Discover King of Soho cocktails fit for royalty at Balans

Balans in Old Compton Street has always been a favourite haunt of mine. Mainly frequented after a debaucherous night out where the famous syrup laden pancake stack would be devoured shamelessly fast.

Nowadays as I adopt a more ethereal lifestyle such nights are behind me, so it was a joy to be asked to review the restaurant for a wholesome midweek lunch with a good food loving-chum.

As we scanned the menu it was pleasing to see all our regular favourites. The Balans burger and the lobster Benedict looked tempting but we decided on a few exciting sounding dishes we had not yet had the pleasure of sampling.

Before our dishes arrived we ordered our cocktails from the special limited edition menu. These cocktails were lovingly made with the premium gin brand King of Soho and both tasted shamelessly regal.

I opted for the Strawberry Refresher – a fruity concoction of King of Soho gin, Pama, apple and strawberries, whereas my dining buddy chose the opulent Passionfruit Spritzer. This gloriously boozy elixir was a delightful combination of gin, passionfruit and sparkling Italian wine.

We shared a couple of tasty starters – the artichoke, mushroom and green olive salad was divine, but we wanted to save ourselves for the mains which were a hearty, visually pleasing affair. The steak and eggs I ordered was a true joy – gloriously runny eggs and perfectly cooked medium rare steak with salty skin on fries.

The Togarashi buttermilk chicken doughnut that my friend opted for couldn’t have been any more fabulously extra. Lovingly marinated slab of fried chicken, along with pickles, smoked bacon and Japanese coleslaw was joyously sandwiched in an actual doughnut. It was otherworldly. But don’t just take my word for it. Book a table at Balans and sample its magestic fried finery for yourself.

Just don’t forget to treat your royal self with a cheeky cocktail or two in the process. Stoptober can wait…

 

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief