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 London is bursting with fantastic places to grab a quick breakfast snack or idle away the hours with a Full English, glancing over the papers and sipping cups of coffee in scenic comfort. Read ahead for LondonTown's definitive lowdown on the best brunch venues all around the capital, whether you're after a bacon butty, Granola with fresh fruit, a musical backdrop, the best eggs in town or, quite simply, the greasy spoon option.  Tapa Room @ The Providores 109 Marylebone High Street, Marylebone The downstairs Tapa room of this New Zealand fusion food establishment is an ideal setting for an original and healthy brunch - providing you can get in! So popular is the Providores on the weekends that there are often queues streaming out onto the pavement outside - even in the bleak mid winter. It's a sign of the place's delightful cooking that people are prepared to wait. Inside may be a little cramped, but the staff are super efficient and attentive, never rushing you even if hungry punters are banging on the door to get in. The reason for its popularity is, of course, the divine food: grilled sardines on roast tomato bruschetta, grilled chorizo on a courgette and potato gratin with a soft boiled egg, French toast stuffed with banana and pecans with streaky bacon - to name but a few. In short, the inventive ingredients on show put our British breakfasts to shame. But if it is a fry up that you want, then the Providores also offers perhaps the most flavoursome and healthy fry-ups in town - indescribably tasty. Oh, and did we mention that The Times critic Giles Coran once said the place served "the best coffee in England" (from our experience, the flat-whites are best). Given the choice, we'd come here every week. It's that good. Address: 109 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4RX Brunch: All week, 10am-6pm Information: 020 7935 6175 Nearest Station: Baker Street Tube Providores & Tapa Room - Information   Bistrotheque23-27 Wadeson Street, Bethnal Green Despite the minimalist warehouse lightning white interiors, brunch in Bistrotheque is always a colourful affair. Staff are dressed dapperly, resident pianist Xavior beats out a meaty selection of pop classics on a baby grand piano ladened with weekend newspapers and magazines for you to pick and chose from, while the menu draws from an array of dinner dishes alongside breakfast classics such as Eggs Benedict. Combined with a peek into nearby Vyner Street's numerous private art galleries or with a stroll along the canal towards Victoria Park, a Bistrotheque brunch comes heartily recommended. You feel special, the place gives good vibes, the food is tip-top and the whole curious set-up will have you eager to come back for more - and not just to gawp at the rather lewd murials in the loos. Address: 23-27 Wadeson Street, E2 9DR Brunch: Sat & Sun, 11am-4pm; Bank holidays, 12pm-3pm Information: 020 7924 3999 Nearest Station: Bethnal Green Tube / Cambridge Heath Station Bistrotheque - Information  The Quality Chop House92-94 Farringdon Road, Farringdon If you like your fry-ups containing calves liver and a grilled lamb chops, then you'll be in heaven when confronted with The Quality Chop House's hearty breakfast menu: heading the list is the colossal St George's Breakfast, complete with the above, plus black pudding, bacon, sausage, lambs kidney, mushroom, tomato and two free ranged eggs. All this comes with a serving of natural Greek yoghurt, a portion of chips, bubble & squeak, and bread & jam. For the less intrepid there are smaller fry-up renditions, plus salmon, poached haddock or smoked kippers with toast and eggs. Located in the heart of Farringdon, a stone's throw away from Exmouth Market, The Quality Chop House serves up a delightful slice of traditional East London. The place oozes history and, thankfully, a recent refurbishment has not tampered with the splendid décor: wooden booths and pews (take a cushion!) upon a diagonal chess board tiled floor; an open kitchen at the back emanating wafts of meaty magnificence. Address: 92-94 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA Brunch and lunch: All week, 12pm-3pm Information: 020 7837 5093 Nearest Station: Farringdon Tube Quality Chop House - Information  Smiths of Smithfields67–77 Charterhouse Street, Farringdon Owned and run by John Torode, the slightly rotund one without the bald head in TV's Master Chef, Smiths of Smithfields offers the freshest brunch in London. Experience the buzz of the Ground Floor bar in this stylish converted warehouse. Their brunch menu is brimming with best in fresh produce, much of it sourced direct from the historic Smithfields Meat Market. Indulge in the ultimate hangover cure, one of their killer Bloody Marys followed by a Fish Finger sandwich. Try their Full English Breakfast, an awesome platter complete with sausages, black pudding and bacon. Kids will love the porridge with honey or bagel with scrambled eggs. Smiths also enjoys some of the best views over the City and St Paul's. Address: 67–77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ
