Once upon a time us Londoners were satisfied with three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then we discovered brunch. This magical melange of two of the best mealtimes of the day produces a heady blend of sweet and savoury dishes that we seem to have an insatiable appetite for.
The best brunch in London is one of those ‘how long is a piece of string’ type statements; how will we ever know what the best brunch London has to offer is without trying the thousands upon thousands of them? In a bid to pay due care and diligence to our role as London’s best restaurant reviewers we’ve given it a pretty good try. We can’t claim to have tried every offering in the capital, but we have eaten eggs on avocado toast more times than you could shake a stick at, and have indulged in quite the quantity of pancakes, waffles and pasties in support of our mission to bring you the best of the best brunch in London.
From Internationally-led places like Nobu and Brigadiers to traditional brunch menus at Institutions like The Delaunay, who are famous for plates of eggs and kippers as well as other traditional fare, we’ve eaten hundreds of London’s brunches.
There is a recent trend to make your brunch bottomless, and while there’s a time and a place for that, we (occasionally) want our eggs served sans Champagne. All of the places below offer a decent drinks list without the booze becoming the main focus of the event. Rather civilised, we’re sure you can agree?
We’ve categorised our favourite London brunches into areas and types so that next time you find yourself wondering ‘where’s a good brunch near me’ or ‘I fancy an Indian brunch’, we’ve got you covered with our brunch ideas below. You're most welcome.
Sunday brunch London
Sunday is the day of rest so who are we to challenge that? Take your resting seriously by plumping for one of the Sunday brunches London offers up, and enjoy a relaxing morning where someone else will be faced with the washing up when you’re done. Sunday brunch in London can get booked up quite quickly, with it being the most popular day for this late morning ritual, so we’d recommend booking ahead if you fancy any of the places below.
The Modern Pantry
![]()
Why: The Modern Pantry must be one of the original providers of brunch in this city, introducing smart, small plates to London’s weekend crowd when it first opened years ago. If you’re feeling virtuous, the fruits, grains and seeds section might be just what you’re after, while the restaurant’s signature sugar cured prawn omelette provides something a little bit different to your usual brunch fodder if you’re keen to broaden your horizons.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 47-48 St John's Square, EC1V 4JJ
Find out more: The Modern Pantry
Raw Great Portland Street
![]()
Why: If avo on toast just doesn’t cut it for you then swap your traditional Sunday brunch for seafood and cocktails. RAW Great Portland Street’s brunch takes place every Sunday and is packed with sparkling treasures from the sea. Grilled octopus, seared yellowfin tuna and the red prawn carpaccio are all enticing choices. Team with RAW’s take on a bloody Mary, the squid ink Mary for an authentic experience, or if it's bubbles you prefer then throw in a bottle of prosecco - it is Sunday after all.
When: Sundays 11am-5pm
Where: 110 Great Portland Street, W1W 6PQ
Find out more: RAW Great Portland Street
Bombay Bustle
![]()
Why: Taking place every Sunday, Bombay Bustle’s ‘samosas, dosas and mimosas’ brunch is a riot of colour and flavour. The restaurant was packed on our visit, where we tucked into a veritable feast of Indian-style brunch dishes – think a doughy naan topped with black truffle shavings and scrambled eggs, or tender, spice-laden lamb keema served on toasted sourdough bread. There are plenty of vegetarian options too, while decadent desserts include a rich, indulgent chocolate fudge sundae. But what about the mimosas, we hear you ask? They are equally impressive – from 11am, you can decide on your mimosa of choice, having the option of choosing between royal cardamom-infused peach, blue butterfly pea flower and lemongrass or Andhra chilli-spiced mango.
When: Sundays, 11am-3pm
Where: 29 Maddox Street, W1S 2PA
Find out more: Bombay Bustle
Roka Canary Wharf
![]()
Why: Served on Saturdays from 11.30am to 3.30pm and on Sundays between 11.30 and 9pm, the weekend brunch at Roka’s Canary Wharf outpost offers an Asian feast of delights. Kick off the experience with either a Bellini, Bloody Mary or green tea and passion fruit iced tea on arrive, before tucking into the likes of sake teriyaki (salmon fillet terityaki); hinadori no lemon miso yaki (cedar-roast baby chicken with chili, lemon and garlic soy); or kobuta no ribs yawarake nikomi (baby back ribs glazed with spiced master stock and cashew nuts). Finish it all with Roka’s dessert platter to share for the table. All bamboo and polished wood, the restaurant serves up high glamour and is the antithesis to a modest Japanese restaurant, and we love it.
