We like to say that we often go out for breakfasts at the weekend but what we probably mean is that we go out for brunch. Which is actually a better option anyway as a bloody Mary is acceptable at brunch but not breakfast (well, for most). Some of us still find the concept of 'brunch' (and indeed the very word) a little bit pompous but hey, when in Rome and all that. And all that is definitely a good thing when there are such good places to visit in our fair town. These are some of our favourites.
St ALi
27 Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5RN
Just round the corner from the View London offices, this place not only does great coffee but some pretty good food too. The French toast with Capreolus West Dorset smoked bacon, organic maple syrup and caramelised walnuts is particularly good, especially when we head down for 'business brunches'... don't tell the boss.
Anna Hansen really knows her stuff and this place is a favourite of ours at any time. Their Sunday brunches are particularly good though, with the tea smoked salmon with poached eggs and yuzu hollondaise a great choice that showcases her flair for fusion. They do a great bloody Mary too.
Our rating
User rating
1 review
This Fergus Henderson (the king of nose to tail cooking) venture isn't the cheapest of venues but it is pretty darn amazing, if you can afford it. Baked tomatoes on toast is surprisingly tasty but if you fancy being bold, try the peas, pig head and Berswell omelette, for it be very good indeed.
If you happen to awake in Waterloo (as one is wont to do), head to this place. The full English is good value at under a tenner, and they do some great pastries. However the Waterloo pancake stack is the one to go for as it's sinfully good and will set you up for the rest of the day. Kind of.
Our rating
User rating
2 reviews
Excusing their annoying habit of pricing things with fractions, this is a brilliant place to go for brunch at the weekend. Their BLT is excellent, as is the fresh fruit salad with yoghurt and granola, both of which go very well with an SOS apple crumble - a boozy milkshake that makes you feel all woolly. Which is what brunches were invented for, apparently.
Our rating
User rating
3 reviews
This cool little place on Great Titchfield Street is a great spot for brunch, especially in the cosy and comfy dining room where you can tuck into - amongst other things - some very, very good buttermilk pancakes with vanilla clotted cream and maple syrup; they're every bit as good as they sound.
Our rating
User rating
7 reviews
The LUXE
Ground Floor, 109 Commercial Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6BG
John Torode's Commercial Street restaurant seems to always be busy, with shoppers from Spitalfields market and a fair few trendies making up the numbers. The brunch menu is pretty extensive but the the 'Luxe Big Breakfast' is the way to go, or something from the juice bar if you're feeling like a big plate of meat is just a little too much for your delicate little belly.
Our rating
User rating
10 reviews
Pavilion Cafe
Corner Old Ford Road, Victoria Park, London, E9 7DE
A favourite haunt of ours come summertime, even if it can be a nightmare trying to get a table. You've got all of Viccy Park to peruse if you go alfresco, and the portions are huge - which is certainly a good thing when the eggs Florentine are as good as they are here.
Colchis
39 Chepstow Place, Notting Hill, London, W2 4TS
If you fancy something a little different then we urge you to give this place a go. Stuck out in the very nice back streets of Notting Hill, Colchis dishes up a magnificent 'Full Georgian' (which isn't too far from our own) and possibly the most appetising table of pastries you have ever seen.
Gordon Ramsay's impressive restaurant at One New Change offers a brilliant brunch and lunch on a Sunday, all set to the soothing sounds of some very fine bands indeed. The Lazy Loaf Sunday has even got a Bloody Mary buffet, where you can create your very own hangover cure, should you need one. But if that doesn't work then the food definitely should - not least the downright marvellous ricotta hot cakes with banana and honeycomb butter.
Our rating
User rating
1 review