Is beloved Soho institution Balans closing down?

The future of Balans, a 'beloved Soho institution' and all-day café, is currently uncertain following an alleged email indicating the group is 'no longer trading' and that 'all creditors will be contacted in due course,' as reported by The Sun. Balans first opened in Soho in 1987 and, at its peak, operated eight outposts across London. Currently, it maintains two sites: Balans No 60 in Soho and Balans in Kensington. However, the group has already seen the closure of Balans East in Stratford and Balans No 34 on Old Compton Street, with social media reports at the end of May suggesting further closures, signaling a significant contraction and potential end for the long-standing establishment.