Where To Go For Brunch In London: Our Top Picks
By Ellie Smith
1 week ago
Your weekend starts here
Brunch: it’s an institution. It may not be the most important meal of the day, but it’s definitely the best – if you know where to go. And what better way to catch up with friends than over some eggs and avo? Or perhaps a stack of buttermilk pancakes? Whatever your mid-morning cravings look like, London is filled with great brunch spots, from the classic Wolseley to lively parties and cute cafes. These span a multitude of cuisines, from vibrant Aussie-inspired dishes to sushi buffets and Middle Eastern fare, and are the kind of places you could while away hours on a Saturday. We’ve eaten our way around London to bring you the ultimate guide to brunch in London, personally reviewed by the C&TH team (and if you want to up the ante, go bottomless here).
20+ Best Brunches in London 2025
A.O.K. Kitchen, Marylebone
With its opulent interiors and trendy sugar-free menu, A.O.K. Kitchen fits right in amid ever-chic Marylebone. The setting is built for Instagram: think mother of pearl floors, plush velvet seating, flower ceiling and silk wallpaper – but it’s not all about appearance, and thankfully the food is really good too. Open all day, the space comprises of a restaurant, bakery and bar, with a menu inspired by the sun-soaked shores of California. Everything is free from refined sugar, but this certainly doesn’t mean all boring salads – they describe their food as ‘comfort food with a healthy approach.’ Brunch offerings include pancakes with maple syrup and berries, sweet potato and feta frittatas and breakfast tacos, alongside baked treats like savoury muffins and gluten-free pastries.
Where? 52-55 Dorset St, London W1U 7NH
BOOK: aokkitchen.co.uk
The Wolseley, Mayfair
Classic and timeless. You can’t help but feel that you’re a ‘someone’ from the moment you step inside. The menu is extensive and caters to all tastes; the devilled lambs kidneys, haggis and grilled kippers are big-hitters, but for those who aren’t big morning eaters there’s granola, fruit and bread to graze on. If AA Gill wrote a whole book about it, then it’s got to be good.
Where? 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB
BOOK: thewolseley.com
34 Mayfair
Situated just a few metres from the old American embassy, this brunch spot exudes Upper East Side style and you’d be forgiven for mistaking another patron for Jay Gatsby himself. The Art Deco burnt-ochre booths and lighting are dispersed with pops of colour from bright, flowery Liberty London print cushions and matching menus (the pattern was developed exclusively for the restaurant). And then the food. You won’t find smashed avo on toast here, but instead enjoy buttermilk fried chicken waffles, shrimps and lobster rolls, and huevos rancheros with spiced black beans. For those after more traditional brunch offerings, there’s pancakes, baked egg shakshuka, and Argyll smoked salmon served with scrambled eggs. Wash it all down with a delicious green juice, or for something slightly more indulgent, a bloody Mary. What’s are you waiting for, old sport?
Where? 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD
BOOK: 34-restaurant.co.uk
Rail House Café
Round the corner from Victoria station you’ll find Rail House Café, nestled within the buzzing Sir Simon Milton Square. The offspring of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café, this trendy spot is a large and airy space with industrial chic interiors, partly inspired by the concept of a bustling metropolitan station. Brunch options accommodate both health-conscious diners and those after something more indulgent: there’s house muesli and granola, but there’s also buttermilk pancakes with triple-smoked streaky bacon and maple syrup. The full veggie breakfast is particularly good: grilled halloumi, smoked piquillo peppers, fried potato, eggs, mushrooms and slow-roasted tomatoes. With a range of seating options available – including an al fresco bar, ground-floor restaurant, upstairs bar and private dining room – Rail House Café is a perfect for group dining.