Brunch: Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 9.30am-5pm Information: 020 7251 7997 Nearest Station: Farringdon Tube Smiths of Smithfield - Information  The Crown223 Grove Road, Victoria Park If you feel like putting an organic spin on your mid-morning indulgence, head to the Crown Pub in relaxing Victoria Park. Famed for its high quality organic food and drink, this gastro pub is a true East-End treasure. Treat your body and your taste buds to fresh fruit salad with mint and vanilla yogurt. Their homemade muffins with organic ham and poached eggs are a brunch sensation. Or satisfy your meat cravings with liver and bacon with wet polenta, sage and fried egg. Recharge yourself mentally and physically with brunch at the Crown. Address: 223 Grove Road, E3 5SN Brunch: 10.30am–12.30pm Information: 020 8981 9998 Travel: Mile End Tube The Crown - Information  Christopher's Covent Garden18 Wellington Street, WC2E American restaurants do brunch bigger and better than anywhere else. Situated right in the heart of Theatreland, Christopher's famous brunches are served at weekends in the semi-operatic splendour of their marble dining room. Their child-friendly ethos is reflected in the mouth-watering menu. Tuck into delectable Danish pastries, home-made pancakes and Granola with fresh fruits. Celebrities from Gwyenth Paltrow to Alastair Campbell flock to Christopher's for a mid-morning feast. More substantial sweet options include Belgian Waffles with blueberry compot and maple syrup or luxury Vanilla French Toast with berries and maple syrup. Traditionalists will love the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and eggs benedict, while the most interesting items are the Huevos Rancheros and marinated pimentos and eggplant stuffed with tuna. Address: 18 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DD Brunch: 12.30pm–3pm Information: 020 7240 4222 Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Christopher's American Grill and Martini Bar - Information  The Butcher & Grill39-41 Parkgate Road, Battersea If you're after sausages with top quality provenance in your brunch, then head to Battersea's Butcher & Grill. Both a butchers and a restaurant, this is the place for the discerning meat lover. A breakfast menu is available seven days a week, offering the whole gamut of egg options (Benedict, Florentine, Royal, scrambled, fried, poached) and a variety of modestly priced fry-up and butty options. For those with a powerful palate, try the lamb kidney, bacon and fried egg on toast combo. Despite the name, solely a meat market this is not: the breakfast menu comes with a selection of vegetarian options including Greek yoghurt with honey, fresh fruit salad, cereal, pancakes and pastries. Smoothies, juices and milkshakes are also available alongside the extensive hot drinks menu. A location both near the river and Battersea Park makes the Butcher & Grill a prime refuelling zone before a brisk stroll. Address: 39-41 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NP Brunch: Mon-Sun, 8.30am-Noon Information: 020 7924 3999 Nearest Station: Queenstown Road Station The Butcher & Grill - Information  Del'Aziz24-32 Vanston Place, Fulham Broadway Located on a cobbled backstreet in Fulham, Del'Aziz is the first all-round Mediterranean delicatessen and brasserie in London. Whether you're after cakes and pastries, a healthy breakfast or a full-on fry-up, you'll be sure to fine something to your tastes from the extensive and mouth-watering Middle Eastern influenced menu. Big wooden communal tables amongst a permanent display of colourful ingredients and goods make it an ideal place to while away a morning with the papers or drink coffee or mint tea with friends. In the summer you can sit outside, looking out over the nearby church and away from any traffic. Such is the popularity of the flagship establishment outlets have opened up in Swiss Cottage, Bankside, Bermondsey Square and Westfield. Address: 24-32 Vanston Place, SW6 1AX Brunch: Mon-Fri, 7am-Noon; Sat & Sun, 8am-Noon Information: 020 7386 0086 Nearest Station: Fulham Broadway Tube Del'Aziz - Information  Ottolenghi287 Upper Street, Islington Head to Ottolenghi on Upper Street for what the readers of the Observer Food Monthly voted their "finest breakfast in town". Fresh, inventive and bursting with flavour, the food on the menu is enough to rouse anyone out of bed early on a Sunday. It's breakfast cannelloni-bean stew with bacon, sausage and a fried egg sitting resplendent on top is quite something, as is the buffalo mozzarella and potato tortilla served warm with a zingy red-pepper salsa. Traditionalists can run the gamut of fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, granola and pastry options, while the cinnamon French toast (made with soft brioche) and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs come heartily recommended. The Islington outlet is the second opened by former Israeli academic Yotam Ottolenghi, who founded the flagship store in Notting Hill back in 2002. Two others now exist, in Holland Park and Belgravia. A friendly word of warning: one visit and you're more than likely to become an addict (hence the huge queues of people looking for their breakfast fix most mornings). Address: 287 Upper Street, N1 2TZ Brunch: Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm; Sun 9am-7pm Information: 020 7288 1454 Nearest Station: Highbury & Islington Tube Ottolenghi - Information  El Vergel8 Lant Street, Borough Only the locals know about this superb South American café and takeout in Borough. Hidden on a backstreet near the excellent Glad pub, El Vergel offers the most amazing Chilean cuisine at ridiculously low prices. For just a fiver, you can enjoy a special latino breakfast with scrambled eggs in a mild salsa sauce, bacon or chorizo, beans, village bread PLUS tea or coffee. For even less you can gorge on corn tortillas with scrambled eggs, kidney beans and avocado slices. El Vergel offers an alternative way to kick-starting your day other than the usual English fry up