MY 5 FAVOURITE BRUNCH SPOTS IN LONDON

Brunch (breakfast/lunch) has been the thing and the time to be eating out, for years. And not just in London; come the weekend, popular spots cafés and restaurants across the globe, can count on Saturday and Sunday´s being their most busy time of the week. Naturally, London is heaving with so many places to go to – from hipster-ville in East and South London, iconic institutional spots in Central, to more cozy and on-trend places in the West and North parts of the city… Below, I´ve listed my personal go-to´s in London; although I have many more favourites – these are the ones which are always top-of-mind.

1. FARMACY 

Farmacy´s mission is: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This super hip all-day restaurant, located in London´s Notting Hill – is a vegan and vegetarian´s dream come true. Offering an array of mouth watering, plant-based dishes inspired from around the globe – everything on the menu is free from dairy, refined sugars, additives and chemicals. The locally sourced organic menu features healthy choice comfort foods such as their signature “Farmacy Burger” (THE BEST), plant-based Ice Cream Sundaes, Buckwheat Pancakes, Earth Bowls and Avocado on Toast – not to mention their iconic Syringe Shots, filled to the brim with vitamins and goodness. The menu offers something for everyone, the location is spot on, the interiors is warm and cosy – and if you can handle the weekend queues (I usually go mid-week), then you won´t be disappointed.

Farmacy
74 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5SH
No reservations – walk-in-only
Brunch 9am – 4pm

2. GRANGER & CO. 

My love affair with Granger & Co. has been long-standing, and is not easing off any time soon! I love this place. A global chain, originating from Australia – with three locations across London, in Clerkenwell, King´s Cross and Notting Hill. I have yet to have made it to their Clerkenwell branch, and whilst King´s Cross is definitely the most impressive in terms of size and decor – I still prefer their one in the heart of Notting Hill. This place is always busy, and is definitely the most popular breakfast/brunch/lunch spot in the area. It´s not always ideal, and I personally avoid it like the plague come weekend – so if you can, try to squeeze in some time here during the week, or just brace yourself for astronomical queues on Saturday and Sunday´s. The food is worth it though – from their iconic Ricotta Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough (the creamiest, whipped scrambled eggs you will ever come across), Acai Bowls, Sweet Corn Fritters, and their Full Aussie (the Australian version of a Full English – but a much healthier, and better one) – not to mention lots of delicious fresh juices and smoothies.

Granger & Co.
With 3 locations across London
No reservations – walk-in-only
Brunch: From 7am (mid-week) to 12am

3. CHILTERN FIREHOUSE

Head into the heart of cozy Marylebone, to one of my favourite areas in Central London – and try to squeeze in some time at this London celebrity hotel & restaurant hot spot, the iconic Chiltern Firehouse. This place uses to be impossible to get into back in the day, and although the demand has eased off slightly – it´s still always busy, with bookings weeks and months in advance. I come here a lot during the week for breakfast meetings, and the weekend brunches are just as good. If you manage to book a table in advance, the dining experience is very pleasurable, calm and luxurious. Prices are not astronomical, but definitely a few notches up from your average brunch spot. Although inside is a magical affair, with warm and eclectic decor (and the best dressed waiters you will ever come across) – I personally love coming here during the warmer summer months, and sit outside in their garden/patio area. Engulfed under fairy lit trees and open fire places – this is the spot if you´re up for a long brunch date in the city. Favourites on the menu includes Oysters, Crab-Stuffed Donuts, Buttermilk Pancakes, Eggs Royale and their Crab & Lobster Omelette. Divine.

Chiltern Firehouse
1 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PA
Reservations: +44 020 7073 7676
Brunch: Sat – Sun from 11am to 3pm

4. PETERSHAM NURSERIES 

One of the many concerns I had when we decided to move out from Notting Hill to suburbia – was the lack of good cafés and restaurants. But we quickly realised that the busy hub of Richmond (less than a 10 minute drive from our house), is filled to the brim with cozy spots, both on the river, in the centre, or tucked away on the outskirts. The latter of which, includes Petersham Nurseries – an absolute must-visit in London – be it you´re a visitor or a local. This internationally priced and enchanting garden centre – located in the most tranquil oasis right off the River Thames – is a seedbed of inspiration, and a place of calm away from the bustle of London. But it´s not only a nursery to source your plants and flowers; this tranquil hot spot, has a glasshouse restaurant and Teahouse – serving only seasonal produce and homemade cakes and pastries, as well as the dreamiest antiques and gift shop (interiors heaven). I´ve dined in their restaurants a few times (which you have to book in advance) but the easiest and most convenient, is grabbing a spot in their Teahouse, a self-serve system – with a light Italian-inspired all-day and ever changing menu of seasonal salads, soups, quiches and warm dishes – as well as an array of homemade cakes, ethically sourced whole leaf teas and ground hand roasted coffee.

Petersham Nurseries
Church Lane (signed posted ‘St Peter’s Church’) Off Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AB
Restaurant reservations: 020 8332 8665 / or walk-in-only at the Teahouse
Teahouse open from 9am-5pm (11-5pm on Sunday) 

5. FARM GIRL CAFE 

Last, but not least – yet another Notting Hill spot, the very Instagram-worthy Farm Girl Café – and a holistic and healthy, yet comforting approach to the Australian café culture, just at the top end of iconic Portobello Road. Farm Girl values fresh, nutritionally nurturing ingredients and delivers them in a cozy and welcoming spot (try to grab a seat on the outside – those pink tables and white brick walls, are my fave). You might already have spotted this place on your favourite Instagrammer´s feed (especially with their super pretty Rose, Matcha, Liquid Gold or Chai Lattes!). My personal favourite includes their Avocado Toast, Acai Bowls, Pumpkin Porridge, Berry Pancakes, Oven Baked Eggs and my ultimate fave – the Coconut BLT.

Farm Girl Café
59a Portobello Rd, London, W11 3DB
No reservations – walk-in-only
Brunch: All-day, open from 8.30am to 4.3opm (5pm Saturday and 4pm Sunday) 

…and that´s it guys! What are your favourite London brunch spots?