London’s Best Brunch Spots
There’s only one good reason to set an alarm on the weekend, and that’s brunch. Luckily for all of us in London, everywhere is brimming with smashed avo’, stacked pancakes and flower-filled açaí bowls, just waiting to be eaten. So call your friends, don your brunch clothes (are you a glam kind or a slouchy pants kind?) and get yourself ready for a boozy morning, from our list of London’s best brunch spots. Remember: it’s not a race, but because nobody wants to miss out on the best stuff, it sort of it. Ready, set, BRUNCH.
Duck and Waffle
(110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY)
You know when you thoroughly invest in a menu beforehand? Yeah, Duck & Waffle is one of those places, and even sitting at the table 40 floors up, you’ll still be unsure what to order. Because, SO much delicious choice. The favourites are a favourite for a reason, with the Duck & Waffle served with a fried egg and mustard maple syrup, and the House Breakfast satisfying a hungry Saturday morning stomach. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
The Good Egg
(93 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0AS)
The name might give it away, only slightly, but eggs play a major part in delivering the brunch of dreams at The Good Egg. With a menu of Middle-Eastern flavours, you can guarantee bright and colourful dishes, and insane flavours. Feast on the Jerusalem Breakfast or opt for the Cornbread French Toast for that sweet tooth fix, and of course a Spicy Bloody Mary is always a good shout. Hair of the dog and all that…
Half Cup
(100-102 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NT)
If you love breakfast, but you also love a lay in, then thank Half Cup for their wonderful All Day Brunch. Yep, serving up our trusty dishes such as Smashed Avocado and a Full English, they’re like the gift that keeps on giving. For those wanting something a little different, order the Parma Ham Pancakes and treat yourself to a brunch pudding with the Oreo Cooking French Toast. If you can’t decide, order it all. We’ll never judge.
Dishoom
(Various locations)
Ahh Dishoom. That place everyone talks about all the time. And so they should. Those hearty breakfasts,with chilli cheese toast, bacon naan and masala beans (just to name a few) are the reason folk queue for nearly an hour. Their naan rolls are freshly baked and finished to perfection, and make for one happy stomach. Plus the decor is nice, so once you’ve rolled off your chair, grab a few snaps like everyone else.
26 Grains
(1 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP)
Think porridge is for winter? Think again. Home to wholesome porridge and smoothies, and strong coffee, 26 Grains brings you all of the delicious food, inspired by Scandinavian cooking, from the comfort of London. Whether you’re a sweet tooth lover or savoury fan, you’ll find something on their seasonally changing menu for a breakfast fix. And you’ll even leave with a different view of porridge. Is this one of the most delicious porridges in the capital? We think so.
Riding House Cafe
(43-51 Great Titchfield St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7PQ)
Weekends aren’t just for good food, they’re also for catching up with your favourite friends. And Riding House Cafe is the perfect spot for a catch up with your pals over eggs such as Chorizo Hash and Burgerdict. Unless salad is more your thing – they sure cater for that too. Because, getting your greens is important and all, but Buttermilk pancakes are way more crucial for a weekend.
Caravan
(11-13 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QD)
It’s all about fun on the weekend, and the warehouse-style restaurant Caravan, has a cool and buzzy atmosphere, ideal for your Saturday afternoon. Whether you’re vegetarian or a carnivore, you’ll find some interesting combinations, so much so, that the Coconut Bread or Green Quinoa Grain Bowl, might even convert the meat-lovers. If you want to book your table at Exmouth Market, grab four friends. Or just prop yourself up at the bar and sip on a Bloody Mary whilst you wait. Apparently they’re some of the best in London too…
Tandoor Chop
(8 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ)
We thought we couldn’t love Tandoor Chop anymore, and then they introduce Sunday Thali. Whilst not an early morning brunch (we’re totally on board with that), your stay-out-later-the-night-before head will be indulging heavily in this. traditional Indian Sunday meal. With a selection of dishes piled high on one platter, it’s definitely a true feast. It does mean that you’ve gotta share, but I guess you can’t have everything, all the time.
Bourne and Hollingsworth
(42 Northampton Rd, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 0HU)
It’s not like we ever needed an excuse to eat pancakes, but when you’re at Bourne and Hollingsworth, you’d be rude not to try them. Stick to the ones you know and love with crispy bacon and maple syrup, or opt for the healthier option with the Courgette pancakes. Wash them down with one (or three) of their brunch cocktails or Bellini’s and wonder if you’ll ever want to leave this bright and airy space. Prepare for elegant, but laid back vibes.
