All reader reviews by jez

Balls Brothers (Bishopsgate)

This is a large room with a relaxed atmosphere, somewhat heavy unattractive furniture but comfortable seats, and the tables are reasonably well spaced. The small private rooms round the side look welcoming. However, because it is all at basement level and has subdued lighting, I would not choose to go here again on a sunny day, as I did this time.

Service was competent but not particularly friendly: maybe that’s better than over-friendly.

We had a very pleasant Tempranillo, two salads and two coffees, and the total came to £44. I had salmon with salade niçoise, and while the warm fish tasted good, the niçoise was small and grim. The potatoes, which seemed to have been cooked the day before, were grey and virtually tasteless, and so were the slightly mushy tomatoes and olives. Dressing was non-existent or, again, tasteless, and there was no garlic. It was straight out of the fridge, which never helps the taste of tomatoes etc.

Friday, July 13, 2007
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4