City Limits may not appeal if you’re not used to The City and what it has to offer; however, for local workers it’s a great stop off for a post-work celebration (or commiseration!) with a bottle of Champers.

The Venue
This sophisticated Champagne and wine bar complete with downstairs restaurant is handily located by Spitalfields and Liverpool Street, and its proximity to The City lends it pride of place as a post-work drinking den.

The main bar area on the ground floor consists of several stools and tables situated around the bar with attractive black and white prints adourning the walls. A flat screen TV is also in situ. The restaurant is situated in the basement and is tastefully decorated with a more intimate ambience. Alongside the usual dining tables are little cubby holes with booths for hushed conversations, ideal for a romantic meal or private business meetings.

The Atmosphere
As you’d expect, the atmosphere at City Limits varies depending on whether you’re in the restaurant or bar. The bar area is lively – although in no way raucous - whereas the downstairs restaurant has a more intimate appeal. Of course, as you’d expect, the majority of the clientele are suits, popping in from the neighbouring offices. What really makes the atmosphere here are the staff, who are really friendly and enjoy a bit of banter. Nothing is too much trouble for them – a pleasant change in this neck of the woods.

The Food
The food menu at City Limits is varied and appetising, with menus available in both the bar and restaurant areas. The bar menu includes sandwiches and baguettes (from £5.50), platters (from £6.95), or salads such as chicken Caesar or crayfish and smoked salmon (£9.95), providing a good choice for lunchtime visitors. For more substantial meals you have choices such as Thai fishcakes with sweet chilli dip (£13.90) or burgers (from £7.95) including a feta burger or chargrilled steak burgers.

The restaurant menu is separate and more elaborate with starters starting at £4.95 for pescaditos, razor clams (£7.95) and fois gras (£5.95). Mains start at £8.50 for confit of duck or a spinach and ricotta tortellini. Overall, it may lighten your wallet more than in the bar, but if you’re looking for an upmarket meal it’s right on the money.

The Drink
As you’d expect from a Champagne bar, there is a huge selection of sparkling bottles to choose from, all of which come with a handy description to help you make your decision. The house Champagne is Laytons NV and is available for a reasonable £34.50. Alternatively, Bollinger Special Cuvee is £58.50 or the Louis Roedere Cristal 2000 is £175 a bottle. Champagne cocktails are also on offer, priced at £9.95 and are a popular choice.

There is also a great selection of international bottles of wine. There is a choice of 12 whites including a delightful Italian Grecanico (£14.95) or Chateauneuf du Pape (£32.50). There are also 12 reds with such choices as a Sangiovese Rubicone (£14.95) or Chateau Muscat 2000 (£32.50). As with the Champagne, there is a detailed description of each wine available to help you best match your purchase to your own taste. There is also a menu for vintage and special wine, which are priced from £30 rising to over £56. Spirits and liqueurs are on offer with pors, cognac and Madeira available by the glass or bottle priced from £5.95.

There is a small choice of lager, with regulars and monthly additons from around the globe. It must be noted, however, that City Limits specialises in drinks from the grape rather than the hop.

The Last Word
City Limits is a versatile venue, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif with an eclectic choice of drinks and a vast cellar of fine wines and Champagnes.

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