Balans Soho No. 60 Formerly: Balans Soho Society
The most recognized name in casual high-definition-gay London dining, Balans caters to carnivores and vegetarians with a one-of-each-style international menu at this and other branches. It's a very lively establishment and comfortingly queer, especially for first-time visitors, with an open front conveniently looking onto gay-friendly Soho catwalk Old Compton St. The tagline is 'haven for the convivial'. However, since its 1993 debut the cooking has been considerably less than vital, and prices are not at all budget, especially given the quality on offer. But this flagship outlet reinvented itself in November 2015 with five menus (breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight, and weekend brunch) and plenty of new dishes. The restaurant is divided into three zones, featuring an open and casual café-bistro at the front, followed by slightly more plush and comfy dinning, with a boudoir-like, high-camp, banquette-only space at the back. Other Balans outlets are located in Kensington (187 Kensington High St W8 6SH) and Stratford in east London (in the Westfield mall). In 2014 Balans closed its outlet in former gay ghetto Earl's Court, while branches in Ealing and Victoria succumbed to the pandemic. In July 2025 its other Soho branch (34 Old Compton St) closed for good.
Hours
Mon-Thu
Midnight - 5:30 am
7:30 am - Midnight
Fri-Sat
Midnight - 6:00 am
7:30 am - Midnight
Sun
7:30 am - 2:00 am
Open Now
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Hours
Mon-Thu
Midnight - 5:30 am
7:30 am - Midnight
Fri-Sat
Midnight - 6:00 am
7:30 am - Midnight
Sun
7:30 am - 2:00 am
Open Now
Reviews
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Definitely pushes the right gay buttons, but where it really matters (the food), it falters badly (and it's overpriced).
Buzzy gay atmosphere, but without the food to match.
Nice Place For A Quick Bite.
While it's a nice place to grab a quick bite, the food is really nothing special. If you're a first time visitor to gay London this is a pretty good jumping off point, but don't expect too much as far as the food is concerned.
To do again
Excellent and nice people
A fixture of Old Compton Street
Soho is certainly well served by a number of high quality restaurants on the streets surrounding Old Compton Street. However, there's one restaurant & cafe on the street that draws a crowd of locals and visitors and you can always rely it for a friendly welcome and to get a table. The menu offers many familiar comfort dishes and the service is consistently good.
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