When: Saturdays, 11am-4pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays, 11am-8pm
Where: Park Pavillion, 4, 40 Canada Square, E14 5FW
Find out more: Roka Canary Wharf
Smith & Wollensky
![]()
Why: If a good brunch to you means less avocado on toast and more steak and chips then Smith & Wollensky is the place to book yourself into. Despite the requisite avo on toast making an appearance, here you’ll find all sorts of substantial grub - from burgers and steaks to roast chicken and a veggie beetroot Wellington.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, WC2N 6HT
Find out more: Smith & Wollensky
Bistrotheque
![]()
Why: For a cool start to the day you can’t beat eating your eggs on toast in East London now, can you? The pared back industrial interiors at Bistrotheque make for a calming space, and if you happen in at the right time your brunch will be accompanied by the sound of music from a live pianist. Plates include classic brunch dishes given a modern twist, like a soft shell crab eggs Benedict with spicy mayo, as well as hearty mains such as fish and chips. There’s a good selection of cocktails too, should you need a post-party pick-me-up.
When: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
Where: 23-27 Wadeson Street, E2 9DR
Find out more: Bistrotheque
Granger & Co.
![]()
Why: The kitchen here is headed up by Australian chef Bill Granger who has brought his colourful, ingredient-led menus to all the corners of London (he has restaurants in Chelsea, Clerkenwell, King’s Cross and Notting Hill). Bill Granger's King’s Cross branch is our favourite, with plenty of space for widely-separated tables and lots of natural light to help you feel perky before you’ve even got your plate in front of you. There’s a walk-ins only policy so be prepared to get in early or queue, but any time spent waiting will be well rewarded with plates of sunny sweetcorn fritters or ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter. While the brunch offering here is strictly a breakfast menu, it's served until 12pm, so we think it still qualifies (and the cooking definitely makes the early finish time worthwhile).
When: Everyday, until 12pm
Where: 1 Stanley Building, 7 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Find out more: Granger & Co Kings Cross
Cheap brunch London
Sometimes you just want a speedy brunch and a quick bite to eat shouldn’t cost the earth. We’ve gathered together some cheap brunch options in London below to help you pick an affordable but delicious venue for your next brunch date.
Riding House Cafe
![]()
Why: Good quality, affordable venues can be hard to find in central London, which is where the Riding House Cafe comes into its own. With smart decor and a buzzy atmosphere plus a reasonably-priced menu, it’s sure to help you kick start your day in just the right way. You’ll get change from a tenner for scrambled eggs and roasted tomatoes on sourdough or smashed avocado on toast with salsa and a toasted, spiced dukkah mix.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ
Find out more: Riding House Cafe
Joe Allen
![]()
Why: Slap bang in the middle of Theatreland, New York style brasserie Joe Allen is famed for being a favourite late-night pitstop for cast and crew working on nearby shows. On the other end of the timescale, if you happen by on a weekend morning, you can expect a short but sweet all-American lineup of classics. From a huge stack of blueberry pancakes to waffles topped with cream and maple syrup, this isn’t one for anyone counting calories. A plate of eggs here is a pinch at £6, perfect for a quick, cheap bite before you hit the shops.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am
Where: 2 Burleigh Street, WC2E 7PX
Find out more: Joe Allen
Megan’s
![]()
Why: We’re not sure what people head to Megan’s more for; the Instagrammable restaurant interiors or the Australian-led menu. Whichever it is you’re after, you won’t be disappointed, as all branches of Megan’s are decked out with floral accents, welcome pooch pals, and provide colourful, quirky plates of food: think half-baked cookie dough with Nutella and ice cream or a baked courgette and feta roost with pomegranate molasses. If you’re on a budget you’ll find porridge for a fiver and pastries from £2 a pop.
When: All day, every day
Where: Various locations across London
Find out more: Megan's
Brother Marcus
![]()
Why: Placing providence in prime position on its menus, Brother Marcus offer an affordable everyday brunch without sacrificing quality. Small plates like feta, pistachio and wild garlic dip or grilled aubergine with chilli, beetroot hummus and sesame seeds cost £4.50, while larger plates of hefty serves that include things like pork belly with fried eggs, cucumber, spring onion and sriracha will leave you with change from a tenner.
