Top 5 Brunch Spots in London

Top 5 Brunch Spots in London

Eggs Benedict on Steak – By DeepBluC from Bath, U.K. / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

It’s Sunday morning. You’re not feeling too hot.

Oh, man. You have a pounding headache. Why 7 pints of Smithwick’s last night? No one knows. The only thing you’re thinking of right now is some food to soak up the alcohol – and maybe more alcohol for a little hair of the dog. It’s 10 am, so you still have plenty of time to get to a great brunch. After all, London is used to those who stumble home from the club in the wee hours of the morning waking up late in the morning and needing an English-breakfast-fix. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the best brunch spots in London – all you need to do is get yourself out of bed and walk there for a bit of fresh air … or maybe take the tube. 

Duck and Waffle

A view up the 46 level Salesforce Tower, London (Formerly the Heron Tower). At the top, spectacular views across the city can be seen from the Duck & Waffle restaurant and bar.

A staple in the brunch scene, people continue to come here for more than just the incredible birds-eye views. Set on the 40th floor of The Shard, this is a locale not for the faint of heart. Maybe not the most casual spot on the list for those who are especially hungover, but a few of their tapas-style plates are sure to get you back in functional shape soon.

We recommend trying one of their snacks to start off with, like their dates stuffed with sausage meat and wrapped in bacon for the meat lovers. Another option is the iconic ox cheek donut – we didn’t know what to expect with the whole ‘ox’ thing, but it turned out to be an incredible slow-cooked and tender meat that we would eat everyday for brunch if we could. 

For one of the main dishes, try the namesake – The Duck & Waffle. This dish features a confit duck leg on top of a massive waffle, topped with a fried egg and maple syrup. If you can only get one thing while you’re here, grab this dish along with one of the ever-changing cocktails on the menu. A fairly-casual place while being hundreds of feet up in the air, this spot is great for those who want a table where they can sit, enjoy the view, eat some incredible food, and hang out for a couple of hours. 

Riding House Cafe

Riding House Cafe Fitzrovia London – By Ewan Munro from London, UK / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

With two locations now in the massive city, we’re talking about the Fitzrovia hideaway. However, if you’re in the Victoria neighborhood, check out the Rail House Cafe for a similar menu and vibe. While in Fitzrovia, head to Riding House for a bright and open ambiance, wooden tables and decor, and blue-accented touches – it makes you feel as if you’re in a friend’s house. A friend with very good style, of course. 

With brunch served basically all day on Saturdays and Sundays (from 9am – 4:15pm), you really have an opportunity to wake up at 1 o’clock and still meander here for a mid-day meal. Try their incredible Shakshuka, featuring egg, feta, chili, avocado, and warm sourdough bread. For something a little different, try the Burgerdict, a play on Eggs Benedict that uses a poached egg, a beef patty, tomato, hollandaise, and a muffin. 

For those who show up during a lunch hour, their truffled mac & cheese is out of this world. We hear it’s great for hangovers, and goes especially well with one of their punches. Grab a bowl of one of these creations for £45 and you’ll be feeling good by the end of your meal. The Kentucky Bucket uses Maker’s Mark, Aspall cider, mango tea, maple syrup, orange bitters, and lemon for a refreshing – and strong – cocktail. Good morning, anyone? 

The Table Cafe & Urban Garden

Eggs Benedict – By Jon Mountjoy / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

For some relaxing vibes and an earthy space, The Table Cafe is the perfect solution. Each table features beautiful herbs and flowers, making you feel as if you’re dining in a greenhouse – even though you’re in the middle of a bustling city. Voted TimeOut’s Most Loved Brunch Spot in 2018, you’re about to find out why.

Head here if you love vegetarian and vegan takes on classic dishes, waffles and pancakes, and huge benedicts. The Green Goddess is a vegetarian dish that is perfection – featuring avocado, veggie beans, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, sweet potato wedges, and grilled sourdough, this plate is big enough to leave you satisfied, but makes you feel at least a little bit healthy after your debaucherous evening the night before. 

There are also a few different pancake and waffle options, for the carb-lovers. Try the True Blue deep-pan pancake, with blueberries, berry sauce, and dairy yogurt with sweet maple syrup. To wash down the sweetness, you can get a cocktail for only £9 – we recommend the Trust In Me. a fabulous drink made with Gunpowder rum, Koko Kanu, orange, and pineapple. You’ll be sure to get that buzz back that you had last night. 

Andina Shoreditch

Ceviche from Peru – By David and Katarina / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

If you’re tired of the ol’ English breakfast, then head to this Peruvian-inspired establishment for some tasty cuisine. Head here for some cold ceviches to cool down that hot-hangover, flavorful street food, strong cocktails, and green smoothies to get some vitamins into your system. 

For something a bit different, try the ceviche – cold fish might not seem like the most appealing dish for you, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Flavorful fish is marinated in a citrus juice, and then spiced with chili and other dressings, packing a powerful punch into a dish. 

Once you order a ceviche, check out the space you’re in – a mixture of a lively bar and restaurant in a two-level space, combining a laid-back atmosphere with a refined vibe. Sip on a pisco sour and enjoy the brunch from 10am-4pm. 

Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe, London – By Tristan Surtel / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Somewhat known as a tourist-only spot, Swan is a legendary eatery that is well-known by all Londoners and visitors. This riverside restaurant is a great choice for any brunch lover, serving incredible British classics with a little bit of a French spin. Try the bacon, directly from the country’s beautiful Lake District, homemade spicy beans, and the tasty black pudding. 

Did anyone say drinks? Don’t forget to order a strong Bloody Mary – served to you quickly, and with an ample amount of booze in it to fight off the impending hangover. We love the ambiance, combining a historical feel with wooden tabletops, beautiful plates, and a view of the Thames.

There you have it – the best brunch spots in London. Don’t take our word for it – visit each one for yourself to satisfy your brunch cravings.