Where? 8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5DJ
BOOK: railhouse.cafe
Milk, Balham
Balham has become something of a brunch mecca in recent years, with hip Hildreth Street spot Milk taking centre stage. Set up by Aussie duo Julian Porter and Lauren Johns, Milk first opened back in 2012 as M1LK, but in 2015 it underwent a refurbishment, re-opening without the numeral as Milk. First thing’s first: you will have to queue on weekends, as the Balham brunchers are out in force – but hold out, because the food really is top-notch. Hungover? Go for their sweetcorn fritters, served with smashed avo, halloumi and smoked bacon; or the Kurdish baked eggs with chorizo, spinach and labneh. If you’re after something quirky, the fillet’o’fish sandwich is a popular choice, made with red snapper, baked eggs and nut milk. Decor is light, bright and simple, with outdoor tables set on cobbled Hildreth Street, ideal for the summer months. Great coffee, delicious food, friendly staff – what more could you want?
Where? 18-20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG
BOOK: milklondonshop.uk
Beam, Notting Hill
There are four locations of Beam dotted around London, but we tried the one in Notting Hill. Expect queues down the street at weekends for the popular brunch offering, which perfectly balances the requisite green smoothie and beetroot smoothie options with the, let’s be honest, necessary Saturday and Sunday indulgences, from French toast and Turkish eggs to Kahvalti, a Middle Eastern breakfast sharing spread. Halloumi portions are generous (the halloumi, aubergine and sticky walnut salad is delicious), the doughnuts are irresistible and the people watching is enormously fun.
Where? 103 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill W2 4UW
BOOK: cafebeam.co.uk
Madera at Treehouse London, Marylebone
A sky-high Mexican restaurant found within the Treehouse London hotel, Madera is always buzzing – but the stylish eatery is a particularly good spot for weekend brunches. Think fajita bowls with guacamole and charro beans, chicken tacos and chimichurri-marinated steak, alongside more classic brunch dishes like avocado on toast and eggs royale. Finish on a sweet note with churros and chocolate sauce, dulce de leche or Oaxacan chocolate cake – all to be enjoyed alongside sweeping views of the capital.
Where? 14-15 Langham Pl, London W1B 2QS
BOOK: treehousehotels.com
Rondo at The Hoxton, Holborn
Rondo, The Hoxton’s lively restaurant serving up seasonal British fare, has upped its game by taking its bold ethos to brunch enthusiasts. Set in a cosy spot at the back of this West End hotel, the restaurant is a relaxed, yet luxurious nook with industrial accents. Once seated, treat yourself to a pear bellini or smoky Bloody Mary (if a little hair of the dog is needed) to accompany a new brunch menu so indulgent you won’t be able to touch a morsel for the rest of the day. Choose between dishes like Rockefeller oysters with ‘Nduja, smoked eel kedgeree and crispy polenta with mushroom ragu. The ultimate decadence is croissant French toast oozing caramelised bananas and rum and raisin. Still got room for something sweet? There’s even a dessert menu to finish off, with gooey chocolate cake and raspberry sorbet and cherry and almond tart. The perfect start to a lazy Sunday wandering around Covent Garden.
Where? 199-206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD
BOOK: thehoxton.com
Photo by Jeremy FreedmanTrade, Spitalfields and Islington
While Trade may boast some of the best sandwiches in London, we can’t stop thinking about its impressive brunch menu. Fondly called the ‘brunch beacon’, Trade’s all-day breakfast and brunch menu is served everyday until 4pm and features classics like smashed avocado, egg on toast, and pancakes. Not adventurous enough? Try the Char Siu Pork Belly, Cornbread and Pickles or the Miso Aubergine, Avocado and Dukkah for a taste sensation that blends East and West. After you’ve had your fill, wash it all down with a cup of coffee or dive into the tea selection Trade has on offer (White pear and ginger? Yum!). Brunch here is a taste sensation you won’t want to miss.
