We are part of London’s heritage, born during a time of growth and change. Our customers are the foundation of what Balls Brothers is, ever since "quality first" appeared on our first price list in 1875. Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23 More Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23 Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23 Sign Up Now News, offers and events. We'll even pop an intro offer into your inbox Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23 Sign up Upcoming dates for your diary! Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23 Explore Enjoy a bottle of prosecco at selected Balls Brothers venues for only £18 on Thursday & Friday this April! Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23 Book Now Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 23.25.23PoliticsHow do you think Trump did in his first 100 days in office? A Californian wine bar opens in London In April, San Francisco Chronicle wine editor Jon Bonné and eight of the winemakers featured in his 2013 book, “The New California: a Guide to the Producers and Wines Behind a Revolution in Taste,” held a tasting for the British wine press in London.

It went very well: The winemakers were thrilled with the Brit’s reception of the wines.  And now Michael and Charlotte Sager-Wilde, owners of one of London’s most lauded wine bars, Sager + Wilde, which only opened last year, have launched a new “Californian” wine bar. Called Mission, the wine bar in Bethnal Green in London’s East End showcases California wines, many of which are new territory for British wine buffs more used to sipping obscure Loire Valley wines or proud classified Bordeaux.cheap dry wine red What’s in the name? what's the best wine with turkeyWell, according to the news release, it’s “a nod towards the couple's favorite neighborhood in San Francisco where they lived and worked; best white wine targetit is also the name given to the first grape ever planted in California's wine region.”

And as it turns out, Michael Sager-Wild managed the San Francisco wine bar RN74, which helps explain why the wine list is so uncannily savvy.Huge on California wines, the list also includes some Old World beauties. As for bubblies, Mission pours their own Mission Fizz, but also 2009 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs. Wines are mostly from small producers, though you can also find the 2012 Albariño from Bonny Doon and the Grenache Blanc from Tablas Creek Vineyards. Harder-to-find whites include 2012 Smith-Madrone Riesling “Spring Mountain District” and Sandhi Chardonnay “Sanford & Benedict” along with Dragonette Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc from Happy Canyon and Matthiasson 2012 Napa Valley White, even two whites from the eccentric Scholium Project. Reds include LIOCO Carignan "Indica" from Mendocino County, Broc Cellars Cabernet Franc from Paso Robles, Dirty and Rowdy Mourvèdre from Santa Barbara Highlands, Alban Syrah "Patrina" — and a half-bottle of 1998 Ridge Vineyards "Montebello" from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

One of the two “sticky” wines, i.e. sweet wines, is Sine Qua Non’s 2000 Mr. K "The Noble Man." Actually the full name of the place is Mission: Californian Wine Bar & Kitchen. So what’s to eat that would be particularly Californian? Not so much, unless you think grouse, liver toast and figs or salt ox cheek with lentils and salsa verde epitomize California cuisine. Well, there is a green salad on the menu. I guess that will have to do.And what an address! .Follow @sirenevirbila for more on food and wine. © 2017, Los Angeles Times Wines Dining and Drinking Bars and Clubs Lifestyle and LeisureOffering laidback, continental-style charm that just can’t be conjured with your typical sit-down dinner, the capital’s best wine bars are more about sipping and nibbling than a 3-course bonanza. And sometimes, that’s exactly what the occasion calls for: so prime yourself for the popping of corks, clinking of glasses, and some of the best grapes this side of Bordeaux. 1. Humble Grape Book Humble Grape

Though the name dumbs down its offering, the care and attention that goes into compiling Humble Grape’s offering ensures they’ve emerged as forces to be reckoned with in the world of wine. Alongside their 30 wines available by the carafe and 250 available by the bottle, Humble Grape offers a range of artisan small plates and sharing platters. There is also a sister site in Battersea. Nestled beneath the streets of south west London, WC Clapham brings a diverse stock of wines to a restored public loo. Thankfully, the only evidence of its former guise is the original tiling and some restored porcelain pieces, and there’s also an above-ground al fresco area for summertime imbibing/if you’re a bit can’t deal with the toilet connections. With sites dotted across London’s compass points, Vinoteca presents a 300-bottle-strong wine list, and, unlike its snackier counterparts, boasts a full British a la carte menu. As well as Michelin guide praise, Vinoteca boasts various awards for its prized wine list, and hosts tasting sessions frequented by both connoisseurs and those new to wine.

Book Vinoteca in Soho, Farringdon, King’s Cross, Marylebone and Chiswick. Established in 1890 and London’s oldest wine bar, Gordon’s tops many a list of must-visit sites in London. Descend the narrow staircase into this infinitely cosy lair and select from Gordon’s encyclopaedic wine list, or sit out on the sprawling terrace in summer. Gordon’s also boasts a list of cheeses that will make fromage fiends weak at the knees. 5. Planet of the Grapes Book Planet of the Grapes Any word-play restaurant name gets the Bookatable nod of approval, especially when punning standards are this high. Planet of the Grapes presents a cellar of 300 wines alongside its Spanish-leaning menu, as well as gourmet bar snacks and their famous sharing platters. 6. El Vino Book El Vino A London watering hole since 1879, El Vino Blackfriars is an intimate 2-floor hideaway, with an expansive al fresco area for warmer days. The list of Old and New World wines runs into the hundreds, and the food menu consists of pick ‘n’ mix tapas and Mediterranean-style sharing boards.

Similar top-notch wine sipping can be enjoyed at El Vino’s sister wine bar, El Vino Fleet Street. 7. Champagne Charlies Book Champagne Charlies Found tucked underneath Charing Cross Station, Champagne Charlies stocks the extensive Davy’s stock of wines and champagnes. Alongside a mammoth cellar of champagnes and Davy’s cherry-picked wines, guests can select from a menu of hearty British classics, like fish & chips, bangers & mash, or steak from a Royal Warrant-holding butchers. 8. Galvin Le Cellar Bar Book Galvin Bistrot de Luxe Found nestled directly underneath Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, Le Cellar Bar could be plucked directly out of 1920s Paris. Along with a range of bubbles by the glass and an impressive stock of wines, Le Cellar Bar presents a list of bespoke cocktails designed by highly acclaimed bar consultant, Giancarlo Mancino. 9. Boot and Flogger Book Boot & Flogger Dating back to 1964, Boot & Flogger is the original wine destination from the acclaimed Davy’s fleet.