If there’s one thing that makes a Londoner happy, it’s brunch. So if you’re fed up with January already (hello back-to-work blues and SAD), we can’t think of a better pick-me-up than grabbing your closest pals and heading out to sample some of the best London brunches around (especially if you’re not doing Dry January and can go bottomless).
Listed below are some of our favourite under-the-radar brunches in London town – from piled-high pancakes, to fry-up favourites.
The Best Brunch In Central London
Avobar
With a clue that’s very much in the name, Avobar is the Henrietta Street restaurant dedicated to our favourite creamy fruit.
The menu is an ode to the green stuff, including the Avo Bun Burger, shakshuka bowls and of course avocado on toast which you can either have on sourdough or sweet potato ‘toast’ with toppings including smashed avo served with a homemade coconut labneh and beetroot hummus with feta. Creamy, delicious, and so instagrammable.
Where: 24 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8ND
Website: www.avobar.co.uk
3 Henrietta Street
Head down to 3 Henrietta Street this January for one of the best London brunches around. Choose between Pivot Bar & Bistro overlooking Covent Garden’s iconic piazza, or the instagrammable Lilly’s Café. Expect delicious, homely food made from the best of British ingredients at Pivot, with dishes like Bubble & Squeak and Steak & Eggs being the highlights.
Or, if you’ve missed the typical brunching hour, Lilly’s Café has you covered with their all-day brunch menu. With beautifully presented dishes using natural and mood-boosting ingredients, some menu favourites are their Banoffee Toast or their Cacio e Pepe Eggs.
A seriously tasty brunch alongside a stunning view of the piazza.
Where: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU
Website: www.3henrietta.com
The Garden at The Lane
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, The Garden at The Lane is a hidden oasis, peppered head to toe with foliage and beautiful lighting.
Providing the ultimate all day brunch experience, there’s heaps of delicious dishes on the menu – from the classic Smashed avocado on toast with sun kissed tomatoes, crispy onions and chilli; to a luxurious Belgian Waffle with crispy maple bacon and lime crème fraîche.
Where: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
Website: www.thelane.co.uk
Duck & Waffle
You know the old saying, “jack of all trades, master of none”? That could have so easily applied to Duck & Waffle, but in fact they win big at being a 24 hour restaurant, having excellent food and unrivalled views out across London.
Your brunch experience (to be enjoyed any time of day, including 4am if it takes your fancy) begins with a 40 second lift ride that whooshes you up to the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate and ends with you having had your fill of their famous duck and waffle dish, or the sweet Full Elvis with PBJ, caramelised banana, Chantilly cream, and all the trimmings.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Website: www.duckandwaffle.com
Heritage Soho
Every Saturday and Sunday, Heritage Soho offers up a bottomless brunch that poses diners with the ultimate question: roast or fondue?
For £39pp, you’ll get three courses – a rosti for starters (benedict, royale or florentine), followed by cheese fondue with bread, baby potatoes, pickles and a choice of parma ham, pork bell or mixed vegetables; and a cinnamon strudel, ice-cream or chocolate fondue for dessert. Not feeling like cheese? Have a weekend roast for your main instead – there’s a choice of pork belly, beef sirloin or portobello mushroom with all the trimmings.
Where: 18-20 Rupert St, London W1D 6DF
Website: www.heritagesoho.co.uk
The ultimate question: roast or fondue?
Lantana Café
Sip the day away with bottomless prosecco or mimosas at Lantana Cafe, the Aussie brunch spot that showcases the tastes and flavours of Australia’s multi-cultural cuisines.
Your afternoon will be spent chowing down on dishes like Five bean chilli & Courgette Bread with Halloumi, Bubble ‘n’ squeak Benedict, and Avocado Poke Bowls.
To go bottomless, opt for ‘The Lantana Blowout’, which includes unlimited prosecco or mimosas with any brunch dish for £36, or if you’re going teetotal, their ‘Hold The Booze’ option means you’ll get a brunch dish and unlimited juices and coffees for £30.
WHERE:13 CHARLOTTE PL, LONDON W1T 1SN
WEBSITE: WWW.LANTANACAFE.CO.UK
Ochre
Head to this new restaurant in The National Gallery for brunch and you won’t be disappointed. Think decadent dishes, free-flowing Champagne, bottomless Whispering Angel Rosé, a DIY Bloody Mary trolley and a feel-good hit soundtrack. The brand new ‘Sunflower Brunch’ begins with a host of house-crafted cocktails inspired by famous works in the National Gallery, followed by sharing small plates and decadent brunch dishes for an experience like no other.
