Top Restaurants in London for a Memorable Brunch Experience

When it comes to brunch, London’s got a real thing going. Whether you’re after smashed avo in Soho or a classic Full English in Camden, the city covers every craving, vibe, and price point. Forget boring cereal—weekends here mean catching up with friends over fluffy pancakes or running into the queue at that place everyone’s raving about on Instagram.

Here’s where it gets interesting: brunch in London isn’t just a meal; it’s part of the culture. From proper greasy spoons to rooftop bistros with skyline views, the options fit your mood and your budget. Ever tried a bottomless brunch? Some of London’s boldest spots serve up unlimited prosecco or creative cocktails with your eggs benedict—just make sure you book ahead, these places get packed out fast.

If you’re new to London or always stick to your local café, now’s the time to branch out. Each neighbourhood’s got its own twist. Brixton mixes Caribbean flavours into classic plates, while Marylebone’s big on French bakeries. And don’t sleep on Hackney for vegan and gluten-free brunches that are genuinely worth your Saturday morning.

• Why London Loves Brunch
• Iconic Brunch Spots You Can’t Miss
• Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
• Best Brunches for Every Budget
• Local Tips for Nailing Your Brunch Plans
• Trends and What’s Next for London Brunch

Why London Loves Brunch

You don’t really get the full London weekend without squeezing in a brunch—everyone does it for a reason. Cafés and restaurants have seen a surge in demand for mid-morning meals, especially over the past decade. According to a 2024 report by OpenTable, bookings for brunch in London have gone up by more than 50% since 2019. It’s a serious trend, not just a fad.

Part of the appeal is how flexible it is. Brunch fits those who want a slow start after a late Friday, families who want a treat after sports practice in Hyde Park, and professionals who want a nicer catch-up spot than a crowded pub. Londoners have really made the most of that tradition, with neighbourhood haunts and Michelin-starred kitchens dishing out everything from Turkish eggs to proper fry-ups.

One thing that sets London’s brunch apart is diversity. There are classic spots serving London brunch staples like eggs royale, but also everything from vegan feasts in Hackney to Asian-inspired pancakes in Chinatown. And it’s not just about the food—bottomless drink deals, DJs spinning house tracks, and themed brunch events keep the city buzzing.

• Brunch bookings peak at 11am to 1pm on weekends. If you want that corner table, book early!
• Brixton’s markets and Shoreditch pop-ups have injected fresh ideas—expect fusions and wild menus to set you up for the day.
• Prices range from £8 for a quick bacon sarnie at a café to £55+ for bottomless options at upscale restaurants.

Brunch is more than just a meal here; it fits London’s social habits, love of food, and creative spirit. That’s why it’s not going anywhere.

Iconic Brunch Spots You Can’t Miss

When you ask locals about London brunch, you'll hear the same legendary names pop up again and again. These places aren’t just popular—they’re basically landmarks for anyone who takes breakfast seriously.

Start with The Wolseley in Piccadilly. This place looks fancy, but don’t let that scare you—everyone is welcome, and the eggs benedict tops most lists for good reason. Expect to see a line, but the buzz is worth it. Try a flat white and people-watch while you wait.

Down in Soho, Dishoom turns out its signature bacon naan rolls every morning. The vibe is part old Bombay café, part London cool, and the chai here gets a cult following. If you’re into Instagram, the food here always looks good on camera (and tastes even better in real life).

Heading east? Duck & Waffle stands out for one reason: 24/7 service and skyline views from the 40th floor. People rave about crispy duck with waffles and a fried egg, even at 8am. And if you’re out late, they do brunch until the early hours, which is rare in the city.

If you’re around Notting Hill, Granger & Co. is a go-to for ricotta hotcakes and sweetcorn fritters. The sunny yellow interiors match the upbeat Australian vibe, and weekend crowds always spill out the door. Arrive early or be ready to queue—it’s that good.

Check out this quick look at what makes each spot stand out:

Tip: Avoid peak times if you hate long waits—before 10am or after 2pm seems to be the sweet spot in most places. Some even open a waitlist on apps like WalkUp, so check ahead if you’re after a lazy Saturday or Sunday meal without the fuss.

