Teatime may get all the fanfare when it comes to British meals, but the weekend brunch tradition is just as British as a classic cream tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream. (And guess what? You’ll often find those served at brunch in the UK.)

The concept of brunch actually originated in Britain, when a chap by the name of Guy Beringer came up with the (frankly brilliant) concept after a particularly over-indulgent Saturday night of carousing about town. Beringer was so thoroughly convinced of the value of his hangover-induced idea that he penned an essay in 1895 entitled “Brunch: A Plea,” wherein he advocated for the allowance of a late-morning meal following a late night of unhinged cavorting.

The rest is history — it didn’t take long for the idea of brunch to catch on among the upper echelons of British society. Beringer would have been pleased as punch to see how his ah-ha moment has become all the rage, especially in London (although the jury’s still out on what he might have thought about the now-ubiquitous avocado toast or fried chicken occasionally served).

Where Can You Find the Best Brunch in London?

You don’t have to be nursing a hangover to wake up late on the weekend and tuck into a spread replete with treats, like brioche French toast, ricotta pancakes, buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and eggs Benedict. As long as you’re a fan of the hybrid meal and plan on visiting London on a weekend, you’re in luck — London is chock-full of places to enjoy a delicious brunch, whether you go for fried eggs, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or baked eggs.

Even if you don’t roll out of bed on time, you still have options. Just hop on a signature City Cruises Lunch or Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames — you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine with stunning views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Tower of London.

From chic cafés and bistros to top hotel restaurants, these six iconic spots have the best brunches in London.

1 Balthazar – Covent Garden.
The Balthazar in London’s chic Covent Garden neighborhood has a smart interior, with the same antique-mirrored walls and red-leather booths found in the New York location. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy brunch with a French twist, and there’s no need to fret about missing the window — the brunch menu is offered until 4:00pm.

The famous full English breakfast is a real treat, as are the mixed-berry pancakes and the classic steak and eggs with pommes frites. You’ll also find French brasserie staples, such as seafood platters, French onion soup, escargots, and moules frites here. Bon appétit!

2 Decimo – Kings Cross
Located on the tenth floor of the chic Standard Hotel in Kings Cross, Decimo offers a Saturday brunch from 12:00pm to 4:30pm, featuring live music and a food menu created by Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias.

If you’re a lover of Spanish and Mexican cuisine, this is the brunch spot for you. The menu here offers a bevy of small, tapas-style plates to be shared (or not!), such as a variety of tacos, marinated red peppers, and a killer Spanish tortilla, all of which can be washed down with a delicious margarita or two.

3 Sunday in Brooklyn – Notting Hill
If you’re craving some American brunch classics, such as steak and eggs, avocado toast, and smoked-salmon brioche, head over to Sunday in Brooklyn, in London’s well-heeled Notting Hill neighborhood.

Although it hasn’t been around long enough to warrant being called iconic (it opened its doors in August 2021), we can say that it’s achieved something like iconic status in record time. The brainchild of the team behind the favorite Williamsburg haunt of the same name, Sunday in Brooklyn is a delight.

Its airy interior is flooded with light shining through the abundant, large windows —something to take into account if you’re actually nursing a hangover — and its brunch menu is crammed with delicious dishes, such as the Don Ruben omelet, featuring roasted mushrooms, feta, and mole sauce.

4 Wild by Tart – Belgravia
Pop ’round to Wild by Tart for some seriously good, seriously sustainable farm-to-table brunch fare in a laid back, classy atmosphere with a Scandinavian-design bent.

The brunch menu has vegan and gluten-free diners covered with a number of excellent options, including a delicious plate of tomatoes, melons, and chimichurri, with almond-and-pistachio dukkah (seasonally available, of course). Carnivores will appreciate their delicious, slow-braised meat offerings paired with unexpected sauces, herbs and spices.

5 Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings – Clerkenwell
Between the cheery, tropical-garden-party atmosphere, the stellar menu, and the bottomless brunch option, Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings is an instant mood-lifter. (If you dig spicy Bloody Marys or Bellinis, this place is definitely your speed.)

You won’t want to miss the excellent eggs Benedict with ham hock, and you can’t go wrong with the classic full English breakfast either.

