As the days get warmer in the city, Londoners are itching to spend every second outdoors. Meetings become walks (nay, skips) through the park, lunches are picnics on the grass, and pub-goers spill out onto the street.
The best part of the warm weather, however, is undoubtedly breakfast and brunch. There’s not much better than spending your morning soaking up the sunlight and starting your day with a hit of Vitamin D. It’s (probably) proven to be an extremely beneficial way to start your day (again, probably). Warm mornings transform me in a way that I’m ready to light up the office, or become a ray of sunshine at my next food-related event (as opposed to permanently standing near wherever there’s food). All because I didn’t opt for eating baked beans on my sad kitchen table, a ritual which I will be resuming come autumn.
Don’t just eat toast with your head outside the window. These glorious London spots may as well have been created for socialising outdoors and sipping a flat white in the sunshine. Whether you’re looking for your next ‘Brunch Club’ venue, or just wanting to catch some rays in the earlier hours, here’s where you should be heading.
MOTHER
MOTHER’s pleasant canalside location is worth visiting in itself, offering a sanctuary within a busy city. However, the plant-based menu is what keeps people coming back, serving drool-worthy dishes like their Insta-famous acai bowl and vegan smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. We’ll have no nasties with a side of sunshine, please.
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Golborne Deli
Situated on the eclectic Golborne Road, Golborne Deli provides calm from the bustling shops and stalls. During the summer months, chairs and tables spill out onto the streets to offer the ideal group brunch destination for a weekend catch up, or a spot to read the papers and sip on a coffee. The large variety of breakfast options cater for all, from vegans to meat-lovers.
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Brunswick East
Run by two Australian sisters (from, would you guess, Brunswick East), this Dalston spot serves up breakfast that would rival those down under. The team make everything in-house or at their Hackney bakery, and their innovative menu features thick, doorstop chunks of freshly-baked sourdough and a ‘no-shit egg’ rule. Their large courtyard is the summer weekend brunch destination you didn’t know you needed.
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Vanilla Black Coffee & Books
Vanilla Black’s courtyard is the definition of a hidden gem. Surrounded by olive trees and lavender, the large courtyard isn’t visible to those just passing by on the street (and even not immediately noticeable when you’re inside), however the large outdoor seating area is somewhere you’ll want to tell your friends about, although not too many of them.
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26 Grains
Although 26 Grains is known for their creamy bowls of porridge, dishes designed for warmer days like bircher muesli and acai bowls are added to the seasonal menu. Away from the chaos of Soho, Neal’s Yard seems like a colourful oasis – one which will you’ll probably post an Instagram photo of. Grab a table outside or sit with a takeaway at the communal courtyard seating.
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The Towpath Cafe
The Towpath Cafe opens up in the summer, so visitors can watch the world move through the stunning setting of Regent’s Canal. Breakfast here is simple, made with a mix of quality ingredients and care, with items written on the cafe’s chalkboard daily. Be sure to watch out for bicycles as you walk through the towpath.