London’s best-known brunch restaurants offer something for everyone: big views, classic plates, or a slice of food history. They’re popular for a reason, so make your booking (or plan that early arrival), charge your phone for those food pics, and enjoy the hype firsthand.

Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path

Everyone’s heard about Dishoom and the queues outside The Breakfast Club, but London’s backstreets hide real brunch treasures. If you’re craving a change, it’s time to look beyond the obvious. These spots aren’t usually flooded with tourists, and regulars almost want to keep them secret. Here’s the heads-up so you don’t miss out.

London brunch places that fly under the radar often offer friendlier prices, creative menus, and a real local buzz. Cafe Beam in Crouch End, for example, whips up killer Mediterranean-style brunches and gets rave reviews from locals. You’ll spot Turkish eggs and homemade cakes alongside the usual suspects—plus, service that actually feels personal. For something different, head to The Table Café in Southwark. It’s not just about the legendary corn fritters; they run a "pay it forward" scheme to help people in need get a hot meal, so you end up supporting a good cause, too.

Over in Stoke Newington, The Good Egg cracks it with Middle Eastern plates—shakshuka, babka French toast, homemade jams. This place started as a market stall and grew big…but not too big. It still feels like a block hangout. Meanwhile, Balham’s Milk packs them in for inventive seasonal food (the Sweet Maria with corn fritters and halloumi is a regular shout), but you can usually avoid the Shoreditch-style queue if you get there before 10am on weekends.

If you’re in East London, check out Violet Bakery in Hackney. The cinnamon buns and buttermilk scones here are infamous—plus, it’s where Meghan Markle’s wedding cake came from. Small, cosy, not cheap, but a real treat. Or try Cafe Deco in Bloomsbury for a quieter vibe—proper homemade pastries and coffee that isn’t a rip-off.

Curious how these spots stack up? Here’s a quick stat breakdown based on local Google reviews (as of May 2025):

Here are a few pro tips for hunting down these hidden gems:

• Peek at their Insta stories on weekends—if tables are free, they’ll usually post.
• Go before 10am or after 2pm to dodge the main crowd.
• Check Google Maps for live busy-ness—it’s surprisingly accurate in London.
• Don’t be shy to ask the staff for off-menu specials. Places like these often mix it up with seasonal dishes.

These lesser-known spots show the real range of what’s out there in London. You’ll find better value, fewer queues, and a brunch experience that feels way more personal. Don’t just stick to the main drag—try something new, and you might just find your new regular.

Best Brunches for Every Budget

Brunch in London can eat up your wallet—or barely dent it. No matter what you’re working with, there’s a spot that delivers bang for your buck. From affordable greasy spoons to high-end restaurants with brunch waiting lists, the choices don’t stop.

If you’re looking to keep things cheap, head to Regency Café near Westminster. It’s that no-nonsense British spot from movies like Layer Cake. Their Full English, complete with tea, comes in under £8. It’s packed most mornings for a reason. For under-a-tenner vegan options, Cafe Van Gogh in Brixton gets a lot of love, and yes, their scrambled tofu is actually good.

In the mid-range, Dishoom’s brunch is a game changer. Expect Bombay-inspired dishes like bacon naan rolls or fiery Akuri. Prices are usually between £7–£12 for mains. If you’re feeling modern, Caravan in King’s Cross does solid brunch plates—think baked eggs and jalapeño cornbread—with mains in the £10–£17 range. And hey, the space is huge, so you won’t be elbowing anyone for a table.

Now, if you want to splash out or celebrate, try Duck & Waffle in the City for sky-high views and clever twists (yes, the signature duck and waffle dish is as good as they say). Expect mains around £20–£25 and a questionably healthy dessert menu. The Wolseley in Mayfair is another classic—think smoked salmon and elegant French toast, white tablecloths, and people-watching galore. Not cheap, but this is where business types and celebs turn brunch into an event.

• Under £10: Regency Café (Westminster), Cafe Van Gogh (Brixton)
• £10–£17: Dishoom (Covent Garden, Shoreditch, Kensington), Caravan (King’s Cross, Exmouth Market)
• £18+: Duck & Waffle (Liverpool St), The Wolseley (Mayfair)

A lot of places offer brunch deals or set menus, especially midweek. Oddly, weekdays are often quieter, so if you’re able to, try for a Friday brunch for less fuss.

