Best brunches in London

Comida y bebida

The popularity of Aussie-style long, lingering brunches in London continues to grow at a furious pace. Brunch is becoming the go-to meal, the perfect start to a summer’s day in the city and the only way to escape the cold during the winter months.

The fact is that while traditional English fry-ups are still a thing, they’re become increasingly sophisticated as they make room for US, Scandi and Antipodean influences. The choice of restaurants and cafés is endless but try these for starters.

Milk Beach

One of our favourite Aussie offerings on the London restaurant scene is Milk Beach. Tucked away on Lonsdale Road, an interesting mews in north London’s Queen’s Park, this is a great option for brunch or dinner.

Everything we tried had an interesting Aussie twist, from the soft boiled egg in a jar with sourdough soldiers to the smashed avocado. There are also poke, green and vegan bowls, all bursting with flavour and served with a big smile. Wash it down with a Milk Beach Garibaldi cocktail then take a stroll through the residential streets of Edwardian and Victorian houses or head over to the park.

Brunswick East

There’s more Australian inspired brunch on offer at Brunswick East which has two branches, in Dalston and Hackney Downs, both in east London. With a seasonal focus and much prepared in-house (sourdough, condiments, charcuterie etc), the menu is limited but everything on it is delicious, from the chilli poached eggs to the baked goods and coffee. Visit the Dalston restaurant in summer and dine alfresco in the shade of trendy east London buildings.

Lantana

Situated right on Borough Market’s doorstep, the London Bridge venue is one of several Lantana Cafés. The relaxed Aussie café is open all day, from breakfast to dinner, but their Australian brunches are particularly good. Labneh, hazelnut dukkah and beetroot cured salmon adds interest value to a regular smashed avocado on sourdough. Or try a Green & Gold Vegan Super Bowl. Other locations include Fitzrovia and Shoreditch.

Lowry & Baker

Homely and welcoming, the very low key Lowry & Baker is the sort of independent local café that every London visitor is looking for. There’s a small outside seating area if the weather’s kind; inside, there aren’t that many tables, so you have to be lucky. Once you’ve bagged a spot, tuck into delicious food and great Monmouth coffee served in mis-matched vintage china. Top marks for its gorgeous granola bowls and simple but perfect poached eggs and smashed avocado.

Situated on Portobello Road, this is the ideal place to fuel up before a leisurely Saturday morning wander through Notting Hill.

Aquashard

Start your trip to London with a breakfast with a view. Nothing quite prepares you for the view from the 31st floor of the Shard so be prepared to be distracted from your plate. Breakfast is available from 7am-10.30am (Monday-Friday) and includes everything from bacon baps to a traditional English breakfast, or healthier homemade toasted granola to quinoa salads. At the weekend, brunch is a more elaborate 3-course affair. Reservations are open up to 3 months in advance.

The Breakfast Club

Fun and friendly, The Breakfast Club has been feeding Londoners since 2005 with its Breakfast Sandwiches and Club Classics.  Colourful, lively and packed with 80’s memorabilia, decor is fun and low-key. Arrive hungry to do justice to the generous portions of classic British fry-ups – Cabbies Breakfast – and US-inspired pancake stacks with maple syrup. Choose from multiple locations, including London Bridge, Soho, Spitalfields and Hoxton.

And finally, to help you on your English language learning, a breakfast-related idiom!

‘To have/eat someone for breakfast‘ means to defeat them easily, for example with more power or skill eg he thinks he’s strong but Mark could eat him for breakfast!

Please note that all information in this blog was correct at the time of publication but some restaurants may have closed/changed hands since then. Please check directly before visiting.