Balans, Kensington

Walk into Balans and you're greeted with the sort of buzzy, unfussy energy that makes you want to linger over lunch. The dining room has that polished-but-relaxed feel of a proper Parisian brasserie—all dark wood, mirrors and the gentle clatter of plates. You'll find yourself sharing the space with everything from power lunchers cracking through steak frites to couples nursing martinis at the bar. The menu sticks to what it knows: duck confit that actually tastes like it's been done right, Dover sole if you're feeling flush, and a decent croque monsieur if you're just after something straightforward. It's the sort of place where you don't feel judged ordering at 3pm on a Tuesday, and the cocktails are actually worth ordering.