Here’s the trick for landing a table at the best London brunch spots: book at least a week ahead if you want popular places like Duck & Waffle or The Wolseley, especially on Sundays. Walk-ins work at most cafés, but if you hate waiting outside in London drizzle, it’s worth planning ahead.

Local Tips for Nailing Your Brunch Plans

If you want your London brunch to go off without a hitch, there’s more to it than just picking a nice spot. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend ritual—without queuing outside in the drizzle or ending up disappointed by a sold-out menu item.

• Book ahead—seriously. Top brunch spots in places like Notting Hill and Shoreditch fill up fast, especially after 11am on weekends. Sites like OpenTable and Resy are popular for last-minute bookings, but the best places can be fully reserved a week in advance.
• Go early or go late. If you turn up between 10am and 11am, be ready for queues. Try a 9am start if you want a quieter vibe, or aim for 2pm—some places even keep the brunch menu going until 4pm.
• Check the menu before you go. London spots love to change things up seasonally. Look out for limited-run specials or ‘secret menu’ items promoted on Instagram.
• Don’t forget dietary stuff. Loads of London restaurants are big on vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options—but not all. Drop them a message on socials or check their website if you have allergies or strong preferences.
• Watch out for bottomless rules. If you’re after bottomless brunch, read the small print. Some places cap the time at 90 minutes, others will ask everyone at the table to take part, and a lot of them switch up what “bottomless” actually covers (sometimes it’s only one kind of drink).
• Know your local transport. Weekend tube works or road closures can mess up your plans. Check TfL’s status updates on Saturday mornings, especially if you’re crossing town.

Curious about when Londoners usually brunch—and how much it’ll set you back? Check this out:

The best bit? Loads of local gems do weekday brunches too, which means way smaller crowds. Some spots even offer discounts during the week. Keep an eye on restaurant socials—they’re where you’ll usually spot flash deals or last-minute openings. Stay flexible, and you’ll unlock some of the best tables in town without much fuss.

Trends and What’s Next for London Brunch

Brunch isn’t just a phase in London—it’s still booming, and the city keeps switching things up every year. If you walk down Broadway Market or check Instagram on a Saturday, it’s obvious that the London brunch scene is far from stale. New spots are popping up in places like Peckham and Walthamstow, and the menu ideas keep getting wilder.

This year, a lot’s changed. Plant-based options are showing up everywhere, and vegan brunch has gone way past the odd avocado toast. Places like Farmacy in Notting Hill have put healthy, colourful bowls front and centre—think jackfruit benedict and beetroot lattes. Even solid pubs like The Spread Eagle are pushing ‘zero waste’ menus and eco-friendly packaging.

Drinks are part of the evolution, too. Bottomless brunch is massive, but now it’s not just prosecco. Fancy trying kombucha spritz or cold-press juice cocktails? Plenty of London hangouts offer alcohol-free pairings, especially in spots catering to the health crowd. And don’t forget specialty coffee—roasteries like Ozone and Caravan have set the new standard for what goes in your cup.

• Bookings are now the norm for busy weekends. Some popular places, such as Dishoom (Covent Garden and Shoreditch), can have weekend waits of up to an hour if you don’t plan.
• Grab & go brunch kits are trending—ideal for a picnic in Hyde Park or a day at the office. Ottolenghi and Gail’s Bakery have launched easy pickup options.
• Brunch events are picking up speed: gospel choirs at The Piano Works, drag brunches in Soho, and cuisine themes from Thai street food to Mexican mornings. Londoners crave entertainment with their eggs.

If you’re wondering what’s next, data points to continued growth. In 2024, brunch bookings jumped by 24% in central London compared to the previous year. Spots offering unique experiences (think live music or hands-on cooking stations) are seeing the fastest growth. You can check recent numbers here:

The bottom line? London’s brunch wave keeps rolling, and if you want a spot at the latest place, a quick online booking or early start is your best bet. Watch for more themed menus, eco-friendly ideas, and multi-sensory events popping up by 2026. If you haven’t stepped out of your brunch comfort zone yet, now’s the time—because it’s only getting more interesting (and delicious).