Search The Nudge

X
Search

Loading Choices

Restaurants

Neil Frame 07/01/20


Balans Soho Society

Balans Soho Society | An Almost 24 Hour Haven For The Convivial in Central London

There are institutions.

There are legends.

And then there’s Balans.

Famed for opening late, they actually opened rather early – roughly 30 years ago, in fact. Back then, in the early ’90s, Balans started out as a sandwich shop for local office workers. Soon, they started selling their sandwiches in the evening. And then to ravenous partiers as they left the nightclubs at 2am. Eventually, they hired a chef to start cooking actual food for all these people. And one Christmas Eve, they realised they couldn’t find the front door key, because they’d been open for 24hrs a day for so long they hadn’t needed it in months.

Balans Soho - brunch London

Nowadays, it remains one of London’s best late-night restaurants, opening late 7 days a week, and closing briefly between 5am and 7.30am most days just to spruce the place up a bit before charging back into the morning shift. The place has a light, elegant feel to it, like a casual louche den complete with studded banquettes, booth seating, and parquet floors.

Breakfast and brunch kicks off with lobster benedict; and their inimitable pancakes; before launching the all-day goods, like squid ink linguine, or their Balans Burger, made with Red Leicester – and on the night menu, you can get the ‘Quintessential Balans’ dishes, including a rib-eye steak & classic fish & chips.

Of course, there are cocktails too. If you’re there at 4am, it goes without saying that you’ll need an absinthe fountain to share. Their signature drink, The Porn Star can be found under the section of the menu marked ‘A Little Sophistication’. But in fairness, it does have a shot of champagne to go with the vodka & passionfruit.

It’s legendary.

 

NOTE: Balans is open nearly 24 hours, every day. You can find out more, and make a booking at their website right here

Balans Soho Society | 60-62 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UG


Like Theatre? Check out our guide to the best London theatre shows playing right now.

The Nudge is an independent, searchable and highly-curated guide to the most interesting places to go and things to do in London, giving members unrestricted access to our full compendium of continually-updated restaurants, bars, events, exhibitions, date ideas, itineraries, member perks, weekend guides, monthly agendas and more – all delivered via our website, email newsletters & members’ app.

Join us to see what’s hot in London this week; to explore all of the recommendations & ideas stored within The Nudge’s website and members’ app; and to start making the most of life in London today. Start Free One Week Trial

Carpe Diem!


Balans Soho Society


60- 62 Old Compton Street, Soho, Central London, W1D 4UG
View On Map

020 7439 2183




Got A Tip? Email [email protected]



More Ideas


Our Top Picks