or continental fare. Service comes always with a smile in this intimate, homely family-run establishment. If the salsa or spices don't wake you from your torpor, then the ever-so-strong coffee will. Address: 8 Lant Street, SE1 1QR Brunch: Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm; Sat, 10.30am-3pm; Closed Sun Information: 020 7357 0057 Nearest Station: Borough Tube El Vergel - Information  The Breakfast Club31 Camden Passage, Islington Tucked away down the hip Camden Passage is this American-style Breakfast diner which offers classics such as cinnamon apple toast, pancakes with maple syrup, eggs Benedict and fruit smoothies. If you're brave, go for the full American with streaky bacon, hash browns, sausages and pancakes. It's advisable to get in as early as possible on the weekends because the place gets rather busy. Many say The Breakfast Club has become a victim of its immense popularity, with food arriving late, without a smile and in a cramped room. But when it all comes together it really hits the spot. One added bonus: the place has a license so you can enjoy a Bloody Mary if you fancy the hair of the dog. The flagship establishment is located in Soho, 33 D'Arblay Street. Address: 31 Camden Passage, N1 8EA Brunch: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm; Sat & Sun, 9.30am-5pm Information: 020 7226 5454 Nearest Station: Angel Tube Breakfast Club - Information  Raoul's Cafe13 Clifton Road, Maida Vale Raoul's is a trendy café/deli in Maida Vale renowned for its celebrity clientele and delicious all-day brunch menu, which reels in the crowds on the weekend. It's not cheap, but the range of eggs and omelettes is feted as the best in town by many, while the French toast and bacon and chorizo tortilla hits the mark too. Such is the popularity, it gets rather busy on the weekends - and many say the service suffers accordingly - but faithful local regulars still return for the "yellowest eggs this side of Tuscany" in their droves. Combined with a walk along the canal in Little Venice, eggs Florentine and a trademark delicious smoothie at Raoul's can be the perfect way to start the weekend. A second outlet has opened on Talbot Road in Westbourne Grove. Address: 13 Clifton Road, W9 1SZ Brunch: Mon-Sat, 8.30am-Noon; Sun, 9am-Noon Information: 020 7289 7313 Nearest Station: Warwick Avenue Raoul's Cafe Maida Vale - Information  Royal Albert Hall: Ignite BrunchCafe Consort, Kensington Gore London's premier classical music venue offers the superb opportunity of brunch and live music every Sundays in the Royal Albert Hall's contemporary Café Consort. Ignite Brunch costs £25 (£15 for children) and includes a welcome drink, main course and dessert, tea or coffee - couple up with live music from young London jazz musicians and renowned world music artists. Mains include scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, haddock kedgeree, traditional English breakfast and a couple of vegetarian options. For dessert, you can savour brownies, waffles, fruit salad or cheesecake. Doors open at 11.30am with music set to start at noon. Combined with a walk across Hyde Park, this could prove the perfect Sunday excursion. Please consult the Royal Albert Hall website to book and check the musical programme. Address: Royal Albert Hall Cafe Consort, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP Brunch: From 11.30am every Sunday Information: 020 7589 8212 Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Royal Albert Hall - Information  Chamomile45 England's Lane, Belsize Park This busy café near Primrose Hill is a firm favourite with the locals - and it's no wonder why. Whether you fancy a full-on all-day English breakfast or something healthier such as fresh fruit, muesli, porridge or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, Chamomile will not disappoint. Chamomile is no longer simply a bustling breakfast establishment, and customers can also select from an "enterprising" menu of salads, freshly baked sandwiches and pastries as they while away the weekend. As the Harden's guide says: "You could spend all day here reading the paper". And luckily there's always an ample supply of reading fodder on hand. Address: 45 England's Lane, NW3 4YD Brunch: Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm; Sun 8am-6pm Information: 020 7586 4580 Nearest Station: Belsize Park Tube  Manicomio85 Duke of York Square, Kings Road This Italian café and delicatessen is ideally placed on the pedestrianised Duke of York Square just off the bustling Kings Road. The younger sister to the supreme Manicomio restaurant (which warrants 9.25 our of 10 according to food critic Matthew Norman), the deli café offers a vast array of Italian delights for all possible tastes: hot breakfasts (attention: served until 11am!), salads, bruschettas, paninis and sides. And if you're not sure what to order, just go and peer over the vast deli counter to help make up your mind. But be sure to have at least a coffee - the special roasted Machiavelli blend is quite a treat. One of the best things about Manicomio is its location, with customers able to choose from the front patio, the animated main room or the rear conservatory and courtyard. Given its proximity to Peter Jones, it's also the perfect place to take a break during a spot of weekend shopping. Address: 85 Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY Brunch: Mon-Fri, 8am-11am; Sat & Sun 10am-11am Information: 020 7730 3366 Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Manicomio - Information |
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