Cafe Beam
(40 Topsfield Cl, London N8 8PT)
Famed in the local area of Crouch End for it’s Mediterranean brunches, and winner of many neighbourhood awards, Cafe Beam is one that you must try at least once in your life (although, we bet you’ll be back there again) There’s exciting flavours and naturally healthy dishes, so whether you want Shakshuka, Vegan Breakfast or a Halloumi Wrap, you’ll understand why it’s loved by all in the area.
Brother Marcus
(9 Chestnut Grove, London SW12 8JA)
Step 1 to being hipster: brunch at Brother Marcus. There’s a strong Brooklyn style vibe here, with their hipster brunch, strong coffee and cocktail bar, and the perfect spot to mingle with your BFF. Even those vegan friends, because that’s the beauty about Brother Marcus – they’ve got vegans and veggies at the front of their minds, with the Step Sister and Yummy Mummy. But they also think about the carnivores (Bob’s Your Uncle is a winner). Basically, they think about everyone. Because they’re really kind like that.
Canova Hall
(250 Ferndale Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8BQ)
A brunch without booze is basically a big breakfast, right? As soon as you step inside Canova Hall, you’re instantly sucked in with their fine attention to detail decor. The food choice is certainly a debater, so do the whole ‘sharing is caring’ thing and order some extra dishes (then eat it for yourself). The Rum Punch is punchy (and delicious), and when we say Bottomless Brunch, we mean Bottomless Brunch. So wear your comfiest pants, and expect to do very little for the rest of the afternoon. Brunch coma guaranteed.
Granger & Co
(175 Westbourne Grove London W11 2SB)
Part of the #cleaneating crew? Then thank Granger & Co for making it easy to be healthy. Inspired by Granger’s travels, you’ll see Australian favourites (looking at your Ricotta Hotcakes) on the menu, and more interesting brunch dishes such as Jasmine-Tea Smoked Salmon. They’re also incredibly stylish in their interiors, so if you needed an outfit post, new Facebook profile picture or your yearly selfie with the BFF, then snap it here. Double win.
Milk
(18-20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG)
Good coffee, good food and good wine is Milk’s motto. And we love that. Milk is one of those gems you find, but realise that you’re not alone when you see the breakfast queue. They’ve got it going on, have Milk – they’re laid back with an old-school vibe and are just totally cool. Where else can you listen to the sound of deep house music, whilst tucking into some Baked Eggs and Asparagus, or their play on the McDonald’s classic, Fillet o Fish Sandwich? We know where we’re setting up camp for the weekend.
Two Hundred Rye Lane
(200 Rye Ln, London SE15 4NF)
Any brunch dish and two hours of Prosecco for £25? Sign.Us.Up. The menu at Two Hundred Rye Lane may only consist of a handful of dishes, but these dishes sure are mighty, and a feast. They’ve taken your traditional favourites and made them even better, such as the Bacon Butty, finished with chilli jam. And the Huevos Rotos, because who doesn’t love fried potatoes for breakfast? And when you’ve done feasting, roll yourself over to the bar to make it a bit of an all dayer!
Blighty Cafe
(35-37 Blackstock Rd, London N4 2JF)
Sometimes you wake up and don’t fancy being all hipster with your acai bowl and avo’ toast, instead favouring something a little traditional. And greasy. Like a full English Breakfast. And that is exactly what Blighty Cafe offer. They’re no themed cafe, and instead serve up their signature dish in three variants to suit everyone (looking at you Veggies and Vegans). Whilst there may be some backlash by a few, they sure know how to cook a good fry up with a strong cup of coffee. And that, is why we love Blighty Cafe.
Friends of Ours
(61 Pitfield St, Hoxton, London N1 6BU)
If you’re indecisive, then we suggest you thoroughly browse Friend of Ours menu weeks prior to brunching. Because, it is impossible to choose – do you want Beef Brisket Benedict, or Japanese Souffle Pancakes? Or what about Chicken & Crumpets? So many options, so little time. We’d suggest sharing (sharing is caring after all), but then proceed to eat more than the sharing allowance. You won’t regret it (just don’t expect to want dinner…).
Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. And sometimes it’s the bigger things, like making brunch plans.
