Bar Prince

A comfortable and stylish bar linked to Brasserie Prince, with its own menu of classically French bar bites and elegant cocktails.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

It looks dark and imposing as you enter this prime spot within the Balmoral hotel, but Bar Prince has a surprisingly light and airy feel. The bar gleams with polished glassware, over fifty gins and a good selection of whiskies. Alain Roux designed the classically French menu and it’s prepared with carefully chosen local produce. Expect bouillabaisse, moules marinière or garlic snails and breaded frog’s legs – a fully Frenchy experience. A smoked salmon and halibut sharing platter is very generous for two and is complemented by a crisp glass of Venetian pinot grigio. Poached eggs meurette in a red wine sauce is deeply savoury with a caramelised onion and lardon base and service is attentive, without ever feeling overbearing. For a business lunch or champagne and oysters before you catch your train, Bar Prince is a relaxed, elegant choice.