Full English breakfast or fully loaded waffles? Bellinis or Bloody Marys? We’ve got you covered in our guide to the best brunch spots in London.
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Best views: duck and waffles
Direction
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3640 7310
Web
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Between Liverpool Street and the skyscraper affectionately known as Gherkin, Duck & Waffle is a brunch spot that offers a spectacular view and delicious food. Take the glass elevator up to the 40th floor and take a seat on one of the leather stools or at a table by the wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows. Go on an empty stomach if you’re looking to try the signature dish (stacked waffles with crispy duck leg confit served with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup) or the Full Elvis, a peanut butter and jelly waffle served with banana brûlée and whipped cream.
Brunch is served from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant is open 24/7.
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Best Fancy Brunch: The Wolseley
Direction
160 Piccadilly , London W1J 9EB , United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7499 6996
Web
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With a prime address on Piccadilly, the Wolseley occupies a 1920s former bank and luxury car showroom. Its black and cream color scheme, marble floors, and towering pillars evoke a grand Viennese café and set the stage for a decadent brunch. Dine on site-made pastries and classic breakfasts like Eggs Benedict and French toast, or if you’re particularly pleased with the caviar omelette and a Wolseley Imperial, a long espresso with cognac.
Breakfast / lunch is served seven days a week (Monday through Friday from 7 to 11:30 am; Saturday and Sunday from 8 to 11:30 am)
03
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Best Outdoor Brunch: The Lido Cafe
Direction
Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA, UKGet directions
Web
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Overlooking Brockwell Lido, an Art Deco outdoor pool on Herne Hill, South London, the Lido Cafe is the perfect spot for an after-swim brunch. The light-flooded space is decorated with colorful pompoms and the covered seating area is dotted with palm trees and umbrellas. The brunch menu is available all day on weekends and the line offers a full English breakfast, lighter egg dishes, and Bloody Marys at reasonable prices.
Brunch is served all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
04
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Best budget brunch: the regency
Direction
18-21 Queensbury Station Parade , Edgware HA8 5NR , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 8952 6300
Web
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Since opening in 1946, this Art Deco-style café in Westminster has starred in several British films, including Layer Cake and Brighton Rock. The easy-to-buy Full English Breakfast is priced at just £ 5.50 including a tea or coffee and will set you up for a full day of exploring. It’s a simple place and you may have to queue to secure a table, but you won’t find many cafes in central London as cheap and cheerful as this one.
Breakfast / lunch is served all day Monday through Friday; 7 am to 12 pm on Saturday.
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Best Drunk Brunch: Hollingsworth Buildings
Direction
42 Northampton Rd, London EC1R 0HU, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3174 1156
Web
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Tucked behind the Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell, Bourne & Hollingsworth is a hot spot for a social brunch. Dotted with palm trees, hanging baskets, garden furniture, and colorful prints, it’s light, bright, and breezy, serving distinctly British fare (scones with clotted cream, poached eggs on English muffins, kedgeree). Pair it with a bottomless bellini or a Bloody Mary and pretend you’re at an urban garden party.
Brunch is served from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
06
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Best for Families: Hixter Bankside
Direction
16 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0HS, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7921 9508
Web
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In a former metal box factory near Tate Modern and Borough Market, Hixter Bankside is run by top British chef Mark Hix. With its industrial interiors and modern artwork from the likes of Tracey Emin, it may not seem like an obvious choice for the family, but groups flock to take advantage of the kids eating free. All children 10 and under can enjoy a free main meal from a special menu between 12 noon and 6 pm each day when dining with an adult. For the grown-ups, there are bottomless cocktail specials every Saturday, and brunch options range from savory sandwiches to smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.
Brunch is served from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Best Meatball Brunch: Laundry
Direction
107 Upper St, London N1 1QN, United KingdomGet directions
This little cafe in Islington, North London, is outfitted like a Chinese family home with retro wallpaper, mismatched tables, and trinkets. The brunch menu is based on North Chinese comfort food and is just as eclectic. Highlights include bacon garlic sauteed meatballs, cong bing (crispy scallion pancakes), and sweet tofu curd drizzled with muscovado syrup.
Brunch is served from 10 am to 3 pm on Fridays and Saturdays; 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays. No reservations.
