Balans

Reviews for Balans

• 3

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by emmanx
  emmanx

  11th September 2008

  Yeah... ok

  Current

  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.

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• 4

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by arcantara99
  arcantara99

  3rd September 2008

  Balans

  Current

  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.
  
  
  

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• 4

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by mrsevans101
  mrsevans101

  17th July 2008

  Pancakes and bacon and syrup - Oh my!

  Current

  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!

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• 5

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by DebE17
  DebE17

  24th April 2008

  Cocktail or two (or even 3)

  Current

  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.

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• 4

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by QueenB
  QueenB

  22nd November 2007

  Perfect end to a night on the town

  Current

  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.
  
  

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• 4

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by shelo9
  shelo9

  5th May 2007

  Current

  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)

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• 3

  Balans

  34 Old Compton Street London W1D 4TR uk
  

  More reviews by Observer
  Observer

  1st December 2006

  Current

  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.

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