10 Essential Brunch Spots in London
Brunch. The merging of two humble meals, combining to create the ultimate mid-morning feast in which it is socially acceptable to eat almost any kind of food, from pancakes to burgers. We’ve rounded up the best spots in the city, from casual fry-ups to brunch with a view, so that you can make the most of your mornings at some truly must-try restaurants and cafes.
- Brother Marcus, multiple locations
A favourite of many brunch-goers, Brother Marcus serves up delicious Eastern Mediterranean inspired dishes that feel like a real treat. Founded in 2016 and now with three locations across the city, Brother Marcus serves up incredible mezze and delicious desserts, but it is the brunch that takes the crown for us. Our favourites include the classic ‘Marcus Breakfast’, loaded up with Merguez sausage, streaky bacon, egg, oyster mushrooms, hash brown, fattoush salad, and labneh with pita. Or, for something sweet and incredibly moreish, opt for the Atatyef, Lebanese stuffed pancakes, with orange blossom ricotta, grilled rhubarb and pistachio nuts.
- Bad Egg
Bad Egg, home of the famous bottomless brunch and extensive menu that keeps fans coming back. As you might guess, Bad Egg features an exciting range of egg-centric dishes, from mouth-watering Huevos Rancheros – scrambled eggs with jalapenos, cheese fondue, chorizo, guacamole and fried tacos – to delicious Moroccan Baked Eggs with sausage, black pudding and potato in a spiced pepper ragu with feta and coriander. However, there are also many delicious egg-free options, like American-style pancakes with popcorn chicken, banana and maple syrup, for the sweet-toothed. Their bottomless brunch menu, featuring favourites from the ‘Bad Egg Burger Hash’ to French toast, includes your choice of two dishes and a drink, and is available on weekends only.
- Duck and Waffle, Bishopsgate
If you’re after a little luxury with your brunch, then look no further than Duck and Waffle. This must-try spot is located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in Bishopsgate, and serves up brunch dishes that are just as incredible as the views. The menu is extensive, and features inspired duck dishes such as ‘duck benedict’ – braised duck leg with waffle, egg, hollandaise and sriracha – as well as a savoury foie gras crème brulee with pork crackling brioche. A truly awe-inspiring location with a formidable menu – this is a real must-try if you’re after an indulgent brunch experience.
- Caravan, multiple locations
If you consider yourself a serious brunch-goer, then Caravan has a truly impressive brunch menu that you must try for yourself. Stepping beyond your classic full English fry up, Caravan pushes the boat out with bold, adventurous dishes, like their slow cooked pork belly with kimchi pancake, gochujang ketchup and a fried egg. The coffee is also incredible here, too; this really is a must-try brunch spot for us.
- Daddy Bao, Tooting
Another great brunch option here. A spin-off of Peckham’s Mr Bao, Daddy Bao was founded in 2017 and soon rose up the ranks to become one of South London’s best brunch spots. Probably more renowned for their simple fillings, like fried chicken or pork belly, fluffy bao buns prove their versatility here as the star of the extensive brunch menu. The ‘Bao Benedict’ pairs a bao bun with slow braised pork, spinach, poached egg and passionfruit hollandaise, all for a very reasonable £7. We also seriously recommend the pancake roll, a rolled spring onion pancake with your choice of fillings such as beef brisket or mushroom. A real must-try spot.
- Milk, Balham
A real local favourite that has been around for years, Milk is an airy, sunny space with a laid-back vibe as well as a mouth-watering menu. Our favourite dishes include the ‘Sweet Maria’ – crispy sweetcorn fritters with grilled halloumi, smashed avocado, kasundi, coriander and lime – or the deliciously moreish banana bread with whipped halva butter and toasted pumpkin seed tahini. Their smoothies are also immense and deliciously fresh – we love the ‘Laila’ (banana, Anzac biscuit crumb, coconut and Bonsoy). A great spot for a casual but indulgent brunch.
- Granger and Co, multiple locations
Headed up by Australian chef Bill Granger, this spot has a vibe that is self-described as ‘sunny, easy-going and generous’, and that is very much reflected in the bold breakfast menu on offer. The dishes are fresh and adventurous, and undeniably delicious; we recommend the ‘fresh aussie’ – jasmine tea hot smoked salmon, poached eggs, greens, furikake, avocado and cherry tomatoes. A bucket-list brunch spot for sure.
- Where The Pancakes Are, multiple locations
No brunch is complete without pancakes, and this place specialises in them. With two locations in the city, this spot serves up pancakes with what seems like every topping under the sun. Their breakfast menu offers a range of choices, like the Continental breakfast which offers two buttermilk or 3-in-1 pancakes, with a choice of sea salted caramel, lemon & panela sugar, maple syrup & butter chocolate as well as juice, coffee or tea. Or go for savoury toppings like smoked salmon or avocado. A delicious treat for the pancake lovers of London.
- 26 Grains, multiple locations
The word ‘brunch’ can often suggest greasy fry-ups and filter coffee, but 26 Grains makes brunch feel a little healthier, though equally delicious. With a focus on, you guessed it, grains, the menu offers up an extensive selection of porridge and granola, like the delicious gooseberry, fig and hazelnut granola porridge, or the banana tahini porridge; and at about £6 each, they’re great value. For a light brunch that is nonetheless delicious and satisfying, visit 26 Grains.
- The Breakfast Club, multiple locations
Possibly the best-known brunch chain in the city, The Breakfast Club does not rest on its laurels. Now with various locations spread over London and beyond, these 80s-inspired diners serve up classic brunch dishes with a twist, like The Club Burrito, with avocado, refried beans, scrambled egg, piquillo peppers, jalapeños, harissa cheese, hash browns, pico de gallo and hot sauce. Brunch at its best.