Went to Balans with my partner the other day and it was not a good experience. First off we waited ages for the waiter to ask for our drink order, then when they came they was both warm(orange juice and pineapple juice). Starter and main was just about ok, didn't hang around for a desert as the waiter had got me p****d off as I heard him taking the Mick out of my partner because he had never has scallops before. All in all overpriced for average food and rude queeny staff!

Hideously overpriced for what is essentially pub food, badly executed. And I see they've recently had a refurbishment, with red drapes -reminiscent of Las Vegas circa 1972- now hanging from the ceiling. Tip go to Balans Cafe, further along Old Compton Street, where the food is better.

I have tried this restaurant on about 5 separate occasions now and sadly I have to say every experience has not been good :-(
From chunky chips not being cooked properly to poached eggs that tasted like they were boiled in vinegar (no exaggeration). This restaurant regardless (it seems) of the location is consistently bad. I suggest you avoid.

Dropped in to escape the cold, the Xmas shopper traffic and the lure of their menu which said a Turkey dinner was on offer at £13.95. The front part of the restaurant looked more cosy than the back of house which was more like a club with intrusive music levels. Having ordered drinks (champage cocktail & a premium vodka & soda) as well as 2 Turkey dinners & a plate of samosas to share, we got our food pretty quickly considering the large number of people but it all went downhill from there.

The champagne cocktail used granulated sugar (always use cubes people!) and was overdosed with Cognac. The samosas were bland, unseasoned and the spice hit was there but not in every mouthful. The turkey dinners consisted of really cremated chipolatas, underdone roast potatoes (not parboiled & only coloured on the outside), overdone parsnips (mush) and underdone carrots (the size & shape of the carrot pieces varied between 1 & 4 inches long so how do they expect for them all to be cooked right through?), some bread sauce that had no moisture (it was just a lump) and turkey that had lots of sinew in it which made it difficult to cut & chew. Had "scabby horse" been on the menu, I would have taken it over this option it as I was hungry but still no excuse for bad cooking.

Two other gotchas: 1 - Service charge is 12.5% which is a little high. I was going to reduce it, given the experience, but figured it hits the wrong people. The service wasnt bad, it was the execution of the dishes that was poor.2 - The drinks bill came to £25 (the Champagne cocktail was £7, the premium vodka & soda came to £11 (yes, thats right, £11!) and we also had a frozen margarita (£7) and that was also badly done (1 massive ice lump beneath minimal crushed ice and a lot of liquid already in the glass when it came that only increased & overflowed as we sat & ate our meal. All in all, £65 wasted on what was a glorified bar/pub meal than a restaurant-quality offering & that seems like a

I went to Balans Soho for some drinks and it was great.
The cocktails were delicious and the service was nice and polite!
Also I really liked the atmosphere and the music they were playing. =)

Hi I have worked in london for 33 years and been wined & dined as a client of many of our american cousins in most of the 'highly reviewed ' restaurants and must dispute the many derogatory comments made in some of these reviews - Balans is excellant value for money with very high standards of service in a friendly and relaxed manner.

it is open 24/7 therefore you are never rushed and always treated with the utmost respect not only that but the food is great with good sized portions - you won't leave hungry and have to grab a macdonalds on the way home - as I've done on a number of occassions after leaving some other 'highly esteemed ' venues

May the good work of Balans management and their colleagues continue

What the hell has everyone else tried?!? I've been in Balans during over the last weekend and I found it amazing! The service was great and so friendly, and the Balans food was so good. And i fell in love with the blonde waitress.

I'll definitely come back there!!
Hey, and if u're listen here: blonde girl, please contact me!!!!!

Best,

Paolo

Despite all the terrible reviews about Balans I read before going I would have to strongly disagree with them. The food was great, the service was friendly and the music and cocktails were fantastic. Rock on Balans.