Balans 'optimistic' for the future as it prepares for reopening

Both of Balans’ Soho cafe bars, Balans No. 60 and Balans No. 34 on Old Compton Street, will reopen on Thursday (30 July); as will as Balans High Street Kensington; Balans Shepherds Bush; and Balans Stratford.

However, Balans' remaining two sites, located in Ealing and Victoria respectively, will remain closed permanently.

News of Balans' reopening is something of a surprise.

Back in May it was reported that the group, which established its first site in Soho in 1987, had put its entire seven-strong estate up for auction, suggesting that it had fallen victim to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

However, Taylor tells BigHospitality ​that following a cash injection and successful lease renegotiations with landlords across the most of its estate, the business was now in a position to reopen. 

"We’re delighted to be back and can’t wait to see the familiar friendly faces return to our reopening restaurants – both our customers and our team," he says.

"For all restaurants businesses this has been a dark and stormy mountain to climb but the team are buzzing to bring the Balans spirit back."

Taylor adds that the challenge is to get through the next six to nine months of trading. By then, he hopes, theatres will be reopening and office workers will be returning to the city. 

"The longer term future for Balans feels optimistic after these immediate challenges," he says.

"Balans’ connection with its customers goes back three decades, and is based on a brand of genuine hospitality.

"Hopefully the friendliness and the accessible but interesting menus won’t go out of fashion, and will hold Balans in good stead."