If there's one thing London does well, it's brunch. We brunch hard. Come Sunday around noon, the city's cafes are heaving with hungover citizens looking for their fix of eggs and bacon, and boy do they provide. I could dedicate an entire blog to the many different brunch options London has to offer, but (whilst that's actually a great website idea), I'll keep it short and sweet with a roundup of some of my current favourites, from the most inventive menus and vegan-friendly options, to the best spots for the gram.
The Good Egg, Kingly Court
Soho spot The Good Egg's USP is Jewish brunches. Slightly unusual, one might think - if you're a Jewish food novice like myself you may well be stuck to think past bagels, but it turns out Jewish brunch has quite a bit to recommend itself. The Good Egg has become a major player in the London brunch, and is well deserving of the lengthy queues it amasses with an eclectic menu of warming, cosy brunch staples reminiscent of Tel Aviv mornings (Okay I've never been, I'm just guessing...).
Don't go expected to order your usual avocado in toast - instead prepare for plenty of labneh, feta and aubergine (and yes, they do bagels). My personal recommendations are the Shakshuka, bursting with flavour and with the options of additional halloumi and merguez sausage (get both), and the Shawarma Hash, an epic pile of mutton shawarma with crispy potatoes and peppers topped with a fried egg.
It's delicious, and Instagrammable, with an aesthetic pink and green decor scheme. Overall, completely worth the hype. Really, what are you waiting for?
Zuaya, Kensington
Stepping into Zuaya is a bit like stepping into the Amazon Jungle, were said jungle transplanted into a hip Kensington restaurant. The new West London hostpot has fast become the place to be seen, frequented by models and TV personalities (including the occasional Love Island star...). The menu further cements the tropical theme, with a Latin American flair taking inspiration from Peruvian and Mexican cuisine.
I visited one quiet Sunday morning to try their new brunch menu. It started off strong with a complimentary glass of champagne - and easy way to my heart. The menu itself was not quite the fusion I has expected, instead featuring a selection of stalwart brunch classics split into bowls (acaii, porridge etc), eggs, and toasts. I chose the Zuaya Benedict - essentially Eggs Royale - whilst my guest went for the buffalo mozzarella toast, plus the carrot pancakes to share for dessert (yes, you can have dessert at brunch time, no judgement please). The dishes are incredibly affordable given the location, ranging from £3.25 to £7.90, although they are fairly compact - three dishes between two was about the right amount.
Our food arrived beautifully decorated with edible flowers, looking like miniature artworks (perfect for the Instagram crowd). I was impressed by the delicacy not only of the display, but also of the flavours. The ingredients were high quality and tasted perfectly fresh. I judge my brunches largely on the quality of the poached eggs and these were just right, voluptuous (yes, eggs can be voluptuous!), not too watery, and full of gooey yolk. But surprisingly, the carrot pancakes were the star, sweet and decadent without being overpowering - definitely a must order!
This West London spot is definitely worth the journey for their innovative take on brunch classics, and who knows? You might just spot someone famous lurking under sunglasses in a corner...
Farm Girl, Notting Hill
The Australian brunch scene in London is booming, and Farm Girl is one chain at the forefront, with locations in Instagram-friendly Notting Hill, Chelsea, and Soho. A healthy alternative to some of the city's carb-laden affairs, the menu comprises locally sourced high quality ingredients with a focus on vegetarian and vegan options.
I've visited the Notting Hill branch a couple of times when shooting in the area (the outside pink tables are an Instagram mainstay, and it's often busy with influencers and those that follow them). Everything is beautifully presented from the interior to the food - try the delicious Berry Pancakes or their hefty serving of Avocado toast, and make sure to order a coloured latte for the gram!
Feya Cafe, Marylebone
Another great London cafe where you can improve your Instagram game, Feya Cafe is a lovely little spot tucked off Oxford Street with a vegan and gluten-free friendly menu full of brunch staples. The decor is a feminine dream, with pastel pink couches, marble tabletops, and floral ceiling decor. With a menu designed by Finnish food blogger Viripi Mikkonen, the food is almost too beautiful to eat (and definitely too beautiful not to get some snaps of!), with pancakes garnished with edible flowers and avocado toast arranged artfully to form a rose. In keeping with the colourful food theme, they also serve pastel lattes and a delicious selection of smoothies. Luckily, it's all just as tasty as it looks artistic!
Scarlett Green, Soho
Another chain rooted in Australian brunch culture that is making waves in London is the Daisy Green Collection, compromising of several cafes and restaurants around the capital. I recently visited the one of newest members of the Green family, Scarlett Green in Soho, for a spot of brunch, and it did not disappoint.
Set over two floors, it's a chic venue with a cool ambience, from the large scale artworks adorning the walls to the assortment of greenery dotted around the space. But you're really there for the menu, featuring every good brunch dish from Shakshuka to French Toast, and lots more in between. It's hard to pick one thing (trust me, I struggled), but I went for their Smoked Salmon Royale on rye with avocado. The dishes are not cheap (this was £12.70), but the portions are plentiful and well done, setting you up for the day nicely.
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Recommended Reading: 5 London Brunch Spots to Visit
Oh wow these look like such stunning places
Candice | NatalyaAmour.com