Balls Brothers goes into receivership

The London wine bar and restaurant chain Balls Brothers has gone into administration after a period of cash flow difficulties and tough trading conditions. The company's acquisition of the Lewis Clarke bar chain in 2006 is reported to have contributed towards its debt of around £7 million. The 19 strong chain will continue to trade over the Christmas period while a buyer is sought. Ball Brothers has been established name for over 50 years and its bars included the traditional Irish bar Mulligan's of Mayfair as well as the more modern Bury Court at the foot of the Gherkin tower. The company also has a wine merchant division supplying restaurants, as well as corporate and private clients, and employs 332 members of staff.