Spring has a way of coaxing us all back out into the world. In Byron, it’s no different. As the layers come off and long lunches begin stretching into balmy evenings, calendars start filling with catch-ups, celebrations, and the spontaneous ‘one drink?’ texts. Tucked inside Jonson Lane, Bar Heather makes a particularly chic place to begin. The Parisian-inspired natural wine bar comes from the team behind Luna Wine Store and offers the kind of pre-dinner pour made for warmer weather: something pink, pétillant, and best enjoyed with no particular plans beyond the next glass.
The wine list is a love letter to small producers and bottles with plenty of personality. For a spring-worthy sparkle, try the Das Juice Pink Pét-Nat, a Pinot Gris from McLaren Vale, or Summertime’s Le Ciel Est Bleu, a rosé blend of Gamay and Grolleau Gris from the Loire Valley. White drinkers might be tempted by Rita & Rudolf Trossen’s Silbermond Feinherb Riesling from the Mosel, while those not quite ready to leave red behind can ease into the season with Matassa’s Brutal Rouge, a chilled blend of Syrah and Muscat from Languedoc-Roussillon. The knowledgeable team is always ready with a recommendation, too.
Naturally, the menu is built to keep pace with the wines. Think snackable, shareable plates with just enough crunch and salt to warrant another glass: the likes of fried bread with spring onion butter; prawn toast with Marie Rose sauce; duck liver pâté with radicchio and ficelle; and yellowfin tuna brightened with white soy and ginger.
Mid-century Paris is the reference point for the interiors, complete with velvet curtains, aged green leather banquettes, and French parquetry. It’s moody, nostalgic, and softly lit: the sort of place made for slightly grainy flash photos.
And there’s good reason to make it a midweek ritual. On Wednesdays, Bar Heather makes room for a bottle of your own: pick one up from sister venue Luna Wine Store across the street, bring it over and enjoy it with no corkage fee. Or settle in on a Thursday evening for live jazz, with the band striking up at 6pm.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm till late. Walk-in or book at barheather.com.
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