Balls Brothers Mark Lane

Florid bygone-era decoration is the order of the day at this typical Balls Brothers wine bar, with rich wine-coloured walls & contrasting marble counters, bentwood stools & old-fashioned framed prints contributing to its time-warp charms – all delightfully incongruous, given its location in the massive Minster Court office block. The cosmopolitan but French-led wine list suits the mood of the times with Bordeaux & Burgundies at prices that won’t break the bank, plus a few sub-£20 bottles that take the pain out of penny-watching. Beer-battered fish & chips, Thai chicken & vegetable curry or steak & ale pie supplement the lunchtime sharing ‘boards’ & various quick bites; otherwise plump for a salad, burger or sandwiches. Two private rooms are available for informal business lunches & get-togethers.