An important titbit to know, because, save for smashed avo on toast or an acai bowl, poached eggs is surely the most loved breakfast order out there. There is nothing better than cutting through that hardened eggy crust to find a runny yolk spilling out onto a hunk of toast, into a bowl of Shakshuka or wedged into a crisped pita bread.
Find out where our tried and tested hotspots are for the best poached eggs in London – whether you’re in search of hangover food, a quiet spot for a breakfast meeting or somewhere to park your behind for an extended Saturday brunch with the gals.
Babylon 76 – 78: Raynes Park
They serve the usual Eggs Benedict / Royale / Make your own Poached Eggs combo – but ignore these tried and tested favourites and go for the Turkish Eggs bowl – a serving of poached eggs with soured yogurt, zingy chilli butter and a sesame bagel toasted to perfection, for dipping.
Dean Street Townhouse: Soho
This rather fancy brasserie is an excellent option for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or to while away the hours with laptop in hand while nursing a tea and scone. If you’re there for the poached eggs, their Benedict is also of the fancy variety – featuring Burford Brown eggs (which is super vibrant and extra tasty).
The Wolseley: Piccadilly
Find yourself among the fashion set in this gorgeous venue that’s all high ceilings and gold grandeur. Their breakfast menu is priced as such, with bills coming in on the higher end of the scale. No matter. Choose poached eggs for the standard English Breakfast, complete with sausages, black pudding and beans OR choose one of their speciality dishes of poached eggs on a fishcake with the usual hollandaise sauce lavishly drizzled over.
Granger & Co: King’s Cross
If you can stand the queuing that is a near-constant reality at this beloved Australian mini-chain, then make sure to try Granger & Co for their eggs (in any form). Bill Granger’s ricotta hotcakes are a showstopper, and you can ask for a side of poached eggs to make it extra indulgent. Otherwise, if you’re traditional when it comes to poachies, opt for their eggs on rye toast with smashed avo, lemon and coriander.
Daylesford: Notting Hill
Organic and fresh are taken very seriously at Daylesford. So you must know that your poached eggs at this farm shop turned café will be served (pretty much) farm to table, and made with lots of love. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere while you nibble on a classic Eggs Benedict with outdoor-reared Gloucester ham and gluten-free toast.
Alto: Selfridges
Set on the rooftop of this much-loved department store, away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street – all produce on this menu, which is mainly seasonal, comes straight from some of the top Italian producers. The menu is classic Italian, but if you come for breakfast, you can indulge in all the usual brunch options like Eggs Benedict, bacon baps, avo on toast, yogurt bowls and oats. The poached eggs are perfectly done, smothered in Hollandaise and wedged atop a leafy bundle of greenery.
Duck & Waffle: Aldgate
It’s the highest restaurant in the UK, overseen by award-winning Chef Dan Doherty, and features the best slow cooked Ox Cheek Benedict with organic hen’s eggs (poached), hollandaise and Sriracha. Enough said.