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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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

For a long time, vegetarian Londoners didn’t have a great bet for a good lunch in the city. Even the arrival of the humble ‘Veggie Pret’ a while back failed, perhaps unsurprisingly, to satisfy most vegetarian foodies’ desires. But that time has gone. Over the past few years, vegetarian restaurants, cafes and food stalls have become staples in London’s foodie scene, and we’ve rounded up the best – from vegan dim sum to affordable veggie brunches – so that you can dig in.

Mamalan Review, Brixton Village Market

 

We went to Brixton Village Market’s Mamalan, to finally try the exciting Chinese menu we had heard so much about – and were not disappointed. From the atmosphere to the service to the food and drinks, the whole experience was superb, and the restaurant is a great spot for anyone looking for a casual yet exciting meal out in a great location.

 

MamaLan was created by founder Ning Ma back in 2011, with their first location in Brixton Village Market, after starting as a supper club a year before. They now have three locations across London – one in Clapham and another one in Canary Wharf – each serving delicious Chinese cuisine, from steaming bao buns to hot, fresh dumplings to hearty bowls of noodles.

 

Their focus on both traditional Chinese street food cooking from the founder’s childhood and bold experimentation with new flavours can really be felt in the menu. The food on offer is extensive, and works well for sharing. My group ordered a few dishes between us, and the four or five plates were very generous, and more than enough for dinner.  The star of the show was unquestionably the Sesame Oil Chicken Noodle Salad – a generous plate of thick noodles topped with plenty of chicken, cucumber and sweet sesame sauce.  The Sweet Chilli Chicken Rice was also incredible – a heap of crispy chicken pieces in perfectly sweet-yet-spicy sweet chilli sauce, topped with coriander, spring onion, chilli and sesame over a bed of rice; as were the Mama Chicken Bao, which were hot, fluffy and stuffed with an immense portion of chicken, salad and sauce.  The noodle soup packed less of a punch but was nevertheless deliciously hot and nourishing, topped with fresh tiger prawn wontons and fresh greens – proper comfort food, done well. They also sell their amazing sauces for you to take home, like their sweet sesame dressing or their chilli oil, so that you can recreate the awesome flavours of their dishes at home.

 

The drinks menu is also superb – try one of their Bubble Tea cocktails or coffees, or one of their delicious mocktails. At about £6 for a cocktail the drinks were great value and really delicious.

 

The service was quick and friendly, and the location couldn’t be much better – set in the heart of Brixton Village Market, the restaurant isn’t enormous but has plenty of seating outside in the bustling market, and though seats did fill up fast, if you arrive fairly early you’ll be fine. Being immersed in the sights and sounds of Brixton Market whilst tucking into some truly delicious plates of food – what could be better for a low-key dinner? For anyone looking for an atmospheric evening out and some seriously good soul food, then look no further – MamaLan has got you covered.

 

Find MamaLan at Unit 18 Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane London, SW9 8PR

1. Amrutha Lounge, Earlsfield

A local treasure, Amrutha Lounge started as a humble food stall, and now has a hugely popular restaurant serving bold and delicious Indian dishes. Try their delicious golden Crispy Pakoras with peanut satay for an indulgent treat, or opt for the classic Buddha Box featuring creamy dahl curry, rice, beetroot sesame slaw and the incredible pakoras, all for a very reasonable £15.

Alternatively, go with a group and select a set menu for the table, with free refills for your food guaranteeing you’ll never be left hungry. Truly one of south London’s best kept secrets.

Amrutha Lounge is found @ 326 Garratt Ln, SW18 4EJ   –  www.amrutha.co.uk

amr

2. Mildred’s, various locations

Any self-respecting vegetarian foodie will be able to tell you about Mildred’s. A frontrunner in the city’s veggie game since the 1980s, this mini-chain of dedicated vegetarian restaurants continues to impress without resting on its laurels.

Opt for a classic ‘soul bowl’, filled with goji quinoa salad, baby kale, cashew cheese and more, or push the boat out with their incredible kashmiri chana pattie burger, featuring a chickpea and quinoa fritter, tomato methi pickle, cucumber, carrot and coriander slaw and masala mayo. If you haven’t yet crossed Mildred’s off your veggie bucket list, be sure to do so soon; find them dotted across London, at Soho, Camden, Dalston and King’s Cross.

To book and for more menu information, please visit  www.mildreds.co.uk

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3. 222 Vegan, West Kensington

The clue is in the name – 222 Vegan is not just veggie, but fully vegan. However, what it lacks in cheese it makes up for in simple yet satisfyingly delicious servings. The food is not pretentious or extravagant – like the Spaghetti Polpette, gluten-free pasta in roasted tomato sauce with quinoa & spinach balls – but absolutely hearty and delicious.

Note also their mouth-watering oyster mushroom raclette, or their Seitan Stroganoff featuring cashew cream, mushrooms and seitan strips with brown rice. Classic vegan dishes done well – what more could you want?

You’ll find the Dynamo @ 222 North End Road, West Kensington, W14 9NU  – 222vegan.com

veg

4. Rasa N16, Stoke Newington

You certainly won’t miss Rasa N16’s bright pink façade when strolling along Stoke Newington Church Street, and its veggie Indian menu promises to pack just as much of a punch. Founded by Das Sreedharan, inspired by childhood memories of his mother’s cooking, Rasa N16 has grown into a favourite of locals and critics alike.

Trust the chefs with the Rasa Vegan Feast, promising a selection of their classic starters, curries, breads, sweets and more. Or choose individual dishes from the menu; if you’re feeling bold, opt for the spicy rasa kayi curry, or for those who prefer their food a little milder, the banana boli starter – battered, fried plaintain with a peanut and ginger sauce – is deliciously indulgent. A worthy two-time winner of Time Out’s Best Vegetarian Restaurant, in our eyes.

You can find Rasa N16 @ 55 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0AR

rasa

5. Farm Girl, various locations

If you’re on the lookout for an Instagram-able veggie brunch spot, well, you might just be in luck. With a self-described ‘California coastal vibe’, bright pink lattes and a penchant for edible flowers, the Farm Girl cafes are nevertheless not just about the aesthetics. Rather, they are dedicated to serving up light, delicious veggie dishes like Seoul Eggs with tenderstem broccoli and kimchi, or green tea & coconut milk chia pudding topped with cornflake crunch, raspberries, goji berries & mint that is – admittedly – very Instagram-worthy.

If you’re after pretty (and delicious) brunch in an even prettier location, then hit up one of Farm Girl’s cafes in Fitzrovia, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill or Soho.

To book or for more menu info, please visit thefarmgirl.co.uk

Farm-Girl-pop-up-Shoreditch-780x500

6. Farmacy, Notting Hill

Notting Hill’s Farmacy is vegan, additive-free, sustainable and absolutely delicious. A focus on local farm-grown produce and ‘biodynamic sustainability’, however, by no means equates to a boring or bland menu. Alongside undeniably healthy veggie options like their vibrant, colourful ‘Earth Bowls’, Farmacy also serves up indulgent treats from loaded nachos to mac n ‘cheese’ to more-ish mushroom tacos overflowing with pickled shallots, jalapeños, chipotle adobo, salsa and guac.

Their pudding offerings must not be neglected, and a special mention goes to the incredible warm chocolate cookies served with – what else? – a glass of almond milk. A must-try spot for us.

You’ll find Farmacy @ 74-76 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH

farmacy

7. Club Mexicana, Soho

If you’re after something a little different and a little more, well, fun than the average vegetarian restaurant, then look no further than Club Mexicana, with its shocking pink exterior and exciting vegan menu. With a 3-for-£10 on tacos, Club Mexicana is both delicious and affordable.

We recommend the Baja Tofish Taco, filled with beer-battered ‘tofish’, avocado, slaw, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo; for the more adventurous, go for the somewhat-daunting ‘cheezeburger burrito’. Now with a restaurant in Soho as well as a spot at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials Market.

You’ll find Club Mexicana @ Kingly Court, W1B 5PW

www.clubmexicana.com

club

8. The Gate, various locations

A regular fixture on many a ‘best-of’ list, The Gate provides fierce competition in the battle of the veggie restaurants. From their fragrant Mango, Avocado & Shimeji Mushroom Ceviche to their hearty ‘Tagine 14’ filled with braised fennel, pumpkin courgette, chickpeas and apricots, pomegranate and pistachio nut couscous and Yemenite chilli sauce,

The Gate promises exciting and ambitious flavours whatever mood you’re in. Now with four elegant, spacious locations across Islington, Hammersmith, Marylebone and St John’s Wood, The Gate is a sure bet for a delicious vegetarian dinner in a classy setting.

To book or view more menu options, head to thegaterestaurants.com

gate

9. Mao Chow, Hackney

Another vegan restaurant up next, but one so good we promise it’s worth foregoing dairy for. Mao Chow is a Chinese restaurant located in Hackney, with a simple but excellent menu featuring mouthwatering dim sum and noodle dishes.

We recommend the spicy Chongqing cauliflower or the deliciously sharp smacked cucumber; a special shout-out must also go the delectable dan dan noodles with spicy sesame and peanut noodles, ‘shroom’ mince, cucumber and pak choi. A must-try spot for London’s veggies.

To book or view more menu options, head to www.mao-chow.com

Find Mao Chow @ 159a Mare Street E8 3RH

mao

10. Ottolenghi, various locations

Technically not vegetarian-only restaurants, but ones with a veggie offering so good that they had to make the cut. Ottolenghi’s Fitzrovia restaurant ‘Rovi’ describes itself as having ‘vegetables at its heart’, and this is clear to see on the menu.

From a delicious selection of veggie starters, like asparagus served with smoked potato skordalia and wild garlic caper brown butter, to bold yet classic mains like vignole broth with butter beans, spring vegetables, lovage & chard lemon pesto, vegetarians can rest assured that they are not being neglected here.

To book or view more menu options, head to ottolenghi.co.uk

Ottolenghi

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