When: All day, every day
Where: 9 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JA
Find out more: Brother Marcus
Bad Egg
![]()
Why: Bad Egg claim to be one of the first venues to bring a true bottomless brunch to the capital, but outside of these prime weekend slots it offers up a slightly more refined affair. Classics are all present and correct (think eggs Benedict and shakshuka), while there are some nice surprises, like the brunch guac and black bean tacos. These tasty bites will set you back £7, while if you’re eating before 11am on a weekday you can treat yourself to a pair of eggs cooked anyway you like for just £2.50.
When: All day, every day
Where: CityPoint, 1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9AW
Find out more: Bad Egg
Dishoom
![]()
Why: Okay, Dishoom doesn’t strictly serve a brunch menu, but what it does do is provide a range of cult-like Indian-inspired breakfast dishes to hungry Londoners until 11.45am each day. If you haven’t had a bacon naan before, it’s time to treat yourself. The rich, sweet chilli jam cuts through the bacon for a moreish meal you won’t forget in a hurry. Those looking for something a little more authentic shouldn’t miss the keema per eedu which is a powerful mix of spicy chicken keema and chunks of chicken liver, served with fried eggs and buttered bread buns - delicious.
When: 8-11.45am Monday-Friday, 8-11.45am Saturday and Sunday
Where: Various locations across London, Manchester and Edinburgh
Find out more: Dishoom
The coolest brunches in London
It’s probably not cool to Google cool brunches, but we get it, sometimes you just want to impress with your knowledge of what’s hot right now in the capital. These trendy brunches offer up Instagrammable interiors accompanied by first-class cookery so that you know you’re not sacrificing substance for style, but rather getting 241.
Malibu Kitchen
![]()
Why: Proving that weekend brunch doesn’t have to be all sin and stodge, Malibu Kitchen’s all-you-can-eat vegetarian brunch features an array of meat-free dishes. On our visit, we devoured the likes of thick courgette ‘spaghetti’ and fried halloumi sticks, while sweet treats such as sticky coconut and mango oat squares were also delicious. The best part? The lack of meat and carbs means you don’t leave feeling bloated, even when you’re onto your third plate.
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Where: The Ned, 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
Find out more: Malibu Kitchen
Folie
![]()
Why: Folie’s brunch menu is short and sweet, offering a few classic options for those who want to do away with all the usual trappings of a long brunch and cut to the good stuff. Here you’ll find a solid start to the day with the likes of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or avocado on toast. Fresh juices and well-made coffees help things along, while those who prefer a pud will love the French toast and salted caramel. Interiors are part of the allure here too, so expect a trendy fitout and a smart central London crowd.
When: 11:30am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Where: 37 Golden Square, W1F 9LB
Find out more: Folie
Mac & Wild
![]()
Why: As one of the only Scottish restaurants in the capital, Mac & Wild found their USP early on and have stuck to it with a Celtic tenacity. Crushed avocado on toast comes with the possibility of adding haggis, while venison scotch eggs feature on the small-plates line up. For those who don’t mind something a little stronger than tea, there is a good cocktail list which features the Forth Bridge: A punchy mix of vodka, Irn Bru, bitters and lemon.
When: Saturdays, 11am-6pm and Sundays, 11am-5pm
Where: 65 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PS
Find out more: Mac & Wild
Brigadiers
![]()
Why: For those nursing a sensitive head from the night before, you can’t get much better than the all-curing brunch menu from Brigadiers. Go all in with the full Indian: a tempting line up of eggs, sausage, a curry leaf bacon chop, tandoori tomatoes, spicy mushrooms, chilli cheese naan, fragrant black pudding and chutneys tempered with rich bone marrow; if that doesn’t sort you out, there’s no hope. For more restrained diners there are also smaller plates - a masala omelette or a dosa with scrabbled eggs and coconut chutney, say.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 12-2pm
Where: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR
Find out more: Brigadiers
Aqua Kyoto
![]()
Why: If you’ve ticked off all the usual suspects (looking at you eggs on toast) then it might be time to expand your brunch boundaries. Aqua Kyoto serves up a carefully crafted Japanese menu and the brunch offering allows a more affordable way in when compared to the standard dinner menu. Tempura, miso soup and soba noodles all feature, as well as a sushi platter that is perfect for purists.
