Did Someone say BRUNCH? London’s best brunch restaurants for your eggs every way
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Jul 26, 2020
- 6 min read
Brunch is one of my personal favorite meals at the weekend – particularly where celebrations are concerned. Although who are we kidding – if you, like myself have slogged through your Monday – Friday 9-5 and have made it to Friday triumphantly this in itself calls for a celebration! Roll on Saturday Brunch. Slightly later than breakfast so we still get that lie in or the weekend gym sesh before the indulging commences at around 12 noon. It is also socially acceptable to be popping open the bubbly from midday, so whether you are after a celebratory (bottomless) brunch party, or simply want to catch up with friends over coffee and have your eggs every which way, London has you covered. I know it is tempting to stay in your own neighborhood at the weekend, because let’s face it – the London underground is not a fun place to be, but when it comes to brunch, especially the type served with a side of Bloody Mary I am happy to schlep across the city to get my fix. And I have done and for many years in the capital, so I am bringing you my all time favourite brunch spots in London (in no particular order). Making this shortlist has not been easy! Diaries at the ready to pencil in your next celebratory feast….
Disclaimer: Due to Covid Times most of the Restaurants listed are running restricted menus and opening times so check in with the restaurants directly ahead of making and reservations.
1. Aqua Shard – For Brunch with a View
Not your average weekend brunch – this one calls for a celebration – with Birdseye views of the city, request a window table in advance if you can. The large booths in the middle of the room are great for groups. Surprisingly affordably priced at £44 pp for the set three course menu or £59 pp with wine pairing. Less eggs on this menu – more Tuna Tartare and Lobster thermidor – but it works! I had the fluffy buttermilk pancakes just to remind myself I was at brunch. Worth the jaunt across to London Bridge for this little feast and a great way to mark a special occasion.
Location: Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London, UK SE1 9RY.
2. Bunga Bunga – For a different kinda brunch (Loud, Lairy and Interactive)
If you like your eggs served with a side of Karaoke and bottomless belinis – you will love this Saturday session at Bunga Bunga. A South West London fave, and not for the faint hearted, this is a great way to get your weekend party started. The menu is limited with the brunch pizza featuring so probably stay clear if you are after your eggs Florentine with a macchiato. It gets rowdy and very quickly so make sure you have your deep and meaningful(s) before you arrive. I always have a ball at Bunga Bunga Brunchins (from what I can remember).
Location: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3BA (There is also a branch in Covent Garden but I can’t vouch for that!)
3. Flotsam and Jetsam – Chilled, relax vibes with everything you could hope for on a Brunch menu. (Vegan Friendly)
Flotsam and Jetsam is a local favourite of mine, an independent standalone cute little café with outdoor seating. Minimal aesthetics but maximum brunch offering. I am always spoiled for choice and I always have food envy when I see my friend’s plates. They offer eggs every way (quite literally) and have many sweet and savory and healthy options to choose from. My personal favourites are the Scott’s Chorizo scramble or the mushroom gatherer. Also big on coffee so a great little barista for your weekend caffeine fix. Situated across from Wandsworth Common this is a great little spot for alfresco dining - all seasons.
Location: 4 Bellevue parade, Wandsworth common, SW17 7EQ
4. Farm Girl Café (Chelsea) – Cool, Quirky, Healthy
Note – if you are in search of eggs, the breakfast menu stops at 12 noon (when most of us are just about coming to life at the weekend) but if you do manage to make it in time, the breakfast menu is extensive and delicious. The variety of liquids on offer also bagged Farm Girl a spot in my top ten – whether your feeling you need a detox smoothie, a caffeine fix of a glass of bubbly – Farm Girl has you covered.
Location: 9 Park Walk, SW10 0AJ (Also Branches in Notting Hill, Knightsbridge and Soho)
5. The Bike Shed – For something a little quirky
This East London venue is great for a change of scenery. Swapping the typically instagramable flowers for motor bikes and bike parts hanging off the walls was great fun. The venue is spacious, with a lounge and restaurant area and an extensive food and drinks menu. Whatever you fancy. Worth the journey East - I opted for the Roast dinner and a bloody Mary as was feeling a bit ropey. I will return.