Food-wise, choose from Eggs royale, American style pancakes, a Harissa spice lamb burger with cumin yoghurt, pickled red cabbage, chilli and feta and a 28-day aged Hereford rib-eye steak with chimichurri, braised shallot complete with unlimited sides of garden salad and triple cooked chips. To finish, the dessert menu offers up sweet treats like a deconstructed Eton mess with wild berry sorbet and coconut crumble.
WHERE: 7 ST. MARTIN’S PL, WC2N 4JH
WEBSITE: WWW.OCHRE.LONDON
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
Bourne and Hollingsworth is always a good idea. Pop in to their stunning greenhouse and try the delicious two-dish weekend brunch menu. Choose from dishes like the B&H Huevos Benedictos (chorizo, avocado, bearnaise sauce, and pico de gallo on a toasted English muffin) and their Vegan Falafel Burger (with beetroot, hummus, cucumber and mint yoghurt, sriracha dressing and French fries). And if you’re after something sweet, we thoroughly recommend following up with the B&H Stacked Pancakes with toasted hazelnuts and caramelised banana.
To wash it all down, you can choose from bottomless Bellinis, Bloody Marys, Fizz or a brunch cocktails like the B&H Verditas (pineapple, fresh mint, coriander, jalapeno, ginger and lime served long with tequila or mezcal). Yum!
WHERE: 42 NORTHAMPTON ROAD, CLERKENWELL, EC1R 0HU
WEBSITE: WWW.BANDHBUILDINGS.COM
Wagtail
From stunning interiors and 360-degree views of the city, to impressive dining, beautiful cocktails and bottomless Della Vite weekend brunch, London’s newest rooftop bar and restaurant Wagtail is effortlessly chic and utterly delicious, with prime views of The Shard, the Monument and Tower Bridge.
Highlights include a selection of cheese and cured meat to start, followed by Crab Cake Benedict with Poached egg and hollandaise. For mains, we recommend the 90-day Somerset Saxon chicken thigh waffle with a fried duck egg and maple syrup. On the side, opt for triple cooked chips with truffle and parmesan, and Chargrilled baby gem with anchovy dressing.
This is all washed down by the best part – a choice of free-flowing Della Vite Superiore DOCG or Rosé Prosecco, our favourite fizz from the Delevingne sisters, which staff keep generously topped up throughout the meal. Decadent, indulgent, and delicious – it’s the perfect way to spend the weekend at one of London’s most luxurious brunch spots.
WHERE: 68 KING WILLIAM ST, LONDON EC4N 7HR
WEBSITE: WWW.WAGTAILLONDON.COM
The Perception
Enjoy luxurious cuisine with vibrant flavours in the heart of Leicester Square at The Perception’s weekend brunch.
For £34pp, indulge in two courses – a choice of main including a fried chicken burger with sriracha, ranch dressing, crispy onion and pickled red cabbage; and the Oscar Benedict with sourdough, Cornish handpicked crab, hen’s egg, hollandaise and caviar – before tucking into melting red velvet chocolate bauble that melts to reveal a vegan chocolate brownie.
Where: 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com
Dishoom
Is there ever a better way to start the day than with Dishoom’s famous Bacon Naan Roll? We think not (and it’s double bacon for us, thanks). Their famous dish is made up of smoked streaky bacon with cream cheese, tomato-chilli jam and coriander, wrapped in a freshly baked naan. You’ll also find other Indian-inspired brunch staples like The Big Bombay with akuri, char-striped smoked streaky bacon, peppery Shropshire pork sausages, masala beans, grilled field mushrooms, grilled tomato and buttered, home-made buns.
Wash it down with a cup (or five) of chai tea, which is refillable, so they’ll just keep ‘em coming if you so wish.
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.dishoom.com
Rake’s Café Bar
Experience pure indulgence at Rake’s Cafe’s Scandal Brunch every Saturday between 12-5pm, with flavourful brunch dishes alongside bottomless drinks to let your hair down. On the menu are dishes like smashed avocado on toast with an added kick of tomato and chilli salsa; ham, cheese and truffle toastie; raised pecan waffles with lemon crème fraîche, rose and fennel syrup and seasonal berries; and Rake’s rainbow salad with parsley lemon vinaigrette.
At just £20 for a main, side and dessert, this has to be one of the best value London brunches we’ve seen. Keen to go bottomless? Add 1.5 hours of Moet and Chandon for £89; or prosecco or cocktails for £35. Brunch near Liverpool Street never looked so good.
