Balls Brothers Lime Street Exchange

Following its takeover by latenightlondon, the time-honoured Balls Brothers chain is getting a facelift, with the City branch on Lime Street first in line for some ‘contemporisation’ & a new moniker. The Lime Street Exchange, as it will be called, is aiming for a vibrant & decidedly ‘female-friendly’ feel, although it will still find room for masculine business lunches – particularly as the menu is being expanded to include Colchester oysters, dressed Cornish crab & other crustacea. Come 4pm, the venue will move into extended ‘happy hour’ mode, with half-price drinks across the board – including more than 30 wines, around 60 cocktails & an improved beer selection. Also expect live music on Thursday & Friday nights, plus two private rooms created in partnership with Pommery Champagne.