Where? 47 Commercial St, London E1 6BD (Spitalfields) and 330 Essex Rd, London N1 3PB (Islington)
BOOK: trade-made.co.uk
COYA Mayfair
If you’re after a classy party brunch, head to the glitzy COYA Mayfair for its Soul Grandioso event: a champagne-fuelled affair complete with music, dancing and three courses of Peruvian-inspired food. Held in the restaurant’s vibrant Latin American bar, the brunch kicks off with a selection of nibbles such as corn tortillas and guacamole and salmon tacos, alongside Dom Pérignon champagne – enjoyed to the soundtrack of live singing from host Susan. Next up: a decadent ice platter filled with dishes from the counter – think sea bass ceviche, yellowfin tuna, miso cucumber and crispy corn – followed by your choice of mains, with options including corn-fed baby chicken, sirloin steak and Peruvian potatoes with truffle. It’s all rather civilised at first – but before you know it, the curtains are closed, the music’s kicked up a notch and guests join Susan on the dancefloor. From 3pm, brunch-goers are invited to head downstairs for cocktails and dancing in the Pisco Bar.
Where? 118 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NW
BOOK: coyarestaurant.com
Crazy Pizza, Knightsbridge
For those wanting an early energy boost before they hit the shops, brunch at Crazy Pizza might just be the best option. Located next door to Harrods, the restaurant is offering early shoppers a chance to unwind and energise with its brunch menu. Tuck into an array of breakfast options, from mascarpone-laden French Toast with cinnamon, blueberries and maple syrup, to smoked salmon draped Eggs Royale. Or if you’re craving something a little more indulgent, try a stack of American pancakes with berries, caramelised banana, sour cream and maple syrup. And because Crazy Pizza is determined to live up to its name, the restaurant has also added a selection of its signature pizza dishes to the menu, such as the Continental and the Salmone pizza. Feeling thirsty? Wash it all down with one of Crazy Pizza’s breakfast cocktails, which include Mimosas, Bramble Spirtzes and Crazy Maries.
Where? 32-34 Hans Cres, London SW1X 0LZ
BOOK: crazypizza.com
Ella’s Place, Parson’s Green
Seemingly a just florist shop from the outside, Ella’s Place is a bit of a best-kept secret for Parson’s Green locals. Walk through past all the bouquets and you’ll find the most beautifully biophilic space for brunch. Be warned though: you’ll eventually spend every weekend here sipping on green smoothies and the signature Ella’s Brunch (that includes a delightful mango twist).
Where? 305 New Kings Rd, London SW6 4RF
BOOK: facebook.com
Ottolenghi, Spitalfields
Hidden away on a quiet Georgian passageway is the institution that is Ottolenghi. Inside, you’ll be met with low-lit spotlights, touches of soft red velvet, with a low-key atmosphere of clientele. Now onto the food: obviously Ottolenghi is thrown about so much these days, but trust us, the brunch lives up to the hype. Go for either the shakshuka or salmon and eggs on focaccia, and accessorize with a flat white and their zinger drink (it’s a lime, gingery hand-cut ice corker). You’d be hard-pressed to find a better brunch spot in the city.
Where? 50 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LJ
BOOK: ottolenghi.co.uk
The Buttery, Belgravia
Here’s a secret: hidden at the back of Belgravia’s Lime Tree Hotel you’ll find one of the city’s best al fresco brunch spots. The idyllic hidden garden is part of The Buttery, the hotel’s café opened post-pandemic, where in-the-know diners and hotel guests alike head for a laid-back, leisurely brunch. The menu features a mixture of classic and edgier dishes: you’ve got your Eggs Benedict, avocado on toast and pancake stacks, but also homemade crab cakes, and spiced acorn squash with couscous. For sweet-toothed brunchers, the Nutella French toast is a highlight: soft brioche dipped in sweet batter and toasted with Nutella sauce. Feeling savoury? The Allotment Breakfast is a vegetarian twist on the classic full English featuring grilled halloumi, grilled Portobello mushrooms, St. Ewe eggs and some particularly tasty roasted potatoes. If the weather’s not on side, the indoor area is equally charming, with rustic interiors bringing a countryside feel.
