July
29
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LONDON EATERIES – Balans 60 in Soho, the epitome of cool
Balans 60 in Soho is situated right in the heart of London’s Soho and is always a joy to visit. The opulent décor in the rear of the restaurant sets you up for the perfect night with beautiful gold curtains and a damask patterned ceiling. The stunning interior, funky music and buzzing atmosphere is the epitome of cool! It was in Balans Soho that I fell in love with a Pornstar Martini and it seems as if I am not alone, as it’s this wonderful restaurants most popular drink and they have served over a quarter of a million of them! However, on this visit we tried the King of Soho gin cocktails, and they are simply divine!
The stunning interior, funky music and buzzing atmosphere is the epitome of cool!
Balans No.60 in Soho is open until 5AM – serving dinner and mischievous spirit. Its little sister Balans No.34 on the same road is open 24-hours a day so for late-night food and fun.
We love the original take on the Seared Scallops which boast a caramelised fennel puree, bitter roast chicory and a sweet/sour orange gel. The orange marries well with scallops providing a welcome sweet and savoury taste. A delicious dish for fish lovers!
A delicious dish for fish lovers!
The Passion Fruit Spritzer King of Soho Gin Cocktail is fleshing and tasty, with a welcome lingering taste of passion fruit. Our absolute favourite. However, if you fancy something with a kick try the Corpse Riviver No. Blue which in infused with King of Soho Gin Absinthe. If you have a sweet tooth, then the Strawberry King of Soho cocktail tastes like jam in a glass! If you are not sure what to order the friendly staff are in hand to help out.
If you have a sweet tooth, then the Strawberry King of Soho cocktail tastes like jam in a glass!
The gins are inspired by the Soho legacy of the original King of Soho, Paul Raymond, father of Alex’s business partner Howard Raymond which, as Alex says ‘set us apart from ‘the others’ from day one. Alex describes Paul Raymond, aka The King of Soho, as ‘a challenger spirit, famous for his risqué shows. Over a period he revolutionised the district of Soho and dominated the London entertainment scene. Paul’s legacy is the Soho we know today, its inclusiveness, sense of fun and ‘anything goes’ attitude.’
For the main I plumped for the Seared Salmon which had a beautiful crispy skin and the fish underneath was cooked to perfection. The caramelized cauliflower and yoghurt puree, alongside roast cauliflower, sherry pickled girolle mushrooms, fèves and lentils was delicious. I paired it with a delicious side salad which made the perfect meal!
They have lots of delicious deserts available and we loved the Piña colada. A must for coconut lovers, a sweet ending to a lovely meal. The mouse had pieces of coconut inside and the rum caviar is delicious.
They have lots of delicious deserts available and we loved the Piña colada.
You can always guarantee a great time at Balans, the food is always amazing and the drinks delicious. A great way to start an evening or enjoy the meal as the main event.
Balans Soho, No. 60
60-62 Old Compton St · Near Chinatown, London · 020 7439 2183
Heart London’s 5 Star Review
Food 5
Drinks 5
Atmosphere 5
Service 4
Décor 5
Cat, Heart London Magazine
Heart London Magazine 