Balls Brothers Carey Lane

This archetypal basement wine bar stands for continuity in a corner of the City that has seen rapid change in recent years. Trade the din of construction for its winning mix of dark-hued high Victoriana & effective air conditioning, whether you’re in the gregarious bar or the comfortable & more private Champagne room. The food is a Brit-inspired mix of hot main courses, sandwiches, salads & boards: start with duck liver, Armagnac & peppercorn pâté with toasted farmhouse bread before a plate of pork sausages with mash, thyme & onion jus. The Champagne room has an additional daily selection of starter & main-course specials, while lubrication all round comes courtesy of the French-led Balls Brothers wine list.