6 The Wolseley – Green Park
Although this Mayfair restaurant doesn’t actually offer a brunch menu per se, we couldn’t help but include the Wolseley in our top places to brunch in London…even if you can only do so via a breakfast menu until 11:30 am.

The food at this smart restaurant is nothing short of pure heaven — with its elegant atmosphere and suited service, you’d be hard put to find a classier setting for indulging in an elaborate weekend brunch. (Die-hard Instagrammers, beware: The place is absolutely stunning with its black, gold, and cream interior and impeccable table settings, but photographs are strictly forbidden.)

And a word to the wise: If you plan on heading to the Wolseley for brunch (or really any meal, to be frank), be sure and book your table well in advance. This is one of the most popular restaurants in town.

London Brunch with a View

There’s something quintessentially London about enjoying brunch with a view that sweeps across the city’s historic skyline. In a city that never stops evolving, finding that perfect spot for brunch can transform a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. Among the myriad options for dining with a panorama, few can match the allure of a meal on the River Thames itself. City Cruises elevates the brunch experience quite literally by inviting guests to dine upon the gentle waters of the Thames. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or tea as iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye glide past. This unique dining experience combines the pleasure of exquisite food with the beauty of London’s architectural marvels, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors seeking brunch with a view like no other. 

Bottomless Brunch in London

For those who believe brunch is not just a meal but an event, London’s bottomless brunch scene is where indulgence meets variety. The concept of bottomless brunch has taken the city by storm, offering unlimited servings of drinks — be it prosecco, mimosas, or bespoke cocktails — alongside delectable brunch dishes. This trend caters to a range of tastes, from traditional English breakfasts to global cuisines, ensuring there’s something for every palate. 

London’s culinary landscape boasts an array of venues that specialize in bottomless brunch, from chic rooftop terraces in Shoreditch to cosy bistros in Notting Hill. These establishments not only offer unlimited refreshments but also often feature live music, DJ sets, or themed brunches, adding a layer of entertainment to the dining experience. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, catch up with friends, or simply kick-start your weekend in style. 

Whether you’re floating along the Thames with City Cruises, enjoying a leisurely meal with a view, or diving into the lively atmosphere of a bottomless brunch, London’s brunch scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Each experience offers a unique way to enjoy the capital’s culinary delights, paired with the unmatched backdrop of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. 

FAQs – Brunch in London

What time is brunch typically served in London?

In London, brunch is usually served between 10 am and 4 pm on weekends, though the timings can vary from one establishment to another.

Do I need to make a reservation for brunch?

While walk-ins are welcome at many establishments, it’s advisable to make a reservation, especially for popular brunch spots or during weekends to ensure you get a table.

What type of cuisine can I expect for brunch in London?

London’s diverse culinary scene means you can find a variety of brunch options, from traditional English breakfasts to international cuisines like American, Mediterranean, and Asian-inspired brunches.

Are vegetarian and vegan brunch options available?

Yes, many London restaurants and cafés offer vegetarian and vegan brunch options, reflecting the city’s diverse dietary preferences.

Can I expect bottomless brunch options in London?

Many establishments in London offer bottomless brunch options where you can enjoy unlimited drinks, usually Prosecco, mimosas, or bloody marys, for a set period.

What’s the average cost of brunch in London?

The cost of brunch can vary widely based on the location, offerings, and whether drinks are included. On average, you might spend anywhere from £20 to £100 per person, with some upscale venues charging more.

Are there kid-friendly brunch spots in London?

Yes, many brunch places in London are family-friendly and may even offer a separate menu for kids.

Do some places offer weekday brunch?

While brunch is traditionally a weekend affair, some establishments in London do offer brunch options during the weekdays, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Is outdoor seating available for brunch in London?

Yes, several brunch spots offer outdoor seating, especially in areas like Covent Garden and along the South Bank, weather permitting.

Can I find brunch with a view in London in 2024?

Absolutely, there are restaurants offering brunch with stunning views of the Thames, the London Eye, and other iconic landmarks.

Are there any unique brunch themes in London?

London hosts a variety of themed brunches, from jazz and disco to specific cuisine-focused events, providing unique dining experiences.

Do London brunch places cater to large groups?

Many places are accommodating to large groups, but it’s best to book in advance to ensure adequate seating is available.

Original Post Date: December 12, 2022