Food trends may come and go faster than you can eat a pizza, but brunch will always have a special place in our gastronomic hearts. From the best pancakes in town to views across London, here’s our pick of London’s best places to brunch.
34 Mayfair
This Mayfair institution from Richard Caring is exactly what you’d expect from the man behind the Caprice group – elegant and luxurious, with impeccable service (which you pay for). A large proportion of the brunch menu is dedicated to steak, naturally, but there are also waffles, pancakes and three takes on eggs benedict to choose from. If you’re indecisive, there are even a couple of options for sharing, including corn tacos with shrimp and lamb ribs.
34 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HD
Balthazar
This French Brasserie is one of the many fantastic foodie imports from New York. The Full English, £15.75, is well worth every penny. Alongside Gallic favourites like moules and steak frites, the weekend brunch menu boasts New York pancakes, omelettes, avocado on toast and even Cornish crab with scrambled egg. If you can’t decide, the owner always orders the Spaghetti with Lobster. Tip: Book in advance and ask for seats in their cosy red-leather banquettes.
6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ
Berners Tavern
A star in Jason Atherton’s portfolio, Berners Tavern in Fitzrovia is a dazzling display of paintings, photographs and ceilings that seem to go on for miles – and home to the famous ‘Bloody Mary Trolley’ (Saturdays only after 10am). The more substantial breakfast dishes are priced between £12 and £19, think full English and salmon and cream cheese bagels. In the mood for something sweet? The vanilla waffles, with a raspberry and strawberry salad, yoghurt and pistachios take some serious beating.
The London Edition Hotel, 10 Berners Street, W1T 3LF
The Delaunay
A staple of the Corbin & King empire occupying a great spot in the centre of the capital, The Delaunay is inspired by the grand cafes of central Europe. Weekend brunch is served between 11am and 5pm and includes a Viennese option of smoked ham, salami, gouda, a boiled egg and rye bread as well as tartares and buttermilk pancakes.
55 Aldwych, Holborn, London WC2B 4BB
Duck and Waffle
Duck and Waffle is a must if only for the amazing panoramic views, but the food is well-worth going up 40 floors for (via glass elevator, no less). Order their signature crispy duck confit served with waffle, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup, and if you’ve got the constitution for it, tuck into ‘The Full Elvis’ – PBJ (that’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the uninitiated), caramelised banana and Chantilly cream.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Granger & Co
Granger & Co now boasts four great locations across London, including King’s Cross, Notting Hill, Chelsea and Clerkenwell. Breakfast is served until 12pm, and the coffee is from Allpress. The big plates are a cornucopia of foodie delights, from green pea and dill fritters to nduja, xo and prawn fried rice with a poached egg. They don’t take reservations so be prepared to wait.
175 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SB
Jackson & Rye
Jackson & Rye is another great brasserie option serving up French classics with an American twist with locations in City and Richmond. If you can only order one thing here, it has to be the buttermilk pancakes with bacon and maple. At the Richmond branch there are three great avocado options – florentine, benefit and royale.
Hotham House, 1 Heron Square, Richmond TW9 1EJ
The Modern Pantry
The Modern Pantry occupies a beautiful light-filled townhouse in Clerkenwell. The menu is delightfully varied – perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to satisfy the tastes of a large group of friends or family. We’re always tempted by the raspberry and ricotta pancakes, but it’s also hard to resist the eggs on toast with a side of grilled chorizo, slow-roast tomatoes and plantain fritters. Yum.
47-48 St John’s Square, EC1V 4JJ
The Riding House Café
An all-day brasserie just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, Riding House Café is rarely quiet. Our standard orders here are chorizo hash brown, buttermilk pancakes and the Green juice. The lounge area is great for casual meetings, pre-dinner drinks and people watching.
43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ
The Wolseley
Just next door to the Ritz Hotel, the Wolseley is a grand affair. It can get touristy at weekends, so if you can we’d recommend sampling it early doors during the working week. The classic French Toast is always a winner but we’ve also got a soft spot for their Kedgeree. When making a reservation, ask for a table on the balcony – the best seats in the house.
160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