Location: 384 Old Street, Shoreditch, London EC1V 9LT
6. Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings – Where the cool kids go (I just follow the Prosecco)
Hidden away in Clerkenwell, with classic interiors (and a lot of plants) this is the perfect spot for a weekend brunch with friends. Its bright, fun, chic and sophisticated with a great big bar in the middle when the bottomless bubbles run dry.
Location: 42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HU
7. BnT at the Meridian Hotel, Piccadilly – This is a Game-Changer!
I celebrated my 30th Birthday here with 14 of my closest girlfriends and what a treat this was! BnT is revolutionary – serving up a combination of Brunch and Afternoon tea treats – getting the best of both worlds! What a twist. Coupled with the free flowing champagne this was a brunch to remember.
8. Aster Victoria – Chic Vibes Only
Aster is a real treat, fab for a girly celebration. Their Saturday brunch boasts and extensive menu -with eggs every which way, also offering a healthier or Vegan options. If you are big on Breakfast Cocktails this is your spot! Side note – they have a very instagramable flower wall for those of you who are that way inclined!
Location: 150 Victoria Street London, SW1E 5LB
9. Ben’s Canteen – Best for Bottomless
Good Ole Ben’s. Manys a birthday I have celebrated here. I think I keep coming back because their bottomless bubbles offer is too good to miss. A slight twist on the bottomless offering at Ben’s – mainly because it kickes of at 4pm on weekends and served with burgers rather than eggs, but a great start to any Saturday afternoon.
I have been to both the Earlsfield and Clapham branches – I don’t have a favorite – they are both easy going and unpretentious, a good place to hang with friends. What’s not to love.
Location: 140 St John's Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1SL (Plus a Branch in Earlsfield)
10. The Bad Egg – If you want to start your brunching on a Friday – Introducing FRUNCH
The Bad Egg do brunch so well they have extended their bottomless offering to start on Friday afternoon from 2.30pm – 10.00pm. Sure why not. This is a no frill diner style establishment specialising in weekend brunches featuring a lost of ‘hash’ on the menu. Great fun and a great start to the weekend or for the morning after the night before!
Location: City Point,1 Ropemaker Street,London, EC2Y 9AW
11. Darwin Brasserie @ The Sky Garden - Best for 360 degree panoramic views of the city
Located on level 36 of London's Iconic 'Walkie Talkie' building, Darwin Brasserie Weekend Brunch is perfect for that special occasion brunch if celebrating a birthday or you just want a girls day out! You can have pre-brunch drinks at the stunning terrace bar on lever 35 with views overlooking the city and then stroll on up to the Brasserie for wining and dining. Booking in advance is essential and you only have your booking slot for a maximum of two hours so get there ehad of time and soak up the views on the terrace.
Location: Level 36 Sky Garden, 20 Philpot Ln, London EC3M 8AF
12. German Gymnasium Grand Café - For something a little different
This might actually be one of my all time favourite restaurants in London or brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks, the lot! Located in London's trendy and recently renovated Kings Cross area, GG serves German inspired traditional dishes in a wonderful, grand setting with a menu that doesn't cost the earth. There is a little outside terrace circling the building if you want to dine al fresco or I really like sitting in the Grand Cafe with the huge ceilings or you can fine dine at the restaurant. The wine list is extensive. All makes for a great day out.
Location: King's Blvd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BU
13. Brickwood Cafe(s) - For laid back relaxed vibes for the caffeine hit
Brickwood Cafe's are dotted around South West London and are perfect for meeting a friend for a chilled lazy weekend Brunch. No Frills just great coffee and great breakie!
Location: Numerous - South West London, Balham, Tooting, Streatham, Clapham
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