Where: 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
Website: www.rakescafebar.co.uk
Eastway Brasserie
For a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, Eastway Brasserie offers bottomless brunch between 12-4pm every Saturday an Sunday. For £32pp, enjoy bottomless drinks for 1.5hrs, alongside a selection of delicious and vibrant day-starting dishes.
Starters include healthy choices like mango yoghurt and coconut granola, red quinoa fruit salad and avocado garden, and for something a little more hearty, there’s a classic Full English, buttermilk chicken burger and pulled pork benedict.
Where: 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
Website: www.eastwaybrasserie.com
Straits Kitchen
Straits Kitchen offers a choice of Singaporean Asian-style breakfasts, with dishes including Kaya Toast, Wonton Soup, Fried Noodles or traditional classics like French Toast, American Pancakes and Eggs Benedict.
Perfect for a weekend catch up with friends at one of London’s lushest hotels.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: www.panpacific.com
The Montagu Kitchen & Lounge, The Churchill
Combining two of our all time favourite weekend pastimes, The Montagu Kitchen & Lounge at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is offering the brunch of all London brunches, combining all the delights of breakfast with a good ol’ fashioned Sunday Lunch.
Menu highlights include The Sir Winston Treat (a nod to the hotel’s namesake) made up of poached free-range eggs, lobster hollandaise and smoked salmon on a toasted English breakfast muffin; oysters served with Kentish tabasco, leek and olive oil; and The Rump of Hereford Beef served with Heritage carrots, Yorkshire pudding and crispy roast potatoes. For those with a sweet tooth, think Belgium Waffles served withwhipped cream icing sugar and vanilla and berry compote; and French Toast with mascarpone, coffee and cream.
The brunch is available every Sunday for £48pp, with the options to add two hours of bottomless bubbles for £35pp.
Where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: www.themontagurestaurant.co.uk
Proud Embankment
If you’re after a show-stopping drag brunch spectacular, with a soundtrack to songs from the movies, look no further than Proud Embankment. Saunter down to their “Savannah” for 11.30am, and enjoy an hour of bottomless house cocktails or prosecco over a delicious two-course Jungle Queen brunch, while endlessly fun antics unfold around you – think camp renditions of your favourite songs, stunning burlesque, flamboyant drag acts and singalongs.
Tickets start from £49 – excellent value for brunch, bottomless drinks and entertainment in the centre of London.
Where: 8 Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2AB
Website: www.proudcabaret.com
Shangri-La The Shard
Take brunch to the next level (literally) and treat yourself to a sky-high brunch at Shangri-La The Shard, soaking in the London city views over an indulgent meal with friends. The best bit? There’s Veuve Clicquot on tap.
The luxurious Sunday brunch experience takes place 34 floors above the city in the hotel’s Sky Lounge. Choose from a selection of savoury Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from crispy oyster mushrooms to Malaysian fried rice and more, followed by decadent desserts, all washed down by 90 minutes of free-flowing champagne.
WHERE: 31 ST THOMAS ST, LONDON SE1 9QU
WEBSITE: WWW.SKYLOUNGE-SHANGRILA.COM
Dalloway Terrace
For those too short on time for a quick escape to the countryside this January, why not enjoy weekend brunch from Dalloway Terrace’s Enchanted Wonderland? Located inside The Bloomsbury Hotel, the enchanted wonderland welcomes a cascade of fairy lights, floral arrangements and snow-laden greenery for you to brunch under.
For £35 for 2 courses or £42 for 3 courses, take your pick of a starter, main and dessert, washed down with coffee, tea and fresh juice. Think buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon, blueberries and maple syrup; oak smoked salmon and poppy seed bagel with chive cream cheese and house pickle; and a mango and tumeric smoothie bowl with pistachio and chia.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Website: www.dallowayterrace.com
The Best Brunch In West London
Los Mochis
Los Mochis, the Baja-Nihon restaurant located in the heart of Notting Hill, is the perfect place to enjoy Pan-Pacific plates and reimagined versions of the classics. Paying homage to the traditional Mexican breakfast, expect an enticing menu of Tacos, Mexican classic Chilaquiles, Pancakes and Huevos served baked with spicy chorizo, grilled with carne asada or pork carnitas, poached on shredded hash browns, or folded into Omelettes. Championing sustainable products from best-in-class artisans, the breakfast menu is entirely nut and gluten-free.
