After a brief breather and revamp, Balans Soho Society’s iconic Soho restaurant on Old Compton Street has re-opened, bestowing its first born with a brand new lease of life.
The Spirit of Soho
Balans Soho Society is a place to indulge, to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-dark activities in the company of fellow bon vivants. It’s a café, a restaurant, a bar, a member’s establishment and definitely a place where rules are made to be broken.
Devour
Balans Soho Society’s menu is overseen by Executive Chef Crispin Chetwynd, a chef who has spent time touring the globe with the likes of Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd. The seasonally-changing menu shines a light on the best local produce from the likes of Ginger Pig and H. Forman & Sons (the oldest smokehouse in London). Light bites on petite plates include burnt aubergine baba ghanoush peppered with pomegranate seeds and sumac; thrice-fried chicken with shichimi mayonnaise; and charred squid and chorizo with fried potatoes and piquillo peppers.
Lingering lunches dictate small plates, sandwiches and a well-appointed selection of classics. Quintessential Balans Soho Society is ever-present in the mains, from the Infamous Balans Burger (below) to the 12oz sirloin steak with double-dipped chips and bourbon BBQ sauce. New dishes include grilled halloumi on olive mash with cherry tomatoes and lemon honey dressing and skillet-roasted chicken with farro, fig and pine nuts. Indulgent desserts include High Society Mess, for two to tackle, Sticky Toffee Pudding or Chocolate Tart with Jack Daniel’s Ice-Cream.
Imbibe
A decadent drinks list quenches thirsts with classics like the martini-style Porn Star (Absolut Blue, vanilla syrup, passion fruit puree and a Champagne shot) and the Elderflower Collins (Broker’s gin, St. Germain, apple); whilst young-spirited sips include the Slap on the Rum (Redleg spiced rum, pineapple, mint and ginger beer) and the Society Teddy Bear (Buffalo Trace, cinnamon, cranberry) served in a honey bear bottle.
Lost weekend?
Breakfast is served from 8am daily, offering a restorative feast including the Soho Full English, Kedgeree and sweet options of pancakes, French toast and house-baked granola with berries, yoghurt and Kent honey. Brunch offers indulgent must-tries like The High Society Eggs Benedict, piled high with fresh lobster, avocado and bacon, and Eggs in Hell, two poached eggs in a tomato and chilli sauce with potatoes and Parmesan. Need Sunday sustenance? The Morning After (King of Soho gin, vermouth, Sebor absinthe and house recovery syrup) is a sip sent from the heavens when you feel like absolute hell.
Décor
The facades and interior sprung to life from the vision of Simon Costin, who made his name creating outlandish fashion shows for Alexander McQueen and has since worked with Stella McCartney and Hermès. Updating the décor yet keeping it lovingly lived-in and a bit rough ‘round the edges, you’ll find tributes to Soho past in the detail, with salutes lovingly and literally etched on the worn wooden tables. Classic and vintage elements (rich velvet curtains, designer wallpaper, antique mirrors) are matched with just a splash of anarchy in colourful artwork.
Balans Soho Society, 60-62 Old Compton Street Soho, London W1D 4UG
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