I eat in ballens often as live in Stratford, I also eat in soho branches and the service is so not as friendly which is one of Ballans great assets in the past. The team defo need some further customer training, especially the lady floor manager who should lead my example

Had a great lunch, pre Olympic event... And would recommend to anyone heading to 2012 Olympics this summer. You can book too - and would advise, got very busy during our lunch. Great food, and service. The staff are very good and willing to speak to their customers which makes for a better time I think. I will be returning.

I have been going to Balans in Soho for years, meeting friends for dinner and drinks there. The food is usually pretty good, not cordon bleu but usually tasty, warm and pleasant, with good service and a nice ambience. The branch of Balans in Stratford is appalling. The decor looks cheap and already dated. Service was apathetic. I ordered sparkling... More

Definitely not a destination restaurant. Food is very over-priced for what you get. Service is attentive, but not particularly interested. Lighting is more like darking! Too dark to properly see the menu or what you end up with. Just bland and not really worth a visit.

I've been to Balans restaurants in other locations before, so know what to expect. This one at Stratford has a very classy décor and the staff were very attentive. The Balans menu has something for everyone, so if you want a snack or a big meal you can have either. I particularly like the all day breakfast options. Often at... More

Balans is a restaurant/(posing) bar. Its menu is mainly British but it happily puts Chicken Gyoza right next to Quesadillas and seems content with this. The interior is straight out of the seventies, dark wood, brown, orange and white. The booths for four are actually only for two normal sized people, and if there is a way to get into... More

Went to Balans Stratford for an "unbooked" Christmas meal as we were recommended to go there by friends. We really did enjoy the experience: good food, friendly manager/staff and cocktail menu is superb. Despite not booking, a table was prepared for us by the staff. It was nice to see a friendly face at the door saying hi to us.... More

Went for my Xmas meal. Nothing special about Balans. Service ok, ambience fair but food slightly disappointing. Won't be rushing back.

I know Balans Restaurant from its other branches and was delighted when I heard it will be opening in Stratford as I live near the city. I went there once or twice during October and as always, I loved it. The place reminds me of the Miami design, the staff are friendly and great as with all their other restaurants.... More