16 Brunch Spots In London That Are Total Must Visits

On weekends, we brunch.

Hi, I'm Hafsa, and I love a cheeky brunch. Here are my favourite breakfast and brunch places to go to in London!

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1. Nac Mayfair – W1K

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L'élégance et la classe. With its modern stylish green velvet interiors and smooth marble tabletops, this trendy French bistro screams chic. It's perfect for a spot of brunch to kick off a day out and about in the heart of London. I love the atmosphere and the food is class. It's situated in busy Mayfair, so you'll need to reserve a table in advance.

My recommendations: Get the shakshuka with baked eggs, feta, za’atar with pita. And for dessert, the crushed milk chocolate cookies with Frosties soft-serve are a must!

2. Bake Street – N16

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Bake Street's open-plan space gives it a warm and hospitable vibe – you'll feel like you're catching up with friends in your own cosy kitchen. Located in Hackney, it's an ideal brunch spot serving coffee, brunch, and other delicious baked goods. 

My recommendations: Grab yourself the fried chicken bene(dict), and if you're keen on something spicy ask for the yanyeom option. Top it with the tater tots. If you have extra room after that, try their refreshing homemade ice cream, which will not disappoint.

3. Blue Ivy – E3

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If Barbie owned a brunch spot this would be it. It's an all-pink affair and I absolutely adore it. Blue Ivy opened up in May and is a walk away from Victoria Park, looking out onto Regent's Canal. It's so scenic and dainty and has a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your alfresco meal with a gorgeous view of the canal.

My recommendations: I mean, look at that plate, I'm sure we can all agree that pancakes stacked with fresh fruit and compote are quite simply irresistible. I could be totally full, but will always have room for these pancakes. When you try them, you'll see why.

4. Forks and Green – N15

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Situated in the heart of Haringey, Forks and Green is a little gem of a place. With their cosy decor, exceptionally attentive staff, and hearty food, one word comes to mind: home. Consistent with the service and quality at Forks and Green, when it comes to the menu, you are spoilt for choice. The terrace is perfect come rain or shine, and you can also get your food to take out and enjoy in the cute park just behind it.

My recommendations: Start with the Forks and Greens breakfast, but ask to switch the Cumberland sausage for sucuk, which is a spicy Turkish sausage. Trust me, it changes the game. Then, just work your way through the menu – their vegan breakfast is one the best I've ever tasted!

5. Dobar – N4

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Do you like sweet or savoury? Can't choose? Well, Dobar gives you both on one deliciously packed plate. This independent family-run establishment is just opposite Manor House station and will blow you away with their generously sized portions and mouth-watering meals.

My recommendations: Get their signature O.M.G dish – pancakes served with scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, Cumberland sausage, hash brown, and baked beans, alongside mixed fruit, clotted cream, and maple syrup. It will have you saying "OMG."

6. Beam – N8, N5, W2

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In a class of its own, this Mediterranean metropolis will satisfy your breakfast needs – it's like being transported to a Turkish breakfast house. The menu is full of delicious and unique flavour combinations that you're sure to fall in love with. Their brioche is the softest bread I have ever encountered. I mean, look at that picture – could it be more tantalising?

My recommendations: The goat's cheese & beetroot benedict – crushed beetroots with goat's cheese, drizzled in a creamy hazelnut homemade hollandaise sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly toasted muffin.

7. Shakespeare Bistro – N9

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Shakespeare Cafe is perfect for families and large groups, and your first time here will definitely not be your last. They switch up the decor for each season, and in winter you'll find fur blankets on the seats in the conservatory area, which is super festive. There's also a swing inside which is totally Instagramable!

My recommendations: I love their platter options – if you're not sure what to get, so it's a great option. Give the platter a go, but be warned – it's so much food! Not that that's something to complain about, There's also a create your own option if you want to customise your meal.

8. The Terrace by L'Opera – SW3

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A tropical escape in the heart of South Kensington with an ethereal masterpiece of a terrace. Once you step inside, you'll have a hard time believing you're still in London. The owners called it a "jungle oasis" and that is exactly what it is. The interior just does it for me, and if that isn't mind-blowing enough, just wait till you try their food. It's simply divine! Perfect for a bougie brunch with the girls. They also serve all-day breakfast and lunch and  do high tea if you fancy spending the day feeling like royalty.

My recommendations: The shakshuka, which comes with hummus and  za'atar flatbread – the perfect combination. Za'atar is a Mediterranean mixture of earthy spices like cumin, oregano, and thyme. I'd also recommend the chai karrak – I got a cup, then ended up ordering a whole pot because well, it's just that good.

