Balans serves up a wide choice of simple food and delicious cocktails on Soho’s busiest thoroughfare, attracting a bustling crowd of straight and gay young hipsters.

The Venue
Located slap bang in the middle of Old Compton Street in Soho, Balans is close to Piccadilly Circus and Tottenham Court Road tubes, and is a great spot to watch all the oddities and goings on the street outside. With a large red signage and glass windows at the front you won’t miss it, and once inside there is seating both downstairs and up. The tables are packed closely together to accommodate the considerable crowd, and it spills out onto the pavement tables outside during the summer.

The Atmosphere
Like the New York diners it emulates, Balans is bustling and noisy throughout the day, whether you come for breakfast or a late night snack. It has a mixed gay and straight crowd with all the diversity one would expect from its location. There are lots of young hipsters here stopping off to refuel before a night of revelry, but you’re just as likely to spot lone diners, theatre-goers and couples on a date. Unfortunately, the staff seem to let the pressure of the crowd get to them - they are usually sharp and forgetful and you may need to remind them of your order during the busy weekend rush.

The Food
There’s a wide range of food to choose from here, with salads, burgers, fish, steaks and Oriental treats, as well as an extensive breakfast menu. Prices are pretty reasonable, with main courses averaging around £10, although the portions could be more generous. Food is available from early in the morning until late at night and the choice is vast.

The Drink
Balans boasts a long wine and Champagne list, and the range of quality cocktails is pretty affordable, particularly if you stop by during one of their happy hours on a weekday afternoon. During busy periods, it can take a long time for drinks to arrive at your table so the best tip is to keep asking until they arrive!

The Last Word
Balans is affordable, offers a great choice of food and drink, and is the perfect spot to people watch. However, service is slow and perfunctory and you’ll wait for a table during the busiest times. If your priority is a stopgap to refuel during a night out, it’s certainly well located but not worth making a special trip for.

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