London's brunch brilliance, where eggs get Benedict'd and avocados reach new heights, all washed down with mimosas flowing as freely as the Thames.
Brace yourself for a journey through the wonders of London's brunch haven, where the timeless elegance of a full English rendezvous with the avant-garde allure of bacon bao brunches. From iconic institutions boasting panoramic cityscapes to covert cafés whipping up global brunch delights, we've scoured every corner, unlocking the secrets to the capital's breakfast rebellion. Join us as we redefine mid-morning decadence in a city that doesn't just wake up – it brunches.
Chet’s
65 Shepherd's Bush Grn, London W12 8QE
Welcome to Chet's, the Thai-American gem that has injected life into west London's culinary landscape. A spin-off from LA's Night + Market, Chet's tantalizes taste buds with a vibrant menu featuring firecracker noodles, tropical pineapple rice, and zesty larbs. The brunch, served daily from 10 am to 4 pm at The Hoxton hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, is a maximalist affair blending global influences into classic stodge. Indulge in delights like spicy fried chicken and roti waffles with tom yum sauce, or treat yourself to banana French toast adorned with caramel-battered milk bread and pecan pandan cream. For those feeling virtuous, dragon fruit salads and Thai omelettes await.
Fallow
52 Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4RP
Fallow, a culinary powerhouse in the heart of St James’s market, stands tall as the go-to spot for an unapologetically lavish brunch experience. The undisputed star of the show is the famous Fallow breakfast burger, a towering masterpiece of gooey cheese, a runny egg, and a succulent burger, all snugly enveloped in a flaky croissant bun. This is not your average breakfast – it's a McMuffin's epic glow-up. The Royale with Cheese, available in sausage, salmon belly, or veggie options, is a brunch revelation that will make you question your life choices if you pass it up. For those with a penchant for lighter fare, the Fallow granola or fluffy scrambled eggs on sourdough drizzled with sriracha won't disappoint. Don't forget to order a side of crispy-coated Haymarket hashbrowns with walnut ketchup for dipping. Wash it all down with their signature spicy bloody mary or venture into uncharted territory with a tequila iced coffee.
Sunday
169 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1DA
Sunday, tucked away in the heart of Barnsbury, is the weekend brunch haven you never knew you needed. This Islington gem offers a weekend-long brunch bonanza in a cosy setting complete with a charming garden. The menu is an array of indulgent delights, featuring sugar-dusted, fruit-filled French toast dripping with salted-caramel sauce and perfectly ripe avocados paired with labneh, tabbouleh, poached eggs, and harissa. Waffles crowned with pulled pork and yuzu hollandaise add to the brunch feast. The ever-changing specials, like jerk and maple spiced gammon with sweet potato hash and pineapple relish, elevate the experience. Don your comfiest beanie, sip a perfectly executed flat white, and revel in the friendly atmosphere while enjoying the ultimate London view through the front window.
The Laundry
374 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PL
For those seeking a respite from Brixton's buzz, this all-day bistro, just a three-minute stroll from the station, offers a serene escape with generous portions that won't break the bank. Indulge in a heavenly slice of toasted banana bread with honeycomb butter or opt for the flavorful courgette and cheddar cornbread, complete with black bean and tomato salsa, green goddess dressing, and pickled jalapeños. Don't miss the Picante Margarita from their extensive drink menu. With brunch served from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and a renowned Sunday Roast from 1 pm to 6 pm, The Laundry ensures your cravings are satisfied any day of the week.
26 Grains
1 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP
The dish to conquer? The Banana and Cacao Nib Porridge, a symphony of flavors where oats meet coconut, cashew, or almond milk, infused with cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and star anise. Toppings are a revelation—imagine cacao nibs mingling with banana and date syrup, or almond milk oats adorned with poached quince, cashew maple cream, redcurrants, and redwood sorrel. Fear not, non-porridge enthusiasts, as 26 Grains caters to all tastes. The flatbread with halloumi, pickles, garlic yoghurt, and golden beetroot is as pretty as the porridge bowls, and the roasted delica pumpkin, paired with lentils, goat’s curd, and scattered chillis, is a wholesome delight
Sunday In Brooklyn
98 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU
Sunday in Brooklyn has brought its irresistible charm and inventive American staples across the pond. The Williamsburg sensation, led by the dynamic trio of Todd Enany, Adam Landsman, and chef Jaime Young, has seamlessly blended into the fabric of London's dining scene. Open seven days a week for brunch and dinner, Sunday in Brooklyn offers a laid-back neighbourhood vibe and friendly American-style service. The menu is a plethora of brunch delights, featuring colossal buttermilk pancakes soaked in praline brown-butter sauce, towering burgers with sticky sauces, and charred hanger steak paired with cheesy Cheddar-scrambled eggs.
WAVE
11 Dispensary Ln, London E8 1FT
Aptly standing for We Are Vegan Everything, this oasis of plant-based delights is the brainchild of best friends Cait and Soph, culinary wizards on a mission to redefine vegan cuisine. The menu is a brunch-shaped field day for vegans, featuring breakfast brioche, avo toast, and mac and cheese crowned with coconut bacon for that extra kick. Sweet tooths, rejoice! Dive into apple crumble pancakes or indulge in a banana smoothie bowl with oak milk, tahini, dates, and maca powder. Don't dare to miss the star of the show: the house mushroom sausage roll, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Discover more about WAVE here.
Mr. Bao
293-295 Rye Ln, London SE15 4UA
Bao buns for brunch? Mr. Bao in Peckham is flipping the script on your typical morning fare with a Taiwanese twist that'll have you rethinking your brunch loyalties. This pocket-sized haven, an offshoot of the renowned Soho eatery, boasts pillowy bao buns packed with pan-Asian flavors. The bacon bao, a smoked ham hock fritter adorned with tangy plum sauce, steals the spotlight, while the salmon and onsen egg bao promises an egg 'pop' for those seeking brunch theatrics.
Pavilion Cafe
Victoria Park, Old Ford Rd., London E9 7DE
Brunch enthusiasts can rejoice, as Pavilion Café serves up morning delights all day, every day, starting from 8 am. For a brunch adventure, try the Sri Lankan brekkie with dhal and hoppers or indulge in the delightful cardamom buns that are a local favorite. The Pavilion's glass dome and chic monochromatic aesthetic make it an iconic East London spot, where nearly everything on the plant-based menu is crafted in-house, including must-try baked goods like the cardamom buns and mouthwatering sourdough loaves.
Lina Stores
Iconic, pastel-coloured and pasta-loving in Soho (and now many more locations) since 1944. Lina, the founder, came from Genova and over 75 years later still stands as a strong contender amongst Pasta restaurants in London. All the ingredients are imported straight from Italy and pasta is freshly made in store. You can shop your favourite ingredients in store and even have them delivered to your door to experiment yourself at home.
Try the spaghetti mediterranea: simple but incredibly effective.
You can find their locations here.