For a liquid brunch, the bar team have created a list of brunch cocktails with a twist including a spiked Michelada (Asahi beer, Los Mochis Bloody Mary mix, lime juice, Mexican-Japanese spice rim), Bloody Mezcalita (The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin, tomato juice, roasted habanero salsa, salt, pepper, Wocestershire sauce, Mexican-Japanese spice rim) and Tequila Sunrise with grapefruit sherbert.
Where: 2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN
Website: www.losmochis.co.uk
Sloane Place
Offering up one of the best London brunches in town, Sloane Place has an extensive menu that includes brunch classics like their famous American pancakes with maple syrup; eggs benedict; and healthier options like coconut bircher muesli and açai bowls.
Fancy making your brunch a boozy one? They also offer two hours of Prosecco, Mimosa, Bloody Mary or draft beer.
Where: 60 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BP
Website: www.sloaneplace.com
Kindred
Brunch is always a popular time of day at Kindred, and their locally-sourced menu evolves with the seasons. Served until 3pm (perfect for those late risers) dishes include signatures like French toast, green shakshuka, breakfast muffins and confit duck and leek hash, as well as conforming crowd-pleasers.
Feeling thirsty? They serve some excellent brunch-ready Bloody Marys too. For sweet and savoury weekend cravings, Kindred have got you covered.
Where: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BW
Website: www.wearekindred.com
Eggbreak
The clue’s in the name with this one, but Eggbreak serves up some of London’s very best eggs. Tuck into your favourite egg dishes with a special Eggbreak added twist, from the salmon dish cake topped with poached eggs, sriracha hollandaise and spinach, to the spicy piggy bun, a Gochujang-spiced pork patty, homemade chilli jam, ginger, fried egg, American cheese and potato brioche bun.
For a savoury take on the classically sweet French toast, dive into the hot honey French toast served with za’atar, cherry tomatoes, garlic, thyme, poached eggs, labneh and Dr Sting’s hot honey. Yum!
Where: 30 Uxbridge St, London W8 7TA
Website: www.eggbreak.com
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Sunday In Brooklyn
Contrary to what the name suggests, Sunday in Brooklyn is open for brunch and dinner every day of the week. The New York institution is the perfect place to hunker down when you’re hungry, and the brunch menu includes both lighter bites and heartier fare. Think Sunday pancakes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter; the Cheddar Scramble with scrambled eggs, long island potatoes, toast and a choice of bacon, pork sausage, chicken sausage or avocado; and a warm grain bowl with brown rice, avocado, six-minute egg and summer veggies.
Delicious signature cocktails are on offer all day long too. Think Honeybear On Holiday with rum, Montenegro, apricot, pineapple and honey; and Champagne Problems with genepy, strawberry, lemon and bubbly.
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU
Website: www.sundayinbk.co.uk
The Best Brunch In South London
Milk
A Balham institution, Milk is the no-reservations South London brunch spot that always has a queue of hungry brunch-goers on its doorstep. And deservedly so. When you do grab your table, start with Sweet Maria – sweetcorn fritters, halloumi, avo and kasundi – and add a poached egg and bacon. Or, go for the classic sweet staple of banana bread with halva butter and pumpkin seed tahini.
In sunny weather, try to nab a seat outside where you can soak up some rays in a perfect people-watching location. But they usually open their huge windows in sunny weather anyway, so if you fancy some cover whilst tucking into some incredible food, it’s the perfect spot.
WHERE: 18-20 BEDFORD HILL, LONDON SW12 9RG
WEBSITE: WWW.MILKLONDONSHOP.UK
The Little Orange Door
Whether it’s to detox or retox, kickstarting your weekend with brunch at The Little Orange Door is always a good idea. Join the flatmates for a big afternoon of bottomless prosecco, indulgent feasting and ultimate house party vibes as you tuck into some seriously good brunch dishes.
From stacks of pancakes and poached eggs with avocado, to boozy Bloody Marys and even entertainment like retro video games and a dress-up box – everything’s on hand to take you from breakfast to bedtime.
WHERE: 16A CLAPHAM COMMON SOUTH SIDE, LONDON SW4 7AB
WEBSITE: WWW.LITTLEORANGEDOOR.CO.UK
Brother Marcus
No brunch list would be complete without a special mention to Brother Marcus, who have been doing brunch right for as long as we can remember. Their Borough site is the newest addition to the family, adding yet more choice of delicious food to the area.
