Not so long ago, brunch was an anonymous term reserved only for those who lived and worked in New York. Since it’s welcoming into London however, brunch has made Sunday afternoons more exciting and daytime drinking completely acceptable. Restaurants are ordering more avocados than ever while we mull over eggs, pancakes and Bloody Mary’s. Finding the right place is key to the perfect weekend brunch; from the menu to the atmosphere. Check out our top ten brunch places in London, from the classics to French delights and pancake heaven.
The Habit
In the heart of Cool Land (i.e. Peckham) is The Habit which focuses on seasonal and local ingredients that determine the menu. Brunch is available from Tuesday – Sunday and include baked eggs, The Habit burger and a warming chicken salad with orzo pasta.
67 Peckham Road, SE5 8UH
My Old Dutch
If you’ve ever wondered what pancake heaven looks like, pop along to My Old Dutch. Away from the egg and avocado drenched menus is this pancake house which will offer you a huge range of pancakes, both sweet and savoury. Check out their Breakfast Combo for just £13.95.
131-132 High Holborn, WC1V 6PS
Balthazar
You know you’re in for a quality brunch with Balthazar, which originally hails from New York and focuses on French inspired dishes. Brunch is available on weekends from 10am-4pm and includes the classics (avocado on toast) and the jaw droppers (oysters, caviar and lobster).
4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ
Towpath Café
For a more laid back affair, check out Towpath Café which sits quaintly along Regents Canal. The outdoor tables provide ample people watching space while their coffee is one of the best around. There’s no specific brunch menu, so catch the breakfast or lunch times and we guarantee you won’t regret it.
42 De Beauvoir Cres, N1 5SB
Bala Baya
Bala Baya is a love letter to Tel Aviv in the form of food and architecture. Eran Tibi’s menu is inspired by a day in the “White City” and the restaurant seamlessly changes its vibes from morning, noon and night, but always swaying to the tune of Tel Aviv. Brunch includes shakshuka, Turkish salmon and Israeli salad.
229 Union Street, SE1 0LR
Sunday
The name itself is as inviting as the brunch prospects inside. It’s cosy, traditionally British and the food is on point from the classic Full English to the more sophisticated French Toast with salted caramel. We recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment and bag an elusive table.
169 Hemingford Road, N1 1DA
The Jam Tree
The first thing to say about The Jam Tree is that they have a whopping 9 different variations on the Bloody Mary. So naturally, we’re interested. If you’re looking for something heavier they also now serve indulgent roasts every Sunday alongside double cheeseburgers and traditional brunch dishes.
13-19 Old Town, SW4 0JT
Dishoom
Not a place one would naturally think of for breakfasts and brunches, but we have to include Dishoom because they’re breakfast menu is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. For those who need some spice to cure a hangover (it works) try the Bombay omelette or the Kejriwali.
Various Locations
Ben’s Canteen
Ben’s Canteen really takes brunching seriously with a focus on good coffee, amazing Bloody Marys and seriously satisfying food. Luckily for us, Ben hasn’t restricted his brunch to weekends only – you can enjoy the brunch perks on a weekday too. Dishes range from indulgent burgers to a Chicken Benedict.
Various Locations
Bad Egg
Saturday’s brunch is open until 7pm so take a leisurely day and head over to Bad Egg. We love the exciting and inventive options alongside the classics. Choose between mac and cheese with chipotle aioli, pulled pork on toast or chilaquiles if you’re feeling for some Mexican.
1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9AW
Written by Nikki