Bars & Pubs

Though Balls Brothers could be seen as a more modern version of Davy’s, Its wine bars are also dominated by hunting prints, brass rails and plenty of Burgundy and claret. The company is family-owned too, by Richard Balls, but It has more West End branches, with 15 wine bars overall including those in the capital’s financial district. There’s also Gow’s, a restaurant and oyster bar near Liverpool Street station, and an Irish-themed venue, Mulligans of Mayfair. Food tends to be classic bar fare (skewers, fish cakes), but there are tastier main course options such as beer-battered haddock with chips and pea purée. A set of seven new, minimalist, banquette-filled bars called Lewis + Clarke has been recently rolled-out too – evidence that the owners are aware of recent bar trends.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009