At this point, Balans in Soho might as well be an institution and receive blue plaque status - it’s been around for ages and has been dishing out brunches and late night eats to the Soho after-hours community since time began. To be clear, the food is mostly deeply mediocre, but there’s a great neighbourhood atmosphere, and it’s a good spot to relax with a few friends and people watch. It’s also open until 5-6am, where it becomes an indispensable place to keep drinking and grab a plate of pasta.