our community, we will be closing our doors for the final time this Sunday, the 23rd.

“We are feeling incredibly emotional, but mostly, we are filled with immense gratitude. To our amazing regulars, our neighbours, and the entire local community: thank you. You didn’t just support a small independent business; you gave this place its soul.

“Looking back, we’ve shared an entire lifetime of moments with you. We’ve hosted your weddings, celebrated countless milestone birthdays, and cringed (with love!) through some truly horrible karaoke sessions. Through every high and low, you made us who we are. We are walking away with a lifetime of beautiful memories.

“We don’t want to say goodbye in silence—we want to go out with a bang! Starting right now, we are running 2-for-1 cocktails all night long until the shutters go down on Sunday.

“Come down, raise one last glass with us, share a favourite memory, and help us give this legendary little bar the send-off it truly deserves. We love you, Balham. Thank you for the last 13 years.”