Brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s an event, especially in London, where we take it very seriously. Arguably the most stylish meal, combining breakfast and lunch into one indulgent feast often requires you to dress the part.
Aesthetics are paramount, from the restaurant backdrop to the presentation of the food, brunch is an opportunity to wear your chicest attire; especially if your itinerary includes looking for your dream wedding dress. It’s essential to start your day somewhere that sets the right mood and leaves you satisfied, so you have fuel for the hunt.
If you’re searching for a wedding gown, be sure to book an appointment at our London bridal boutique on Fulham Rd in South Kensington. We would love to meet you and show you our collection of iconic wedding dresses.
If you’re just looking for a new brunch spot, we can help you with that too. As our home is in West London, we have swayed towards some delicious eateries in our local area. However, we’ve also noted plenty of tasty spots across the central and eastern parts of the city too. So, whether you’re after a boozy bottomless with a view, pancakes on the terrace, or a turmeric latte on the pavement side, here are our tried and tested London brunch spots. Let’s tuck in…
WEST LONDON
1. The Ivy Garden | Chelsea
Set in an old Georgian free house, The Ivy Garden is a picturesque spot ideal for a special occasion. The Ivy’s collection of restaurants are all over London, but the classic charm and luscious oasis of the Chelsea branch make it our favourite. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxing; especially on the terrace where your meal is accompanied by the soundtrack of babbling water fountains and roaring firepits.
The interior is inspired by pretty, English gardens and plays by the rule that more is more. It’s opulent, fabulous and sure to put you in a spirited mood. If you dare, swap your morning coffee for their decadent espresso martini, creamy caffeine at its best. Top tip: If you go for a late brunch, you should be able to order a chocolate bomb from the lunch menu at the end, a spectacle of a desert.
Address: 195 -197 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EQ
2. Chiltern Firehouse | Marylebone
Owned by André Balazs, who also owns Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, this Grade II-listed Victorian fire station is now a trendy meeting spot for London’s elite. With walk-ins only before 11, we recommend rising early. You may have spotted their famous stack of blueberry pancakes on Instagram, and if not for the picture, you must order them for their fluffy perfection. For something more lavish order the crab doughnuts or lobster omelette. If you want the most magical ambience, ask for a spot on the terrace, so you can sip champagne while the fire crackles away. Lastly, make sure you leave time to step inside the former ladder shed that is now an exquisite bar area – and maybe order another glass of champers.
Address: 1 Chiltern St, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA
3. Coya | Mayfair
Every Saturday from 12:30pm the Pisco Bar & Lounge hosts a bottomless brunch like no other. A Peruvian daydream with an award-winning cocktail list, fresh fusion food and lavish decor to lust after – be sure to try their Peruvian pisco and admire the photography of Martín Chambi. If you’re looking for a lively ambience this place serves Latin charm in abundance. Listen to live music from DJs and bands, in a low lit room while trying flavours from around the world. Select your brunch package and prepare for an electric dining experience with the most attentive waiting team.
Address: 117 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7JU, UK
4. Egg Break | Notting Hill
Just off the gritty main street of Notting Hill, Egg Break is tucked away with all the other hidden treasures like the kaleidoscopic townhouses and mew streets. Unlike the previous spots, this is your casual friendly-neighbourhood café, that serves the most delectable eggs. Brought to you by the minds behind Soho House and The Hoxton Hotel, this petite café has a menu that will challenge the most decisive of you. If you think eggs are basic, then you need to try the shakshuka, or the melt-in-your-mouth scrambled eggs with burrata and truffle. They don’t take bookings, so rock up and hope you can take a seat at this cosy haven.
Address: 30 Uxbridge St, Kensington, London W8 7TA
CENTRAL LONDON
5. Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings | Clerkenwell
Remember when Gatsby filled Nick’s house with flowers to swoon Daisy Buchanan? That’s how it feels walking into the B&H Buildings. Its floral and bright interiors are an alluring backdrop to any dining affair, promising an abundance of photo moments. Hidden in a quiet residential part of Clerkenwell, escape from London’s chaos and sip Bellini’s for a couple of hours. Book in advance to secure a table in the greenhouse for a bottomless brunch that emanates elegance and old-school glamour. If you want to return in the evening, there is also a late-night underground drinking and dancing den that has our seal of approval.
Address: 42 Northampton Rd, Farringdon, London EC1R 0HU
6. Sketch | Mayfair
French chef Pierre Gagnaire oversees this playful and unique restaurant and ensures its three Michelin stars continue to sparkle. Fall in love with each individual and artist-designed room. Pink takes the presidency in the Gallery, chairs wear ballet shoes in the Parlour, and the Glade room is a mystical forest. You’ll find David Shrigley’s drawings hang from nearly every spare section of wall space in the Gallery brasserie; a room the Mad Hatter would gladly host a tea party in. Even though they don’t explicitly do brunch, their breakfast and afternoon tea menus will definitely tickle your fancy.
A trip to the bathroom is an adventure, where we challenge you not to take a picture beside the giant dinosaur egg-shaped cubicles. Above all though, the menu is truly imaginative, and you can trust the waiters to provide you with a solid recommendation. Sketch is an awe-inspiring hideout that everyone needs to experience.
Address: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1.
7. Berners Tavern | Fitztrovia
Set just off Oxford Street, this restaurant is full of grandeur and creative inspiration. It’s like dining in an art gallery, except with more conversation. You’ll have to restrain from constantly craning your neck to admire the high baroque-detailed ceiling and 185 gilt-framed paintings. The menu was created by chef Jason Atherton, and the brunch selection is particularly tantalising. We appreciate the fancy spin on traditional comfort food favourites such as mac and cheese and the grown-up versions of waffles and pancakes.
Address: 10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP, United Kingdom
8. Palm Vaults | Hackney
Hidden in Hackney, Palm Vaults is worth finding if only to capture its sassy essence. This vegan hot spot redefines the plant diet by making every drink and dish a rainbow of colours. Choose from a lavender, golden or velvet latte, and appreciate the abundance of avocado that is in everything from the salads to the moreish chocolate cake. The interior has an epic 80s Miami vibe that people have fallen so in love with they now sell branded t-shirts. And apparently, there is a secret cocktail bar downstairs, so leave a lofty tip, and maybe you’ll get the inside scoop.
Address: 411 Mare St, London E8 1HY
9. Dishoom | Shoreditch
Inspired by the Irani cafés of old Bombay, Dishoom aims to educate and bring people together. From the interior to the menu everything helps to tell its rich backstory and passion for Indian cuisine. They have quite a few restaurants across the UK now, but Shoreditch remains our favourite. Break bread together at this wildly successful restaurant, honour the rules and enjoy something a little bit different. The food is fragrant and full of flavour, from the date and banana porridge to the freshly baked pau, and you have to order a buttery bun dipped in hot chai as a side dish.
Address: 7 Boundary Street, London, E2 7JE
10. Duck and Waffle | Bishopsgate
Best for brunch with a view. Wake up early, really early, and take the lift up to the 40th floor to watch the sunrise over the city as you break into a perfect poached egg. No sleep is necessary if you pay a visit to this 24/7 London restaurant in the sky after dancing the night away; the views will provide all the energy (and coffee) you need to keep going.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