When: Saturday 12-3.30pm, Sunday 12-6.15pm
Where: 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street, Entrance 30 Argyll Street, W1F 7EB
Find out more: Aqua Kyoto
Gloria
![]()
Why: If you haven’t seen Gloria on your social media feed already you’re doing better than most. Inspired by the look and feel of Capri, this relatively new restaurant on London’s dining scene quickly became one of its biggest players, prompting thousands of Instagram images. Gloria famously doesn’t take bookings, so brunch might be your quickest way in to enjoy the riotous interiors and solid Italian cooking. Plates include truffled scrambled eggs and eggs Florentina.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11.45am-3.45pm
Where: 54-56 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3QR
Find out more: Gloria
Darby’s, Vauxhall
![]()
Why: Much-loved Clapham restaurateur Robin Gill has moved across to Vauxhall to open this oyster bar, grill and bakery right behind the glossy new American Embassy. Weekend brunch at Darby's comes with a side of smooth swing jazz which is a nice touch, while the food menu is full of well-executed, indulgent brunch classics. Our favourite was the lobster roll, packed with fresh chunks of lobster and sandwiched between a buttery brioche roll. However, the beef fat potatoes (crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside) and earthy truffle arancini also deserve a special mention, while very good pints of Guinness hint at Gill’s Irish roots.
When: Saturdays, 9am-12.45pm
Where: 3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY
Find out more: Darby's
Luxury brunch London
Looking to celebrate a special occasion or spoil someone? Our pick of London’s most luxurious brunches are sure to impress with their silver service and beautiful menus that showcase incredible produce. Beyond all, all of the places below serve up delicious food, but with all the bells and whistles you want for an extra treat.
Allegra, Stratford
![]()
Why: Found on the seventh floor of The Stratford hotel, stylishly appointed Allegra offers an enchanting menu alongside ample outdoor space for warmer days. Boasting a muted grey colour palette, the weekend brunch here is smarter than at most London haunts. Forget about avocado on toast and instead tuck into the likes of Cornish crab baked into potato latke, a harmony of sweetness and crunch that truly sings. Elsewhere, there is a decadent truffled croque madame, filled with baked ham and topped with a fried egg, while a plate of four mini doughnuts (bellies full of jam, chocolate and other spreads) was our top order come dessert. Allegra is also handily just a short stroll from Westfield, should you be in need of some post-prandial retail therapy.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, E20 1FD
Find out more: Allegra
34 Mayfair
![]()
Why: For a restaurant that feels quintessentially British (despite an international menu), with charming service and polished surrounds, you can’t beat 34 Mayfair. The address alone might be enough to attract diners, but the food doesn’t let the location down. Brunch sees punters given the choice between classic dishes like pancakes or smoked salmon and eggs, as well as more exotic iterations like a rich lobster nasi goreng. For those with a sweet tooth there’s also a chocolate cherry coco-cola float, sure to delight little guests if you happen to have kids in tow.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley Street, W1K 2HD
Find out more: 34 Mayfair
Dean St Townhouse
![]()
Why: The weekend brunch at Dean Street Townhouse features an all-day breakfast and a Sunday roast alongside a selection of starters, salads, and meat and fish dishes. Devour it all surrounded by enticingly soft armchairs, heavy fabrics and low ceilings. The menu is hugely popular and features all the brunch staples you’d expect, such as a full English and eggs Florentine, Benedict and Royal, but we dare you to be a little more adventurous. How about a twice-baked smoked haddock soufflé with butter sauce or a crab tart with chili to start? And why not celebrate the weekend with the Townhouse cheeseburger with tomatoes, gherkins and chips?
