Though it may have its origins in America, brunch is now a London institution enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors every weekend. But with so many options available, how do you decide where to go? From who does the best eggs, to bottomless Prosecco packages and where to sample the ultimate brunch cocktail, the Bloody Mary, here are our favourite places to enjoy brunch in London.
Best for eggs: The Wolseley
When it comes to eggs, nowhere does them better than The Wolseley. At this stylish restaurant in Piccadilly, breakfast is a grand affair. Poached eggs are served three ways (Benedict, Florentine or Arlington), omelettes are laden with 30g of caviar, and classics such as bacon and eggs are given a royal upgrade – try the Haggis with fried duck eggs. Other egg-based highlights include childhood favourite ‘eggs with soldiers’ (boiled egg with sliced toast), and healthy alternatives including egg white frittata with goats’ cheese and radishes.
Best for views: Duck & Waffle
Enjoy breakfast in the clouds at Duck & Waffle. Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, it’s one of the highest restaurants in London, which means views from its floor-to-ceiling windows are unbeatable. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday until 4pm, with a wide selection of savoury dishes, waffles, main meals and sweet treats on offer. The signature dish is, naturally, Duck & Waffle – a crispy confit duck leg, topped with a fried duck egg, smothered with mustard maple syrup and served on a waffle. The cocktails are fantastic, too.
Best for Bloody Marys: CUT at 45 Park Lane
If you’re looking for brunch cocktails, this restaurant is a cut above the rest. CUT at 45 Park Lane, the brainchild of celebrity chef and restauranteur Wolfgang Puck, offers four Bloody Mary options – Crossed Eyed Mary, Bloody Carrot, Gazpacho Mary and Bloody Troot – all of which are created to your taste at your table. On the food menu, meanwhile, you’ll find a premium selection of starters, salads, entrées and truffle-based dishes, while live jazz sets the scene for a sophisticated meal.
Best for bottomless Prosecco: Villandry
For an indulgent bubbly brunch or a special occasion, visit Villandry. The restaurant, which serves fresh pastries, an array of brunch dishes (from continental classics like eggs and salmon to gourmet burgers) and desserts alongside bottomless glasses of Prosecco, is an excellent choice for groups of friends. Two packages and venues are available to choose from – free-flowing Prosecco at Great Portland Street, or the unlimited Champagne option at St James’s.
Best for pancakes: The Breakfast Club
For when nothing but a proper American-style breakfast will do, head straight to The Breakfast Club. Leave the diet at the door and tuck into a hearty feast at one of the nine locations across the city. The quirky restaurant is a pancake lover’s paradise, with many savoury and sweet options available all day long. Go traditional with pancakes and bacon smothered in maple syrup, try the sweet pancakes with berries, or opt for the savoury ‘Ham So Eggsited’ (pancakes, ham, egg, cheddar cheese and, of course, maple syrup).
After enjoying a leisurely brunch in London, book a place on one of our London tours and spend the rest of your day at the city’s top sites.
Images Courtesy of The Wolseley, Duck & Waffle, 45 Park Lane & Villandry
