Best Brunches in London: 15 Spots Worth Queuing For

Brunch in London isn’t just a meal — it’s practically a sport. Come the weekend, you’ll find queues outside the city’s favourite cafés, flat whites lined up on tables, and menus packed with everything from pancake stacks to avocado toast. Thanks to a strong Aussie influence, London’s brunch scene is now one of the best in the world, mixing laid-back cafés with fancy dining rooms and sky-high views.

I’ve tried my fair share of spots (and yes, I’ve stood in those long queues), so here’s my pick of the best brunches in London, tried and tested.

Quick Picks Table

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a cheat sheet of my top brunch picks around London. From sky-high views to pancakes that deserve their own fan club, these spots are always worth the trip.

Classic London Brunch Spots

Granger & Co

Bill Granger’s Aussie café has become a London institution, and for good reason. The ricotta hotcakes are the stuff of legend — so fluffy they almost wobble on the plate. There’s always a queue, but once you’re sipping a flat white and eyeing up the corn fritters, you’ll see why. I’ve been a few times and always end up ordering more than I planned. The vibe is casual but stylish, with bright interiors that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Sydney for the morning.

• 📍 Locations: Notting Hill, Chelsea, King’s Cross

Dishoom

If you’ve not had a bacon naan roll at Dishoom, are you even doing brunch properly? This Bombay-inspired café is one of London’s best-loved restaurants, and while it’s not your typical eggs-and-avocado brunch, it’s a city classic. Expect smoky bacon, cream cheese, chilli jam, and soft naan — plus a bottomless supply of chai. The menu has plenty of veggie options too, so it’s a great all-rounder if you’re brunching with friends who have different tastes. Just be prepared to wait — it’s popular, but worth every bite.

• 📍 Locations: Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Covent Garden, Canary Wharf

 The Ivy

The Ivy has been part of London’s dining scene forever, and their brunch is as polished as you’d expect. Think eggs Benedict done with flair, cocktails on tap, and just the right amount of people-watching. I’ve been for meals here and love that it feels indulgent without being stuffy — a great choice if you’re celebrating or just fancy a fancier brunch than usual. With several Ivy Brasseries dotted around London, you don’t have to stick to the original either — the service and stylish décor are consistently good, making it a reliable go-to.

📍 Multiple locations: Covent Garden, Chelsea Garden, Marylebone, Soho

Quirky & Instagrammable Brunches

Farm Girl

One of the most photogenic brunch cafés in London, Farm Girl is famous for its colourful lattes (yes, there’s a rose one) and bright, healthy plates that look just as good as they taste. Think açai bowls, smashed avo, and gluten-free pancakes, all served in a setting that feels straight out of a lifestyle magazine. I’ve been and can vouch that it’s just as stylish in real life as it looks on Instagram. It’s not just about looks though — the food is fresh, tasty, and surprisingly filling.

• 📍 Locations: Notting Hill, Soho, South Kensington

Dalloway Terrace

Dalloway Terrace is the definition of a seasonal Instagram backdrop. The décor changes throughout the year — blossom in spring, autumnal leaves later in the year — and it’s as much about the setting as it is the food. Brunch here is classic with eggs, pancakes, and cocktails, but it’s the atmosphere that makes it special. Sitting among the flowers with a flat white feels like being transported out of busy Bloomsbury and into a secret garden.

• 📍 Location: Bloomsbury

Sketch

Sketch is one of London’s most eccentric dining rooms, and while I’ve been for afternoon tea, their brunch has the same theatrical energy. The pink Gallery room (recently redecorated but still bold) and those famous egg-shaped loos make this one of the city’s most recognisable spots. Brunch here is more of an event — playful plates, artful presentation, and a touch of whimsy that makes it perfect for a special occasion or just a very Instagrammable Sunday morning.

• 📍 Location: Mayfair

EL&N London

If you want brunch in a setting that’s pure vibe, EL&N is it. Think blush-pink interiors, statement flower walls, speciality coffee and handmade patisseries — it catches your eye the second you walk in. I’ve been many times, and even when I’m not hungry, the décor alone lifts my mood. Their all-day menu means you can brunch later in the day. It’s the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned.

• 📍 Locations: Park Lane; Brompton Road; Market Place; Hans Crescent; Selfridges LDN; Lowndes Street; Carnaby Street; Wardour Street; plus newer locations like Westfield White City.

Brunch with a View

Aqua Shard

If you’re looking for brunch with serious wow factor, Aqua Shard is hard to beat. Set on the 31st floor of The Shard, the glass walls give you a front-row seat to London’s skyline. The menu is modern British with a twist — expect dishes like smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, or something a little fancier if you’re in the mood. I’ve been and honestly spent just as much time gawping at the view as I did eating, but that’s all part of the fun. It’s not the cheapest brunch in town, but if you want a special treat, this one delivers.