Where? 135, 137 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QU
BOOK: limetreehotel.co.uk
Peggy Jean, Richmond
Fancy brunch on a barge? The Peggy Jean has a great story – previously a neglected boat from Jesus College, Oxford, it’s now experiencing second life as a trendy brunch spot in Richmond on the river. And while the barge doesn’t move, the Aussie-inspired food may transport you to warmer climates… The peach melba coconut French toast is a must-have, so picture-perfect you’ll want to savour it, and so tasty you’ll nonetheless devour it almost immediately. The torched peach is warm on the dripping, sugary bread and brilliantly paired with coconut yoghurt plus freeze-dried raspberries, keeping it totally vegan. If you’re feeling savoury, there’s also a fantastic offering of eggy-potato dishes. The Dirty Daisy smashes tater tots together with Monterey jack cheese and chorizo, for a brunch dish with plenty of kick. Wrap up warm on chillier days, but rest assured you’ll be warmed by the pizza ovens. Enjoy watching paddle boarders float past. It’s also worth noting the Daisy Green Collection has numerous branches across London.
Where? The Boat, Bridge Boathouses, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH
BOOK: daisygreenfood.com
Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair
Step through discreet doors into London’s best restaurants for art lovers, hidden atop The Audley. The spectacularly light-filled Mount St. Restaurant has a suitably elevated brunch offering. Sip mimosas, breakfast martinis or bloody mary’s under the watchful gaze of Andy Warhol and Henry Matisse’s work, and notice as the sun pours through towering windows, moving across the room as you tuck into eggs, and resting in golden pools and slices across the red chairs (art in their own right, designed by Matthew Day Jackson) and the stunning specially-commissioned mosaic ‘Broken Floor’ by Rashid Johnson. Indeed, the room is an artwork in itself: rich wooden tables are topped with Sophie Taeuber-Arp lamps, Salt & Pepper Cruets by Paul McCarthy, and the most delicate of wine glasses. Executive Chef Jamie Shears has creatively reimagined breakfast: dip asparagus soldiers into soft boiled eggs or tuck into bacon chop served with bubble & squeak and a duck egg. Or keep it simple with the classics: all the eggs (Benedict, Florentine, you name it) are well represented, alongside the likes of London Rarebit, porridge, Swiss bircher muesli, kedgeree, and the classic Full English Breakfast, all exquisitely elevated into the realm of the divine. By Olivia Emily
Where? First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX
BOOK: mountstrestaurant.com
Abuelo, Covent Garden
Head to Abuelo for a quiet(er) pocket amid bustling Covent Garden. A brunch spot of the Australian variety, expect Latin American twists on classic fare, nodding to the founders’ backgrounds. The coffee is fantastic, and you’ll find a quintessential menu brimming with recognisible favourites – think poached eggs, banana bread, and plenty of sourdough – elevated with more unique ingredients such as mascarpone, pumpkin, goats cheese and dukkah. Sweet toothed brunchers should try the Fresh Fig & Honey Whipped Mascarpone (on sourdough, with blossom honey, salted pistachios and micro flowers), while savoury fans will love Smashing Pumpkins (roasted spiced pumpkin with a poached egg, goats cheese and roasted rosemary walnut crumble on sourdough), or the spicy goodness of Huevos Divorciados de Turco (poached eggs, labneh, chimichurri, avocado salsa and smoked paprika) with sourdough for unabashed dipping. With a focus on aesthetics, your chosen plate will thrive on camera – and on your Insta story, tried and tested – but, showcasing the best of fresh produce, it’ll taste amazing, too. By Olivia Emily
Where? 26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS
BOOK: abuelocafe.co.uk
The Table Battersea (Paul Winch-Furness)The Table Cafe, Southwark & Battersea
There are two branches of brunch favourite The Table: the original in Southwark and a newer one in Batterea. The classics are well-represented – with all the Benedicts sitting neatly alongside the Full English, Full Veggie and Scrambled Eggs + Smoked Salmon – and cooked to perfection. But adventurous brunch-lovers should delve into The Table’s other delicious offerings, which made a name for it in Southwark (where the brunch dedicated restaurant still operates). Think Smoked Ham Hock with Chorizo Hash, served with wilted spinach, a fried egg and hot sauce, plus a black pudding, mushrooms or halloumi if you wish. Or go big with the Breakfast Stack, a mouth-watering combo of ham hock and chorizo baked beans atop a crunchy toasted bagel, with a Cumberland sausage patty, two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and a black pudding, with avocado or griddled halloumi.
