Over at Breakfast London HQ, we get a lot of messages asking us where to go for breakfast in London. I mean, it’s kind-of-exactly-the-whole-reason why we made the website (so people can enter in their postcodes and what exactly they’re after), but, to be honest, we love a bit of a chit chat.
One of our most frequently asked questions is “Where should I go for a special occasion?” Although we do have a website function for that (we think ahead, don’t worry about it), we thought we’d get together our team’s favourite spots that make mornings a little more memorable. Whether it’s a birthday brunch, a celebratory occasion or you’re just trying to impress the in-laws, here are a few of the best in town.
Aqua Shard
A morning at Aqua Shard is not one you’re likely to forget. Sat on level 31 of The Shard, Aqua Shard serves up innovative contemporary British cuisine first thing in the morning, whilst boasting breath-taking views from the main dining room, private rooms and spectacular three-storey high atrium bar. Find them here.
The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
The Wolseley
There are a few breakfast destinations that really blow your socks off, and The Wolseley is one of them. Their breakfast dishes are insane (presentation, quality, taste – they know how to do mornings). Along with a crazy beautiful venue, you’ll get an approving nod when you tell people where you went for brekkie. Find them here.
160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB
Duck & Waffle
Everything about the Duck & Waffle feels shiny and glam, yet extremely cool. Open 24/7, you’ll be too busy eating waffles at 4am or drinking Bloody Mary’s into the day to really, really care about anything else. Because nothing else is as important as your decision to order the famous The Full Elvis or the famous Duck & Waffle (the answer is both, by the way). Find them here.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
We’re not sure if it’s the luxurious garden or the high-end clientele, but The Ivy Chelsea Garden is one of the most sought-after places to be and be seen in London (which naturally makes it fantastic for people watching). Prepare to feel instantly fabulous with your truffled scrambled eggs and a casual magnum of rosé. Find them here.
195 -197 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EQ
Christoper’s
Although brunch at Christopher’s is weekend only, they make up for it by providing three brunch menus. There’s the menu with the traditional American brunch dishes, a Superfood Brunch Menu for the health bunnies, and most importantly, their exclusive Build-You-Own Pancakes menu, for those who prefer to design their own masterpieces. Find them here.
18 Wellington St, London WC2E 7DD
Berners Tavern
Berners Tavern is one the sexiest, most sophisticated options of where to have breakfast. Launched by Jason Atherton, King of the sexy, sophisticated restaurants, Berners Tavern is tucked inside the London Edition Hotel. Here, your morning dishes are best paired with breakfast cocktails like the Cereal Killer and Dill or No Dill. Find them here.
10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP
The Riding House Cafe
There are a handful of places that you can recommend for every kind of occasion, and The Riding House Café makes the cut. Whether it’s a boozy brunch, breakfast date, business meeting or private birthday celebration you’re after, this modern all-day brasserie has you covered. For private events, the meeting room resembling stables may be one of the cutest in London. Find them here.
43-51 Great Titchfield St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7PQ
The Orange
On the beautiful Orange Square you might stumble across The Orange Public House & Hotel. Well, who would’ve thought? Once you’ve made your way through the wooden doors, you’ll find yourself inside a pub that dates all the way back to 1846. They’ve got a stellar daily breakfast menu with some cracking fresh juices (think kiwi, apple & mint) and a whopping focus on sustainability. Find them here.
37-39 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8NE
Beagle
You know the food standards at Beagle is high by just looking at their suppliers (think Neal’s Yard Dairy, Workshop Coffee, E5 Bakehouse). The triple threat restaurant/bar/coffee shop is tucked within three beautiful victorian railway arches, serving up some incredibly delicious breakfast and bottomless brunch on Saturdays. Find them here.
397-400 Geffrye St, London E2 8HZ
Chiltern Firehouse
The Chiltern Firehouse is a bit like the Regina George of the brunch world. From the moment the impeccably dressed doorman opens your car door, you step out with a purpose, strutting through the garden and into a world of glitz and glamour. Surrounded by a high-end crowd and thick buttermilk pancakes, there’s nothing like the smug location tag. Find them here.
1 Chiltern St, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA
Salon
‘Seasonal’ and ‘inventive’ are the two words that pop into our heads when you mention Salon’s food. Sat in Brixton, it’s so casual and effortlessly cool that you probably won’t know how to handle it, but try. Their super tasty weekend brunch is where it’s at; experience their take on a few lesser-known classics, plus their ever-changing specials. Find them here.
18 Market Row, Brixton, London SW9 8LD
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
B&H Building’s 70-cover restaurant and greenhouse, a relaxed café area and characterful private rooms are the ideal places to spend special mornings (especially that greenhouse – those hanging plants and mismatched floral chairs are just screaming to be put on your Instagram). Their brunch is weekend only, so make the most of it by making it bottomless! Find them here.
42 Northampton Rd, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 0HU