Brixton – the Caribbean capital of South London and the birthplace of David Bowie – has always been celebrated for its multiculturalism, diversity and charming independent institutions. This is also reflected in the wide variety of brunch options, which range from Spanish, Jamaican and Vietnamese, to British, Italian and Japanese. Oh, and the universal cuisine of Bottomless...
Why: From the brains behind smash hits Canova Hall (also in Brixton) and Martello Hall in Hackney comes the group's second Brixton opening. Like its siblings, it's a casual Italian caff by day and a cool-cat bar by day. It’s also a massive crowd-pleaser, with it serving up bottomless brunch at weekends for £25pp – that's two hours of unlimited prosecco cocktails, signature rum punch and Bloody Mary’s. The brunch items are given an Italian twist, so expect truffle scrambled eggs, ndjua and taleggio arancini, and squash and sage frittata.
Where: 207 Ferndale Road, SW9 8BE
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Why: London's lidos have had a bit of a rejuvination in recent years, and Brixton's beautifully restored art-deco one (right on the edge of Brockwell Park) is now very popular with swimmers all year round. Enjoy its adjoining café's cosy fairy lights twinkling in the reflection of the pool at winter, while in the summer (when the area is virtually teeming on a hot day) its terrace is the place to be. The all-day weekend brunch features delights such as polenta scramble with roasted Portobello mushrooms; celeriac and cavolo nero rosti; shakshuka (pictured above); and buckwheat pancakes. Porridge and salad bowls are also up for grabs alongside brunch cocktails.
Where: Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA
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Why: The brunch menu at this Herne Hill gastro pub is short and concise, yet includes everything you really need for a great brunch. We’re talking bubble and squeak with fried duck egg; homemade granola; smashed avo; croquet madame; and baked egg skillet. Yum. It’s all reasonably priced and the interiors are lovely – plus, the wine list is extensive.
Where: 131-133 Dulwich Road, SE24 0NG
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Why: You might have visited the original Bành Bành site in Peckham, which has become a popular spot in the area. The family-run Vietnamese has now opened in Brixton and on weekends, you can tuck into its divine brunch. The tempting menu showcases beef steak with pâté, grilled tomato and a fried egg, served on a warm baguette. There are vegan brunch options too, such as the Bành Xéo Crepe: a crispy crepe topped with spring onion, coconut cream, beansprouts and mung beans. Unlike the original, this Bành Bành takes bookings for large groups. Plus, brunch-loved brunch cocktails have been given a Vietnamese spin – we like.
Where: 326 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8QH
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Why: Foodies will be well rewarded while browsing outlets on Brixton’s Market Row, but for brunch, this minimalist restaurant above what was Cannon & Cannon’s charcuterie shop is definitively our pick of the b(r)unch. Food is seasonal and has a strong focus on zero-waste and we love it. Smaller dishes include the likes of nduja croquettes, hash browns, and warm banana bread. Bigger stuff come as smoked salmon, poached egg, greens and fermented chilli hollandaise; burrata, courgette, chilli, mint and pumpkin seeds; or Merguez sausage and fried egg bun, red cabbage and aioli. You’re welcome.
Where: 18 Market Row, SW9 8LD
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Why: Travel to the deep south of America via Brixton at The Blues Kitchen. Although a hot spot for live music and late night drinking in the evenings, it cooks up one hell of a brunch on weekends. Tuck into signature burgers, creole crab benedict and huevos rancheros. The buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dip are also irresistible – so is the Big Bluesy Breakfast of pork patty, bacon, BBQ beans, sourdough, Portobello mushrooms, eggs and home fries.
Where: 40 Acre Lane, SW2 5SP
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Why: Head down to the exotic Brixton Market to find this cheap and cheerful daytime caff, which is full of Spanish charm and culture. Exhibits by local artists can be enjoyed in the punky, anarchic gallery above the dining area – that's if you can move after devouring their bottomless brunch. It's available throughout the week and includes a brunch dish alongside bottomless prosecco for two hours – all for £25pp. A Spanish spin is given to the Full English, so all the Español ingredients we love (chorizo, Spanish black pudding, bravas sauce and hams) are there to be devoured in a familiar format.
Where: Unit 7, Market Row, Brixton Market, SW9 8LB
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Why: You can thank Apprentice star and former Miss Jamaica, April Jackson, for giving us this little Caribbean star in the heart of Brixton. The two-hour bottomless Carib brunch is priced at £20pp, plus the price of your brunch dish – which includes options like banana pancakes with rum sauce; Jamaican breakfast with ackee and saltfish, bammy and plantain; and spiced cornbread with avocado and poached eggs. The tipples include prosecco, mimosas, Jamaican Mary, limeade and fresh juices.
Where: 412 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF
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Why: This buzzy and edgy place is the sister joint of tapas and cocktail haven Seven (mentioned above). It delivers food and cocktails with the same calibre, especially when it comes to its brunch. Dishes are basic, but tasty – American pancakes; smashed avocado; heirloom tomatoes; bacon butty; homemade granola; and French toast. Go Spanish with huevos rotos (fried potato, torn eggs with jamon Serrano and chimichurri marinated steak) or make it vegan with huevos notos (fried potato and scrambled tofu with smashed avocado and tomatoes). Even better, go bottomless with bubbly for two hours for an additional £25.
Where: 384 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF
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Why: Sister of aforementioned Cattivo in Brixton and Martello Hall in Hackney, Brixton hot-spot Canova Hall can be found on the ground floor of what used to be Brixton’s Bon Marché department store. The space is perfectly Instagrammable and full of Millennial-loving design details such as post-industrial decor (referencing the building’s Edwardian heritage), wooden booths (as found in old-time Montmartre bistros) and a birdcage (this is, in fact, an old goods lift in disguise). Get stuck in with the bottomless boozy weekend brunch, lubricated by bubbles or rum punch. For £25pp extra, the two-hour slot will leave you to make your way through dishes such as beetroot gnocchi, truffle tagliatelle or slow beef rigatoni. The pizzas are also incredible here with a range of delicious sides.
Where: 250 Ferndale Road, SW9 8BQ
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Why: Apart from the ultra-Instagrammable interiors, Barrio’s fourth outing delivers kick-ass Carib-cocktails (created in conjunction with local drinks consultants, Shrub & Shutter), lively Lima-style ‘anticuchos’ (traditional meaty skewers) and big brassy beats. The brunch offers intriguing South American twists on the classics. We would go for the La Florentina (jalapeno corn muffin, spinach, kale, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and chives).
Where: 30 Acre Lane, SW2 5SG
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Image: @federationcoffee
Why: If you’re looking for a more wholesome and calm brunch, Federation Coffee should be on your hit list. Situated in the historic Brixton Village, which is so loved by the locals, is this Kiwi-managed hot spot. It serves a range of croissants, pastries, grilled cheese sandwiches and sweets, made by some of the finest producers in the surrounding areas, including Brick House Bakery and the Little Bread Pedlar.
Where: Unit 46, Brixton Village Market, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS
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Why: If you’re looking for a casual street food-style alternative to brunch, Pop Brixton is heaving with innovative food retailers. From Indian street food, organic-led artisans and Italian stalls, through to Japanese ramen, French and Caribbean, there’s something for everyone here. There’s also a range of exciting drinks vendors.
Where: 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ
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Is Brixton too south of the river for you? Try the best brunches in Camden instead