📍 Location: Level 31, The Shard, London Bridge

Sky Garden – Darwin Brasserie

Brunching inside a garden high above London? Yes, please. Darwin Brasserie is in the Sky Garden, and booking a table here means you get access to the lush indoor gardens as well as the city views. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Aqua Shard, with a bright, airy feel that makes a long brunch feel easy. The menu focuses on modern British dishes — I’ve been and loved the combination of wandering the greenery before settling in for steak tartare with a glass of prosecco. It’s a brilliant pick if you’re entertaining out-of-towners, because the garden is free to visit and the views are just as impressive.

• 📍 Location: 20 Fenchurch Street (The “Walkie Talkie” building), City of London

Duck & Waffle

High above the City on the 40th floor, Duck & Waffle serves up brunch with views that stretch for miles. The signature dish — crispy leg confit duck with a fried egg and waffle, drizzled with mustard maple syrup — sums it up perfectly: indulgent, fun, and a little unexpected. Add in bottomless cocktails and the kind of views that stretch for miles, and you’ve got a brunch that feels like an event. It’s open 24/7 too, so if you really want to shake things up, you can even do brunch in the middle of the night.

📍 Location: 110 Bishopsgate, City of London

Veggie & Healthy Options

Mildreds

Mildreds has been flying the flag for plant-based eating in London long before it became trendy. Their brunch menu is packed with flavour, from tofu scrambled eggs to hearty vegan pancakes, and you definitely don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy it. It’s a lively, casual spot that’s ideal if you want something filling but still fresh. The best bit? Portions are generous, so you won’t leave hungry — something not every veggie café can claim.

• 📍 Locations: Soho, Camden, Dalston, King’s Cross

26 Grains

In the colourful corner of Neal’s Yard, 26 Grains is all about wholesome, Scandinavian-inspired bowls. Their porridge is the star of the show, made with organic oats and topped with everything from berries to nut butters and cacao nibs. It feels like a little slice of Copenhagen hidden in Covent Garden. The space is small, so you might need to wait for a table, but the cosy setting and beautifully presented food make it worth it. Perfect for a healthier brunch that still feels indulgent.

📍 Location: Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden

➡️ Have you heard about Neal’s Yard, London’s colourful hidden gem? Read my full guide here

Luxury Brunches

Claridge’s

Brunch at Claridge’s is as elegant as it gets. This Mayfair landmark does everything with polish — think smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, pastries that melt in your mouth, and service that makes you feel like royalty. The Art Deco dining room adds to the sense of occasion, with white tablecloths, sparkling glassware, and just the right touch of glamour. It’s not an everyday brunch (the prices reflect that), but for a special celebration, it’s unforgettable.

• 📍 Location: Brook Street, Mayfair

The Wolseley

On Piccadilly, The Wolseley is a London institution with a café-grand feel that makes every visit feel timeless. Their brunch is classic European — croissants, Eggs Benedict, kedgeree — served in a sweeping room of marble pillars and chandeliers. I love that it feels both indulgent and accessible; you’ll spot people treating themselves to a long, lazy weekend brunch alongside regulars who have been coming here for years. If you want a brunch spot with a real sense of London history, this is the one.

• 📍 Location: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s

If brunch gets you hungry for something more traditional, I’ve rounded up the most famous English foods worth trying during your trip.

This article is part of my London Travel Guide, which brings together neighbourhoods, hotels, itineraries and practical planning.

FAQs About Brunch in London

Is brunch big in London?
Absolutely. Brunch has become a weekend ritual in London, with cafés and restaurants across the city serving everything from classic fry-ups to bottomless prosecco brunches. Thanks to Aussie café culture arriving here years ago, it’s now one of the best cities in the world for a late breakfast.

Do you need to book brunch in London?
In most cases, yes. Popular spots like Dishoom, Granger & Co, and Aqua Shard often have long queues or fill up quickly, especially at weekends. A few places keep walk-in tables, but if you’ve got your eye on somewhere specific, it’s worth reserving ahead.

How much does brunch cost in London?
It depends on the style of place. A casual café brunch with coffee might cost £15–20 per person, while somewhere more high-end like Claridge’s will be closer to £60–80. Bottomless brunches usually fall somewhere in between, around £40–50 with drinks included.

What areas of London are best for brunch?
You’ll find great brunches all over the city, but hotspots include:

• Soho and Covent Garden for trendy cafés and central locations
• Shoreditch and East London for creative, modern menus
• Notting Hill and Chelsea for pretty, Instagrammable settings
• City of London and London Bridge for sky-high brunches with a view

What time is brunch in London?
Most restaurants serve brunch from around 10am until mid-afternoon, with some running it all day on weekends. A few, like Duck & Waffle, flip the rules entirely and serve brunch 24/7.

London doesn’t mess around when it comes to brunch. From sky-high dining rooms with skyline views to tiny cafés dishing up pancakes and bacon naans, there’s something for every taste (and every Instagram feed). I’ve brunched my way through a fair few of these spots and can say they really are worth checking out— just don’t forget to book ahead if you want to skip the queues.

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