Brunch dishes include sweet potato, courgette & feta fritters with avocado, crispy kale, turmeric yoghurt and a poached egg; the Marcus Breakfast (their Meditteranean twist on a full English); and smokey shakshuka. This is one to add to your brunch bucket list, pronto.
WHERE: 1 DIRTY LANE, LONDON SE1 9PA
WEBSITE: WWW.BROTHERMARCUS.CO.UK
Kudu
With Kudu pinned as one of the most exciting additions to Peckham’s buzzing restaurant scene, their brunch is unlikely to disappoint. The brunch menu is diverse, which makes it difficult to choose just one dish, but all the more reason to order a few to share (or keep coming back to Kudu for more).
Highlights include a sourdough waffle with duck eggs, home cured bacon and crème fraiche; and French toast babka with kumquats, hazelnuts and miso caramel. However the must-order dish if you’re looking for a twist on the classic Benedict, is the honey roasted ham crumpet with black pudding, eggs and hollandaise. To wash it all down, choose from cocktails like a Bucks Fizz, Kir Royale or a Jug o’ Mary to share.
WHERE: 119 QUEEN’S RD, LONDON SE15 2EZ
WEBSITE: WWW.KUDUCOLLECTIVE.COM
Megan’s
This neighbourhood institution – famous for its dog-friendly all-day dining and laid back atmosphere – has locations dotted all over South London, from Richmond to Dulwich, and the brunch (especially bottomless) doesn’t disappoint.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu features highlights of buttermilk fried chicken, harissa hummus with flatbread, ‘shakshorizo’ baked eggs, and smashed avo on sourdough. Nourish bowls are also served, taking their inspiration from the brunch bowls of Bondi Beach.
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.megans.co.uk
Peggy Jean
Head down to one of the newest Daisy Green Aussie brunch spots to experience more savoury and sweet brunch dishes than you could shake a fork at. The menu includes bold and seasonal dishes alongside classic brunch staples to bring a little Aussie sunshine to your London plate. Expect dreamy interiors and a buzzy vibe – and even some waterside views if you head to Peggy Jean, their barge eatery in Richmond.
At their epic bottomless brunch, you’ll have a choice of award-winning brunch dishes (one sweet dish and one savoury dish each) like their banana bread sandwich with honey mascarpone cream, fresh berries and flaked almonds; and their sweetcorn fritters with smashed avocado, poached eggs, red pepper, habanero and almond sauce, feta and corn rib. Add 90 minutes of free-flowing fizz and mimosas at £50pp and you’ve got yourself one brilliant brunch.
Make sure you don’t miss their legendary Watermelon Margaritas – the ideal set up for a lazy Saturday.
WHERE: RIVERSIDE RICHMOND, RICHMOND, TW9 1TH
WEBSITE: WWW.DAISYGREENFOOD.COM
The Swan Bar
Open every weekend from 10.30am, The Swan Bar serves up a seriously tasty brunch alongside a stunning view of the River Thames. With a menu including a Full English, Eggs Royale and eggs on toasted sourdough with smashed avocado, it’s the perfect pitstop for your weekend riverside walk.
There’s also a special Breakfast Martini, made with marmalade, fresh orange, lemon, Jensen dry gin, Cointreau and grapefruit.
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Website: www.swanlondon.co.uk
The Best Brunch In East London
Martello Hall
Weekend mornings see this Hackney restaurant and bar transform into a boozy bottomless affair come brunch time. And with a menu including Sicilian tagliatelle, truffle scrambled eggs, and a selection of their famed pizzas, it’s hard to resist.
For the ultimate brunchtime bash, add two hours of bottomless booze for £30pp and choose from pink fizz, Martello Hall rum punch, and a Make-Your-Own Bubbly cocktail kit, complete with everything you need to make Strawberry Royales, Bellinis, Mimosas and Kir Royales.
Where: 137 Mare St, London E8 3RH
Website: www.martellohall.com
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
Fancy brunch with a view and a retro exercise class? This January, The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch have partnered with Retroglow Studios to kickstart your 2023 the right way, bringing you a choice of two fun fitness classes followed by a delicious brunch in The Rooftop.
Forget those January blues and choose from two of their upbeat, colourful and inclusive classes – 90s LIIT & Stretch or 80s Power Ballad Pilates – before heading to The Rooftop to choose from mouth-watering dishes like smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs and harissa; potato rosti with smoked salmon, keta and chives; or French toast with roasted peaches and mascarpone.
Where: 100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ
Website: www.onehundredshoreditch.com
