This is the perfect place to stop by for a glass of Champagne and some Charcuterie after work.

As much as I enjoy bars and good pubs, I love the idea of sitting on a high chair at a Champagne Table in a wonderful setting.  What could be better than The Balcon in St James’s.  This unique space within the restaurant is a must for the Champagne lover as The Balcon stocks some 73 different Champagnes and 2 Sparking wines.

As long as you don’t arrive too late you are assured of excellent advice and service from Christina, The Balcon’s very own highly experienced Champagne Angel.  The Champagne list is extensive and beautifully presented on a large four page folded card menu along with their wine selection from around the world.  Champagnes start from £12 a glass or £60 a bottle for a Moët et Chandon Brut Imperial.  The two sparkling wines are from West Sussex and Kent in England.  On my two most recent visits (the first for dinner) we had a fabulous Paul Déthune Blanc de Noir, which is 100% Pinot Noir (£82 a bottle) and accompanied it with some excellent Charcuterie and bread prepared by the experienced Marian.  If you are just having a couple of drinks Christina would recommend the Andre Clouet Grande Reserve at £18 a glass, which is also a Blanc de Noirs.

You have a choice of dried hams and salamis from either Trealy Farm in Monmouthshire, Wales or Mars Le Rouget in Cantal, France.  You can select them individually, starting at just over £5 or have them as a tasting plate from £14.50. They also have some delicious homemade Terrines and Rillettes.

Of course this is also a great prelude to dinner at The Balcon if you arrive a little early.  You can always skip your Appetizer and go for a glass of bubbly and delicious Charcuterie.  The Charcuterie with its authentic blackboard also has its own seating area should you just want to sample some of the great hams, dried saucisson or smoked and cured Barbary duck breast.

Opening times.  The Balcon offers all day dining from 6:30am to 11pm Monday to Friday.  Saturday from 7am to 11pm and Sunday from 7am to 10pm.