Photo by Kemey Lafond
Balans is on a mission to revamp its eateries with its Westfield London outlet being the first to receive a spruce up. An invitation to drop by for a look and meal at its updated “Soho Society” digs resulted in a tasty night out for Kemey and me – made all the more pleasant by outstandingly prompt service.
I hadn’t been to a Balans in a very long time before the other weekend, and I’d never been to the Westfield London location. So, I can’t compare the place to what it used to look like. Still, Designer Simon Costin’s clever curation of the space was a little bit Soho, a little Wonderland with plenty of comfort in between – augmenting our dining experience more than overshadowing it.
And what a dining experience it was! I loved my Cornstar Martini (Tito’s popcorn-infused vodka, dry vermouth, salted popcorn, £8.20) and thought it proved to be a smart aperitif to be followed by a starter course of “Chicken Thrice-Fried” with shichimi mayonnaise (£6). I thoroughly savoured the opportunity to have a ribeye (with triple cooked chips and Béarnaise, £21), while warm doughnuts (I substituted a scoop of vanilla ice cream for whipped cream and plum compote, £6) ended the meal on a yummy note. Kemey was pleased with her selections too, especially her main course of gnocchi (butternut squash, field mushroom, sage, £9) and her dessert of white chocolate cheesecake (£6).
Prices were more than reasonable for the quality and quanity (as well as for the area). Service was on the ball, friendly and helpful.
Balans Soho Society is located at Unit 1032, Ariel Way, Westfield Shopping Centre, W12 7GA. Balans has locations in Soho, Kensington and Westfield Stratford City too (as well as an outlet in Miami). Find out more at balans.co.uk.
