Top 5 Places for Brunch in London

London’s brunch scene has been thriving in recent years. When it comes to things to do in the city on the weekend, finding the best brunch sport is just as popular as the nation’s favourite feast, the Sunday roast. But let’s talk brunch now. 

• Yolk

Yolk is a pop up restaurant serving fine fast food with a passion for simple food, done well. Bored of bland staples and flavorless chains, a takeaway that doesn’t compromise on excitement was created. The next level sandwiches, perfectly-poached egg pots, specialty coffee and more, can be found in North, East London, and now in Soho. For the best brunch experience, their classic Eggs Benedict is a winner, with pulled ham hock, brown butter hollandaise and perfectly-poached Burford Brown eggs. If you are on the healthier side, try their avocado-laden Poached Rancheros. For the ones who want to indulge in something sweet on a Sunday, their Spiced Buttermilk Waffle with maple mascarpone and berry compote is a must try. 

• The Good Egg

The Good Egg is an all-day cafe, with menus inspired by the flavours of the Middle East with nods to the cuisine of Tel Aviv’s street food stalls, the classic Jewish delis, grand old cafes, bakeries of New York and Montreal. Think of sabihs, shakshukas, za’atar fried chicken, babka french toasts and many more. The cafe is most known for its Jerusalem-style sharing plates, and has now landed in Kingly Court. Also, the famous daily-changing babka and the Eastern European still-warm brioche-like-bread with pistachios and dates won’t disappoint. Inspired by the owner’s travels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as well as California and Montreal, the brunch menu also offers deep-fried halloumi cooked with honey and thyme, marinated aubergine with tahini and pine nuts, and house labneh with preserved lemon and pumpkin seeds. Granola is also served with a thick labneh and sticky dates. The new central location is so cosy and you should definitely add it on your bucket list. 

• Abuelo

Once you step into Abuelo, you completely forget you’re in the middle of the tourist hub Covent Garden. It is a coffee house and kitchen serving a South American-Aussie fusion of light, fresh, produce-led meals, inspired by the Australian mother-daughter team who own the place and their family’s Argentinian heritage. The interior creates a relaxing and warm space to take a break from the hustle of city life. The wood-filled space is occupied by a long family-style table and countertops full of fresh cakes giving the vibe of a laid back, cool spot you’d expect to find in the middle of Covent Garden. Although the interiors are primarily earthy browns and greens, the plates at Abuelo arrive with a rainbow of edible petals and herbs and are almost too pretty to eat. Their best dish to order at brunch is the huevos divorciados de turco, which is a spicy version of baked eggs with labneh, salsa roja and chimichurri, served alongside a generous portion of crispy sourdough for mopping up the juice. For the classic lovers, there is avocado on toast and a barbecue croque monsieur stuffed with slow-cooked pulled pork and caramelised onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, the vegan green smoothie is a delicately sweet and creamy blend of spinach, banana, dates and almond milk. It’s a popular place and they don’t take bookings so it’s suggested you turn up early to avoid disappointments. 

• Lantana 

Lantana has been going strong in Fitzrovia since 2008 and it was awarded as Time Out’s best new cafe in London. From the beginning, Lantana has welcomed loyal regulars by becoming the must spot for visitors from abroad who are in need of a good coffee or a brunch in the cosy and vibrant area of Fitzrovia. It has now branched out to Old Street and London Bridge, offering its fresco tables and cosy seating indoors. The menu showcases tastes and flavours from Australia’s multicultural cuisines: the famous Aussie brunches, fresh and healthy lunches, indulgent afternoon tea treats and house blend Lantana Coffee. At Lantana, there are multiple options for everyone’s tastes and diet preference from vegetarian, plant-based, meat and fish. Dishes such as courgette and kale bread with halloumi, poached egg to bubble ‘n’ squeak with caramelised onion and pork sausage; duck hash; Buddha bowls; and Maple French toast can be found on the weekend brunch menu. 

Sunday in Brooklyn

Londoners have been expecting the opening of Sunday in Brooklyn which is the 1st international restaurant from the team behind one of New York’s buzziest brunch spots. Notting Hill site is always jam-packed since its opening in August 2021. The restaurant is known for its innovative spin on the American staples, playful cocktails, an amazing brunch menu for the all-American feast, and warm hospitality. All American classics can be found on the brunch menu such as steak and scrambled eggs, the Don Ruben omelette with mole sauce, goat cheese and roasted mushrooms, or the very American dish of biscuits and white sausage gravy served with poached eggs and hot sauce. A best seller is their much-hyped Sunday pancakes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter. The cocktail menu also has a few surprises including a twist on a Bloody Mary – mezcal, tomato, horseradish, sambal, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, lemon and bay salt.