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 69-71 Dean Street, W1D 3SE
Nobu
![]()
Why: The ultimate celeb-magnet, Nobu has made a global name for itself with its iconic Japanese cookery that includes the infamous miso black cod. While the set brunch menu might not include afore mentioned cod, it does feature a line up of star-spangled dishes like rock shrimp tempura and a rich truffle risotto. Diners treating themselves to a Nobu brunch will also get unlimited access to the brunch and dessert bar which host a series of starter and sweet items to bookend your main with. Outside of the set deal you will find some of Nobu’s classics - from the black cod to salmon sashimi.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4pm
Where: 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Find out more: Nobu
HIDE Ground
![]()
Why: Today, many brunches in the capital lean towards heavy boozing and Instagrammable gimmicks. Weekend brunch at HIDE Ground however is a far more sophisticated affair; guests begin their three-course feast with snacks to share, such as a pair of Porthilly oysters that taste purely of the sea, and bulbous radishes paired with a rich and salty tarama. Following the snacks, you can enjoy a decadent croque monsieur for your starter proper (black truffle shavings optional), while mains include meltingly tender 50-day aged barbecued short rib. Finish up with kougelhopf for pudding – a yeast-based cake similar in look to a bundt cake, which on this occasion was filled with sour cherry and topped with thick whipped cream. A welcome Bellini is included in the price of brunch, but visiting HIDE without exploring its phenomenal wine list would be a missed opportunity.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 12-3pm
Where: 85 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB
Find out more: HIDE Ground
The Botanist Sloane Square
![]()
Why: Available between 9am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, the weekend brunch at The Botanist stays true to its versatile cuisine. Opt for classic breakfast dishes such as coconut and chia seed pot with mango, passion fruit and quinoa; or perhaps the indulgent ricotta pancakes with bacon, berries and maple syrup? Elsewhere, more standard lunch dishes such as salt-baked heritage beetroots, hazelnuts, pink grapefruit and crispy quinoa or mussels with shallots, garlic, white wine and French fries are on offer, too. The art deco touches create an instant luxurious atmosphere, so if you’re feeling fancy, you know where to go.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-4pm
Where: 7 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EE
Find out more: The Botanist
Park Chinois
![]()
Why: Subtlety isn’t exactly Park Chinois’s strong point, but that unapologetic love for high-end ingredients and opulent interiors (note the gold-plated swan taps in the loos) are part of its charm. Brunch Chinois, part of the restaurant’s weekend offering, is no different, offering diners a three-course brunch and half a bottle of Charles Heidsieck’s Brut Réserve each for £58 per person. We kicked off with a basket of masterful dim sum featuring XO Hokkaido scallop and Japanese squash and pine nut dumplings – each delicately assembled and bursting with flavour. For mains, try Park signatures such as its pleasingly fatty roasted Cantonese duck drizzled with a punchy orange sauce, before finishing up with a decadent 85% chocolate fondant that collapses under the weight of your spoon. Looking for a glamorous Mayfair brunch that won’t bankrupt you? Look no further.
When: Saturdays, from 12pm
Where: 17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Find out more: Park Chinois
The Delaunay
![]()
Why: Modelled on the grand cafes of Mittel-Europe, The Delaunay offers a luxurious space to enjoy a London brunch in. The menu has a whole section dedicated to the ultimate breakfast food: Eggs. This handy lineup means that whatever way you like your eggs in the morning, there’s something to suit. Elsewhere there’s a European-style platter of cold meats, cheeses, boiled eggs and rye bread, and of course the brunch menu also features crowd-pleasers like piles of pancakes. If it’s more of a quick bite you’re after then you’ll find the bakery and fruit section the perfect place to pluck a couple of things from.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
Find out more: The Delaunay
Chiltern Firehouse
![]()
Why: Back when it opened you could hardly get into the Chiltern Firehouse thanks to a long list of celebrities who had already managed to wangle a table before you arrived. Now, thankfully, things have calmed down and there are tables available for the common folk like ourselves. The beautiful surrounds of this central London hotel create a relaxed, warm atmosphere and the Internationally-led menu features all kinds of delights. Begin with the signature crab doughnuts - a lightly curried, sweet and savoury combination that will leave you wishing you’d ordered four more - and try the fried rice for a savoury, filling main.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm
Where: 1 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PA
Find out more: Chiltern Firehouse
Brunch with a view London
If you’re visiting London for just a few days and want to soak up the sights while you enjoy your first (or second, no judgement here) meal of the day, a brunch with a view is perfect. From the tip top of some of London’s most famous landmarks to roof terraces where you can enjoy al fresco eating, these are our favourite brunches with a view in London.
