Elysium Magazine was recently invited to The Balcon, in London’s west end to sample some exquisite fine dining. The menu certainly stood out and we thought it would be a perfect treat for the discerning gent. Read on to find out what we thought.

 

The Look, The Feel

 

The Balcon is a short walk from Piccadilly station, based on the infamous Pall Mall in St James. It is situated by the Sofitel Hotel, and is just as bright and welcoming. The restaurant is a great setting for a business dinner, romantic evening or catching up with friends – it has a great space, which makes it appealing for most occasions.

 

 

We started with a discussion on the drinks menu and opted for a number of wines to accompany our food. For starters we opted on the Scallop and avocado mousseline, lobster, brioche (£9) and Welsh lamb Wellington, pea purée, girolle sauce (£15). Each of these dishes were an absolute treat – great, fresh ingredients well presented with a decent portion to satisfy us ahead of the main. A great start to the evening and well recommended by our waiter.

 

 

The Main Event

 

The menu has a great selection for the mains – we struggled to pick a dish to get into given the variety. However, based on the great recommendations from our waiter we opted for the Turbot meunière, baby potatoes, brown shrimp butter (£35). The recommendation was based on the dish being one of the most popular amongst guests and that with great feedback to the chef. That, a great number of wine parings available, meant we were sold. The dish was hearty, well seasoned and of great quality. The ingredients were well out together and fresh.

 

The second main we opted for was the Confit duck leg, Morteau sausage, Alsace bacon, beluga lentils, tarragon and hazelnut crumbs (£21) was another favourite of returning guests. A great option for anyone looking for an impressive dish which guarantees you will have little space for dessert. Fantastic quality meat with an interesting blend with the lentils and hazelnut crumbs – this really does work.

 

 

Despite the well portioned mains we opted for a dessert – the recommendation was the Dark chocolate fondant, poached pear, hazelnut praline (£8) which, to be honest, caught our attention right from reading the menu. Certainly a recommendation from Elysium Magazine – a dessert we have since had again on a subsequent visit to the Balcon.

 

Verdict

 

If you are looking for a great all round restaurant which is welcoming, accessible and serves high quality French cuisine then look no further than The Balcon. The service matches the divine food and the knowledge displayed by the team is unrivalled. The benefit of being adjacent to the Sofitel hotel means you are able to work remotely in the hotel and join clients for business dining very easily. A clear winner from our perspective.

 

Rating

 

Food: 4.5/5

Ambience: 4/5

Venue: 5/5

 

Contact

 

The Balcon, 8 Pall Mall, St James’s, London SW1Y 5NG

Tel: 020 7389 7820

Email: thebalcon.london@sofitel.com