9. Hideaway – W1D

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Tired from shopping in Oxford Street and need an escape from the busy streets? Head down to the Hideaway, a cute coffee shop hidden in the corners of Soho, and order yourself a light lunch and some insanely good coffee. They have custom-made sandwiches and delicious banana bread, which is homemade by the owner – it won't take long before Hideaway becomes your go-to shopping spree brunch spot.

My recommendations: The menu changes quite often, but the last time I visited I had the vegan leek and potato soup, sourdough bread sarni, and the coconut beauty smoothie. Very tasty. I don't usually go for smoothies that have spinach in them, but this one is so refreshing, and I'd highly recommend it.

10. Drunch – W1C, NW8

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I'm sure you've seen Drunch all over your Instagram – it's good food and good vibes. With delicious drinks, a huge selection of food, and a unique aesthetic, Drunch is the go-to place for brunch. They serve it all day and also have an à la carte dinner menu.

My recommendations: It's simple really – get the dulce de leche pancakes and the cafe leche (Spanish coffee). Thank me later.

11. Palaette – E8

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Known for its colourful lattes, Palaette is the ideal spot for when you want to experiment and try something new. Expand your palate, if you will. The staff are really friendly and attentive despite the fact that there's often a massive queue outside – it's very popular. The decor matches the food, giving you vibrant floral vibes.

My recommendations: I love the "Spread Hummus, Not Hate" salad, which is served with avocado, rocket leaves, sweet potato fries, falafel, and pomegranate – a treat that's also on the healthy side. The beetroot latte is a total must-try, and you can have both iced and hot. I get it with coconut milk and a squeeze of agave. It's amazing!

12. Grounded Coffee Company – E1

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Good food to put you in a good mood. Located just off Aldgate East Station, Grounded gives you rustic New York-style brunch vibes. You order at the counter, which saves you from any awkward moments searching for a waiter's attention. It's the perfect place for when you just want a hearty meal and great coffee without having to dress up for the occasion. They also use organic products and make their own freshly roasted coffee, which is a plus.

My recommendations: The buttermilk pancakes, which are light and fluffy with banana, berries, crème fraîche, and maple syrup. And look out for the latte art on their drinks – I had an adorable panda one once!

13. Central Restaurant and Lounge – IG3

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For all the bottomless brunch fanatics, this one's for you. Central Lounge is honestly such a vibe. You'll find an Indian gastro dining experience with an in-house DJ playing old school '90s classics. Good food and nostalgia. What a way to spend your weekend!

My recommendations: The papdi chaat and the chilli paneer is to die for, and the bottomless brunch comes with prosecco (non-alcoholic options are also available).

14. The Gallery Cafe – E2

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Opened in 2006, The Gallery Cafe is St Margaret’s House’s largest non-profit in-house community project. During the summer they open up the back garden and terrace so you can soak up some sun while enjoying one of the best vegan breakfasts ever. This eco-friendly all-vegan cafe serves a mean fry up and a delicious vegan hot chocolate. Oh, and proceeds are used to help the community!

My recommendations: Get the full English – you won't regret it. You'll find all your usual fry-up faves served alongside seeded gluten-free bread or tasty sourdough.

15. Jardin du Jasmin – W1W

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Not far from Great Portland Street, this enchanted forest of jasmine is so picturesque! The interior is influenced by Damascus, the capital city of Syria, which is also known as the "City of Jasmin." The whitewashed walls, the hanging light bulbs, the plant-filled ceilings – totally Instagramable. The food is also well presented and of course, packed full of flavour. If you are looking for a light, healthy, and delicious brunch this is perfect for you.

My recommendations: Try the fattet hummus – hummus, tahini, yoghurt, and whole chickpeas over flatbread croutons topped with pomegranate, parsley, and roasted sesame. Yum! If you're like me and have a bit of a sweet tooth, the baked goods are mwaaah! The saffron cardamom cake really complements the Turkish coffee.

16. Sketch – W1S

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Food, ambience, and art – a triple threat. Sketch is an experience and it definitely lives up to the hype, with its multiple dining rooms that each have their own unique decor. Each room has a different aesthetic, but you're faced with the same feeling – bewitchment. The food is impeccable and the staff treat you like royalty. What more could you ask for?

My recommendations: The different rooms have different menus, so check out the website to find the one that takes your fancy. I'd recommend having the Sketch afternoon tea in the Glade room, which is basically an Alice in Wonderland fantasy.

Tell us your favourite breakfast and brunch spots, and check out my Insta Highlights for more on the place I love!