I tucked into the delicious and wholesome-tasting Sweetcorn cake with baby spinach, smashed avocado, zingy tomato compote, an oozing poached egg and green sauce with chilli, plus an added pile of smoked salmon – refreshingly divine. But sweet-toothed diners are also well-catered for with an array of both sweet and savoury pancakes and waffles, with toppings to tempt anyone, from berries to fried chicken to coconut yoghurt (not all at the same time). Plus, any brunch naysayers in attendance can tuck into one of the special brunch burgers, ranging beef to sweet potato to chicken.
Wash it all down with a warming coffee, or kick-start your day with a fruity smoothie. Or (it’s the weekend, after all?), opt for one of the cocktails, from classics to breakfast specials. A mimosa will go down just right, thank you. By Olivia Emily
Where? 83 Southwark St, London SE1 0HX & 35-37 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG
BOOK: thetablecafe.com
© Paul Winch-Furness
Jikoni, Marylebone
Ravinder Bhogal’s cosy restaurant Jikoni has a ‘no borders’ philosophy, with an excellent brunch offering featuring creative twists on classics. There’s a buckwheat dosa topped with a poached or fried egg, for instance, alongside a new take on the bacon sandwich: bacon gruyere with bread and butter pudding. Sweet-toothed bruncher? Go for the saffron malpua, a type of Indian pancake, topped with pistachio ice cream. Enjoy alongside equally interesting cocktails: there’s a Chaat Mimosa made with green mango liqueur, as well as a punchy Achari Mary which comes with a Vietnamese dipping sauce with chillies.
Where? 19-21 Blandford St, London W1U 3DJ
BOOK: jikonilondon.com
Dovetale, Mayfair
Helmed by chef Tom Sellers, Dovetale sits within the gorgeous 1 Hotel Mayfair – and it’s the perfect brunch spot. Begin with Achill oysters from the raw bar before tucking into some classics (from a full English breakfast to an avocado bagel), or sample the likes of buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, a fried crab omelette, or an Iberico ham Croque Madame with truffle fondue. Sweeten the deal with desserts – the white peach sorbet is a real winner – but don’t forget the best part: build-your-own frozen Maragaritas, served from Dovetale’s ultra-Instagrammable Knickerbocker Glory trolley. Book in from 1pm and you can enjoy live music, too. What could be better?
Where? 1 Dover Yard, London W1J 8NE
BOOK: 1hotels.com
Motcombs, St John’s Wood
Beloved Belgravia institution, Motcombs expanded to St John’s Wood last year, bringing its much-loved brunch menu along for the ride. The eggs Benedict is a standout – a pillowy breakfast bun layered with honey-baked ham, bathed in rich hollandaise, and crowned with a perfectly poached egg. You might find yourself plotting a return visit from the moment you sit down; the full brunch offering is equally tempting. Whether it’s the hearty Motcombs Breakfast (which elevates the classic English with thoughtful touches like confit tomatoes) or the butter French toast – topped with plum jam, custard, and pistachio – eating here is pure indulgence. And, of course, no brunch at Motcombs is complete without one of its signature Bloody Marys.
Where? 3 Circus Rd, London NW8 6NX
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