Balthazar Wine Bar

The biggest problem is actually finding Balthazar, which is tucked away in Lees Yard just off Bull Street. But persist. The first time we called we were delighted with the whole ambience, only it was an exploratory visit and we vowed to go back. We were particularly impressed with the series of small intimate spaces all carefully centred on the small bar area.

The most recent visit was a great success, only slightly delayed by the presence of a loud gang of what sounded like London weekenders who soon left to inflict their unusual blend of charm and manners on some other less fortunate establishment, after which everyone relaxed and started enjoying the excellent choice of wines and a range of essentially Greek tapas, a number of which qualified as small meals.

Choices include tiropittakia, small Greek cheese pies, tortilla Balthazar, their own version of a Spanish omelette which can contain onion, mushroom, salami, cheese olives and peppers, and kremuthopitta, a delicious Greek cheese and onion tart.

Amongst the cold options are dolmathakia, vine leaves stuffed with rice onion and herbs, and tapas variadas, a plate of Spanish appetizers including chprizo, anchovies, patates mocho, beans with tomatoes and onions, mushrooms with garlic, salad and olives. There is always a blackboard of specials. Truly excellent coffee rounded off a relaxed and thoroughly pleasant evening.