Balans

"Food at Dawn in Soho"

Added Tue 05 Aug 2008 by Leila Hawkins

If you’re a regular to West End nightlife, you’re bound to have been to one of the two Soho branches of Balans. One of the few places in London to offer you a full meal at 5am, it’s wholesome burgers, eggs Benedict, breakfasts and Bloody Marys are often the just the thing after a night on the dancefloor.

The cocktail menu contains all the popular choices, Margaritas, Daiquiris, Mojitos… and are usually of a good standard, however it does seem to vary according to who’s behind the bar on the night. “Huh, was it too strong for you?” a hunky waiter smirked on an occasion when I simply couldn’t finish my Berry Vanilla and we’d ordered the bill. “Erm, no, it just wasn’t very nice” I uttered without realising he was taking offence. On paper the ‘vanilla flavored vodka, crème de mure, lemon juice pressed apple juice, over crushed ice & berries’ looked extremely appetising, in reality it just tasted like bad vodka.

The food menu has delicious fish cakes and calamari, wholesome tuna steaks, asparagus risotto, and veal dishes, all cooked to a high standard, a little like American diner food but with a European edge, with the mains averaging £12.

Despite its popularity in the area, Balans has managed to retain a certain amount of anonymity as a place to spend time undisturbed, after all Amy Winehouse is a regular. Those who do want to be seen can sit outside and spy on the pretty couples of Old Compton street. There are also branches in High Street Kensington, Chelsea, and Chiswick; however only at the Soho branch will you experience the fabulous decadence of the area.

2 out of 10 stars

popular as an after pub hours drinking but only with food venue, and also popular because it is advertised as a gay ding experience. well yes it is, but as usual this means inflated prices so that you can be served by gay waiting staff. this means, hrusting groins, over flirtatious staff and bad attitude. i have sent food back and been told another was on its way even though i refused. manager told me to be quiet and that he'd get me a free drink if i "shut my mouth". prices are in excess of those really offered by say Boheme down the road offering much better value for money. i also am accutely aware that any restaurant offering so many choices cannot be cooking all fresh!!!!!