14 Hills, City
![]()
Why: There’s no denying that 14 Hills, an Instagrammer’s dream of plant festooned interiors and City views, is pretty unique. Brunch here is no ordinary affair either – sure, there’s eggs benedict and avocado on toast for purists, but there are also other dishes aimed slighter higher than your usual brunch fare. Take the rich confit duck leg hidden under a fried egg and a mound of crispy hash potatoes, or a wedge of cinnamon French toast paired with a scoop of smooth passionfruit ice cream. A live saxophonist and DJ help to keep the atmosphere bouncing, while fair pricing (three courses for £35) will ensure you leave smiling.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 12-4pm
Where: 120 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 5BA
Find out more: 14 Hills
Duck & Waffle
![]()
Why: From the minute you’re whisked up to the 40th floor of Heron Tower in its glass lift, you know you’re going to experience something pretty special. The bright, light space of Duck & Waffle seems like it was made for mornings, with all-round views of the city from floor-to-ceiling windows offering up stunning sunrise scenes. Favourites from the brunch menu include a full English, with a cheddar and buttermilk scone featuring instead of the usual toast, and a rich rice congee topped with crispy duck, hazelnuts and hot sauce.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11.30am-5pm
Where: 10 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Find out more: Duck & Waffle
Aqua Shard
![]()
Why: Views of London don’t come much better than the scenes spread out below you from the 31st floor of The Shard, where Aqua Shard finds its home. With a selection of starters and a robust list of mains, brunch here is filling enough to be your main meal of the day. Start with a lobster Benedict for a real weekend treat before trying a beef sirloin with roast dinner trimmings or a chicken breast served with a rich jus, spuds and chanterelles. Not forgetting pudding there is also always a choice of three sweets to complete the menu, which is priced at £48 per person.
When: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30am-3.30pm
Where: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Find out more: Aqua Shard
B&H Garden Rooms
![]()
Why: Everyone knows that a good brunch with a view in London can be found at The Shard or at Duck and Waffle, but the lesser known B&H Garden Rooms by Bourne and Hollingsworth provide a picture-perfect setting with city skyline vistas, and getting a table is far, far easier than some of the bigger hot spots. The menu is a delightful mix of crowd-pleasers and modern twists on classic breakfast foods. Try the baked green eggs for a healthy start to the day or go for a steak and egg breakfast salad for a big protein hitter. Sweet treats, plenty of sides and seasonal smoothie bowls all add further pulling power.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 10th floor, above Assembly Hotel, 31 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0LS
Find out more: B&H Garden Rooms
Darwin Brasserie
![]()
Why: If you appreciate a good garden when you see one, Darwin Brasserie is the brunch spot for you. Set high up in the Sky Garden it offers spectacular views of the lush plants below as well as the cityscape beyond. The brunch menu reads more like a dinner menu than a breakfast offering, but there are no complaints here in regards to that. Starters feature seafood like Scottish smoked salmon and a herby crab dish, while mains offer everything from eggs Florentine and veggie burgers to steak and chips and full roast dinners.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11.30am-4.30pm
Where: Level 36 Sky Garden, 20 Philpot Lane, EC3M 8AF
Find out more: Darwin Brasserie
Brunch London Bridge
We often get asked about the best brunch in London Bridge, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider everything else going on in the area. It’s the perfect spot to explore pre- or post-brunch if you’re a foodie and want to discover the joys of Borough Market and its newly opened Borough Market Kitchen food hall, or the views from The Shard, for instance. The below are our favourite spots to catch a bite to eat late morning in London Bridge.
Shaman
![]()
Why: After the success of its first branch in Aldgate, Shaman has opened a second café in Bermondsey, which also functions as a co-working facility, meaning that if you fancy a break from working from home it's just the place to go. The brunch offering here is comprised of a variety of freshly-baked goods including gorgeous croissants, as well as a selection of simple but delicious pots of yoghurt and overnight oats, put together on site. More substantial dishes include shakshuka, while if you're wanting a more lunch-y brunch, the sandwiches are particularly tasty and reasonably priced too. Options include chicken with caesar dressing, parmesan and lettuce, and smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber.
