Balls Brothers Carey Lane

Rich tones, mellow brick & a host of cosy nooks & crannies add to the allure of this welcoming air-conditioned basement bar & restaurant. True to the Balls Brothers ethos, a long counter still dominates the traditional bar, although there’s also plenty of interest in the rather grown-up dining room set to one side. Here you might enjoy Brit-inspired grilled black pudding with soft-poached egg & spinach, before a main course of pan-fried fillet of cod with glazed parsley & carrot ribbons, or slow-roasted rump of lamb with roast pepper, red onion marmalade & mint sauce. If all you fancy is a quick bite at the bar, look to the choice of hot & cold sandwiches & other light snacks. France takes precedence on the Balls Brothers wine list – toast the entente cordiale with a £45 bottle of Puligny Montrachet Folatières 2006.