Restaurants, Cafés & Eating Out

• introduction
• restaurants map

London is full of top notch restaurants, intimate bistros, creative and original eating experiences and fab little cafés. It's impossible to list every one of them, so this is very much a work in progress - and we're enjoying the process of trying them all out!
 

		The Stockpot Serving up a menu that is a comforting mix of homemade and school dinners, there are some real favourites here! It's hot, cheap and filling in a clean, no-frills environment, canteen-style. 18 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4JL (020) 7287 1066
		Balans Soho Very much the place to see and be seen, this restaurant has been around for years, but still maintains an up-to-date image. Informal and laid back with a great menu of reasonably priced food and drink, with special offers on selected food and drink on most days. 60 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4UG (020) 7439 2183
		First Out Café Bar London's first lesbian and gay cafe in the heart of the West End - it's been going for over 20 years!. Relaxed atmosphere and not too pricey with occasional events and regular showing of queer art. 52 St Giles High Street, London, WC2H 8LH (020) 72408042
		Steph's Restaurant It's theatreland darling, and this is a haunt of the thespian. Steph's regularly plays host to the cast of nearby shows, there's often a familiar face perusing the simple, but nicely put together menu. 39 Dean Street, London, W1D 4PU (020) 77345976
		Balans Kensington Perfectly located so you can rest your Manolos, park the gorgeous, fabulous things you've shopped for and get down to some serious lunching. The å la carte menu emphasises simple food lovingly created with fresh, quality ingredients. Cocktail happy hours from 4pm to 6pm Monday to Friday. 187 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6SH 0207 376 0115
		Balans West Light, airy restaurant that's popular for daily brunch. Simple dishes, grills, sautés and roasts served with a traditional å la carte English brasserie style menu. Friendly, relaxed and casual. Cocktail and lunch promotions during the week and open until 1am Monday to Friday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. 239 Old Brompton Road, London, SW5 9HP 0207 244 8836
		Balans Café Formerly the Old Compton Cafe, this great little pitstop is perfect for a coffee and chat whatever the time. Open until 4am Monday to Thursday, 6am Friday and Saturday and 2am on Sunday. 34 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4TR (020) 74393309
		Balans Chiswick This latest addition to the growing Balans empire utilises the winning formula of it's sister restaurants and has outside seating - perfect in fine weather to sit out and watch fashionable West London go by! 214 Chiswick High Road, London 020 8742 1435

key	mostly straight
	mixed
	mostly gay