Franks - St James, London

We were smitten with the Gallic delicacies and Old World sensibility at Maison François and equally excited for the launch of their new subterranean bar à vin Frank's, which opens on Monday 17th May. Located in the heart of St James's beneath the recently opened restaurant, the bar will serve a carefully chosen list of unconventional wines by the glass alongside a regularly changing menu designed with drinking in mind. Descending the helical staircase, guests will be welcomed by the impressive central bar and laid-back industrial vibe of Frank's, dreamt up and designed by John Whelan at The Guild of Saint Luke. With low lighting, polished concrete floors, black leather banquettes and mirror-lined whitewashed brick walls giving a nod to the bar's 70's architectural inspiration. An ever-changing menu using some of François's and Exec Chef Matthew Ryle's favourite ingredients will be served from 5pm onwards, seven days a week.. As the night draws in, the music is turned up and Frank's comes into its own, serving glasses of the good stuff from a bold two hundred strong list of small production natural wines and quirky biodynamics alongside more established French producers.