When: Wednesday to Friday, 7am onwards; Saturday and Sunday, 8am onwards
Where: 157 Tower Bridge Road, SE1 3LW
Oblix at The Shard
![]()
Why: This gold-rated restaurant can cost a pretty penny come the evening, but the brunch offers a more affordable way in (although it still has a substantial price tag). For £55 per person you can dine on three courses of brunch dishes. Starters and desserts are served on an unlimited basis, from a long buffet-style spread, while mains are ordered a la carte and include things like omelettes and burgers.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30am-3.30pm
Where: The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Find out more: Oblix at the Shard
The Garrison
![]()
Why: The bottomless brunch at The Garrison is served between 12.30pm and 4pm every Saturday and showcases refined pub grub in the form of three courses. A reasonable £38 per person will give you three courses and bottomless Prosecco, Bellinis or Mimosas, or you can opt for the two-courser for £33 per person. The Bermondsey favourite serves up the likes of celeriac and pear soup for starters as well as truffle macaroni and cheese for mains – cue drool. We love the casual feel of this boozer, with its mismatching furniture, charmingly wobbly tables and funky lampshades.
When: Saturdays, 12.30am-4pm
Where: 99 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XB
Find out more: The Garrison
The Coal Shed
![]()
Why: The Coal Shed now does a Surf 'n’ Turf brunch on the weekends, where the restaurant will try to revive the 1960’s retro classic via its seaside Brighton roots. A bountiful spread of seafood and meat will tempt guests, who can expect the likes of Himalayan salt-aged in-bone sirloin, bacon chops and black pudding alongside scallop and pork skewers and tiger prawns. It doesn’t stop there, with beef-dripping chips, mac ‘n’ cheese and onion rings featuring as sides.
When: Saturdays, 11am-4pm
Where: One Tower Bridge, SE1 2SE
Find out more: The Coal Shed
Caravan
![]()
Why: This Kiwi all-day diner was always going to do a good brunch, and the London Bridge branch is no exception. Choose from a selection of small plates to get a taste of everything, or go all in with your very own pizza (available from 12pm). A series of sides, from sausages and chorizo to avocado and mushrooms, means you can DIY any of the dishes to make your perfect brunch plate. Having their own roasters means that Caravan do a mean coffee too, so make sure to include a cuppa while you’re enjoying brunch.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-4pm
Where: 30 Great Guildford Street, SE1 0HS
Find out more: Caravan
Brunch Covent Garden
Covent Garden has a bit of a bad rep, but we’re here to say that we love it. The piazza is home to some of the city’s most beautiful architecture while the buzz of Thetreland seeps into the atmosphere for a carnival-like joviality any night of the week. The only (slight) grievance we can find with this spot is that it can be hard to decide where to eat thanks to a whole host of options. We’ve got a complete round up of the best brunch in Covent Garden for further reading, but below we’ve narrowed things down to our favourite couple of brunch places to help kick start your search.
Christopher’s
![]()
Why: As adults we don’t get to play with our food nearly enough, which is a gap in the market Christopher’s seem to have taken very seriously. Its answer? A ‘build your own pancakes’ section on its brunch menu. Pick between the type of batter you’d like your pancakes made from before adding items from a selection of toppings, ice cream and sauces. If you’re looking for more of a saintly start to your day, then the superfood section might tempt you with its selection of salads, egg white omelettes and avocado on toast.
When: Saturdays, 11am-3pm and Sundays, 11.30am-3.30pm
Where: 18 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DD
Find out more: Caravan
Floral by Lima
![]()
Why: The Peruvian brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays at Floral by Lima is a set selection of six dishes to share for an attractive £29 per person. Marrying the classic UK brunch staples with Latin American influences, you can expect corn toast with avocado, cheese and banana; sea bream ceviche with ginger tiger’s milk and cassava; yellow chili quinoto with poached eggs and crispy roots; and beautiful churros with dulce de leche for dessert. Complete the experience with bottomless Prosecco, beer or Pisco Marys for £44pp.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 14 Garrick Street, WC2E 9BJ
Find out more: Floral by Lima
Shakfuyu
![]()
Why: If you’re tired of samey brunch dishes Shakfuyu is here to help you rediscover your love of eating out. Modern Japanese plates of edamame and okonomiyaki prawn toast kick things off, with a choice of things like grilled salmon, beef bavette and a veggie katsu curry on offer for mains. A sweet and dreamy French toast with soft serve ice cream is served for pud to seal the deal.
When: Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12-9pm
Where: 14A Old Compton Street, W1D 4TJ
Find out more: Shakfuyu
Looking for something to eat a little later in the day? You might like our round up of the best roast dinners in London