Exploring the vibrant streets of London may leave you too tired to wake up in time for breakfast the next day. So why not let yourself sleep in and grab some brunch instead? Sit down, treat yourself to a hearty meal and take in the atmosphere of alfresco dining. There’s just so much to see in this exciting city that strategically planning an early lunch wouldn’t be a bad idea. Do note that some eateries are temporarily closed due to Covid-19, although Britain is slowing easing its rules, so do check their websites for updates.
1. Percy & Founders, Pearson Square
Executive Chef Diego Cardoso is behind the a la carte brunch menu at this venue which used to be the site of an old hospital. The weekend means delights including pan-fried Cornish sea bass, smoked salmon royale and house granola with Greek yoghurt at the restaurant which uses local British produce whenever possible. Featuring various rooms, such as the Reading Room that’s flooded with natural light, one of them, the Dining Room, houses the original stone doorway from Fitzrovia Chapel.
2. Bourne & Hollingsworth
The creative lifestyle company’s focus is socialising, entertainment and drinks. So expect plenty of tasty brunch cocktails to go with your eggs benedict, full English breakfast and loaded scones from the a la carte menu. Bourne & Hollingsworth is known for its beautiful interiors with tons of greenery so it’s a great option when you want to impress and be impressed.
3. Coya
Peruvian restaurant Coya offers up a selection of ceviches and tacos or delights such as Salmon a la Brasa made with a salmon fillet, stir-fried quinoa, soy and green vegetables, however, the menu changes frequently according to the seasonal ingredients and produce available. Guests dine in the surroundings of colourful Latin American-inspired artwork, accompanied by live music and cool DJ sets at the Mayfair venue.
4. Corinthia
Escape the bustling embankment area for this classy haven tucked away behind the famous Trafalgar Square. Accompanied by the sounds of a live jazz band playing on the second level balcony, brunch in the Corinthia Hotel’s Northall Restaurant is a three-course affair which includes dishes such as treacle-cured trout, a Scotch beef with Yorkshire pudding, plus a selection of sorbets and gelato to finish.
5. Flesh & Buns
Diners are served a welcome Pisco sour upon arrival at its Oxford Circus branch and asked to select two or three small dishes to start before chowing down on one main and a dessert. Enjoy a free flow of Prosecco, Lager, red or white wine, along with the Asian fusion food choices which include Korean fried wings, miso grilled aubergine and smoked chilli beef hot stone rice. Flesh & Buns is dubbed the first restaurant in the city dedicated to “Japanese drinking food” so it’s best saved for brunch.
6. Bad Egg
Choose two dishes from the humble bottomless brunch menu and pick a drink from the selection of juices and alcoholic beverages. Guests enjoy the likes of falafel and smoked aubergine made with coconut rice, smokey aubergine compote, beetroot hummus and sumac soy yoghurt. With old skool hip-hop playing in the background, this brunch spot is laid back and cosy. Go on Saturday for a party vibe and Sundays with the family for a quieter experience.
7. Hotbox
For an a la carte brunch with soul, head to Hotbox where they serve up the likes of buttered chicken waffles and pork belly benedict in its atmospheric Market Hall Fulham setting. The suave ambience will more than likely get you to come back for a hearty dinner. The East London street food venue channels America‘s South with its barbecue-style dishes like the USDA beef short rib made with a pepper dry rub, pickled chillies and cucumbers as well as an impressive wine menu to pair.
8. The Good Egg
Middle Eastern nosh is what you can get in this casual eatery that loves its eggs, as evidenced by its name. Grab one of its popular bagels at its Stoke Newington location, such as the Harrisa egg mayo with smoked cheddar or pastrami-spiced smoked salmon with herby house labneh (a yogurt cheese), red onion, tomato and capers. If you have a sweet tooth, go for the Babka (a Jewish braided bread) topped with chocolate or vegan cinnamon. Over at its Kingly court location, all-day brunch options include the shakshuka and salt beef reuben pita.
9. New Street Grill
The Sunday brunch crowd has a choice of breakfast items such as avocado toast with candied bacon and poached egg, plus mains including baked beef Mac & cheese which is made of slow cooked beef short ribs. Finish off with sticky toffee pudding or dark chocolate moose tart in this 18th-century warehouse in the City. Featuring exposed brickwork and an extensive wine list, the venue is famed for its excellent service.
10. Roka
One of the four London branches of the brand, the Han Setto brunch at Roka Aldwych comes with a range of sharing dishes to start, such as spicy seared tuna maki cucumber, chives and tempura flakes. Guests at the restaurant, inspired by Japan’s Yaeyama tropical islands, can choose from several categories of dishes like the salads and tempura or rice dishes, then a dessert platter to finish the meal.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For updated information, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com.
SEE ALSO: 6 of London’s coolest cocktail bars that only the locals know about
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings on 1 February 2017 and updated on 12 May 2021.
