Balans

urbanfox

An all rounder 28th January 2009

1 found this helpful

The 'Cafe' is the second and cosier Balans restaurant on Old Compton Street. Its menu has quite a range - from duck spring rolls to Chilli con carne; from New York-style sandwiches to all day breakfasts. There is a small but pleasing selection of deserts.

Balans offers consistently attentive service and reasonably priced dishes in a buzzy, intimate atmosphere. Perfect for a quick cocktail and feed before a night out (or indeed afterwards for breakfast at 3am – Balans Café is open 24 hours). A downside is the limited beers on offer (Budvar and Stella) and the toilets could be kept cleaner. Nonetheless, with nearly everything on the menu between £5-10 a go, it’s a decent all-rounder.

emmanx

Yeah... ok 11th September 2008

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I used to live just around the corner from Balans and for a year or so it was my local. The staff is friendly and personable but I noticed an inconsistency with food quality on few occasions.

My favourite dish, the veggie club, went from loaded with roast vegetables, goat cheese and a side of fresh chips to a mush of hardly toasted bread, some half-grilled pepers and stale crisps.

Nonetheless, the kitchen is practically open 24/7, it's fully licenced and some of the other dishes are quite nice, especially after a few pints of vodka.

arcantara99

Balans 3rd September 2008

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This is a small branch of a popular trendy chain. It's best in the summer when you can sit outside at a table on the pavement as inside can be quite cramped and dark if you're right at the back. The atmosphere is very vibrant though as it's right in the heart of Soho. The portions are decent sizes and really tasty. The all-day breakfast (which you can have at two in the morning) is particularly good – from healthy options like yoghurt and muesli to everything fry-ups. And the cappuccinos are large and very frothy. At more reasonable hours dishes like beer battered haddock and upmarket sausage and mash might appeal more. Service has always been efficient when i've been there yet we've never been rushed out.

mrsevans101

Pancakes and bacon and syrup - Oh my! 17th July 2008

2 found this helpful

I had breakfast / brunch here two mornings in a row last weekend (return visit after a failed trip to nearby Amato's).

I'll keep this short.

Service was friendly (with a hint of California) and very efficient (without making you feel rushed.
I had amazing pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Fluffy and light and gooey all at the same time with properly cooked bacon. Hubby had the cooked breakfast and was disappointed. He sent it back the first time because it was cold and was overall a bit disappointed that the sausage was not fab quality and the bacon a little underdone. I suspect that it didn't help that my pancakes were so delish.

And when I went back the second day they recognised me. Which was a nice touch but how embarrassing to be seen in the gay area of London tucking in to pancakes AND syrup AND bacon two days in a row, when all the other punters are so fit!

DebE17

Cocktail or two (or even 3) 24th April 2008

2 found this helpful

Recommend eating here pre-theatre (or any other time) - during the week any of their fantastic cocktails are 2 for the price of 1 between 5pm and 6pm - an offer too good to miss. Moving on to the food - it is always is of a good standard - the waiting staff are friendly and there is a great vibe and atmosphere in the restaurant.

QueenB

Perfect end to a night on the town 22nd November 2007

3 found this helpful

Doesn't matter if I've been dancing til my feet ache at GAY or drinking til the break of dawn - I always manage a stop off at Balans. Also been known to stop off for post shopping drinkies and nibbles before battling the tube home.

With a friendly, mainly gay, crowd - its the only way to finish your night and chill out before heading home.
staff are always lovely and often find a famous face or two in the 'private' area sectioned off at the back of the restaurant.

You can have a simple cup of tea and toast or the 'Full monty' English breakfast, or try the more civilised Eggs Benedict. For those with a big appetite you can get seabass, burgers, chips and the like

This place is open all day apart from 6am to 8am, while they have the clean up and turn around for the day.
They have morning, day, late and dessert menus - also with an alcohol license.

shelo9

5th May 2007

1 found this helpful

Great wholesome food in big portions. The brunches are always good (eggs benedict is a personal favourite). The main meals for dinner and lunch are also good especially the chicken.

The atmosphere is friendly and always a bonus to look at so many beautiful men in one place. I prefer the main restaurant (near Wardour St) rather than the cafe (but the cafe is quieter)

Observer

1st December 2006

1 found this helpful

Forget a dodgy hot dog or kebab after a night out in the West End! Balans is the final stop -nothing beats a Balan's full English breakfast or eggs Benedict to soak up the alcohol and is more reasonably priced than Bar Italia nearby. Service is good and there's an upbeat yet relaxed atmosphere.

There are two Balans restaurants both with the same menu on Old Compton St - one serves alchol until 4am whilst the other is just a Cafe.