When we visited The Vincent many moons ago for dinner, we loved it. To cut a long story short, if you’ve haven’t been, go, and order the cheeseburger (they’re the same guys behind Bunsmiths), and the harrissa pulled lamb, and thank us later. But brunch? Now you’re talking. This laid-back hackney hangout recently launched their late morning menu and it’s a belter – think decent coffee, spicy Bloody Marys and plenty of options to choose from.

The Vincent: The Food

Our love affair with veggie fry ups continues to grow weekend after weekend. But a veggie fry up needs to have qualities of its own; not just a sad replacement of the meat extravaganza, with some token wilted spinach and a limp hash brown. Oh no, it needs to have sass. And yet there’s nothing sad about the veggie fry at The Vincent, at all. Smokey homemade beans are a thick and flavoursome, and the veggie hash is a tasty alternative to the common sautéed potatoes. A Padron pepper makes an appearance, but one of these just isn’t enough. A solid all-round meat-free dish.

If, however, meat is your jam – try the waffle with buttermilk fried chicken, bacon and maple syrup. The chicken, encased in a beautiful, light and crispy batter stole the show. And the waffles, drizzled with sweet maple syrup were fluffy with a chewy centre.

We should also mention that The Vincent are excellent at catering for special diets. The menu clearly states what dishes are suitable for coeliacs, veggies and vegans. If you’re the latter, order the mushroom vegan balls with a gutsy tomato sauce and served with red, black and brown rice. This dish isn’t just some meat-free after thought; it’s super filling and the mushroom balls have been pimped up with a variety of spices and herbs for a real zing.

What was once a dish that reigned supreme on Middle Eastern menus, the shakshuka here is a pure breakfast delight – simple and tasty, with a slight chilli kick.  Served with a wedge of toasted sourdough. It’s just brilliant.

The Vincent: The Drinks

If you really want to go to town on the booze, pay an extra £17 and you can fill your boots with bottomless prosecco for a 90 minute period. In our eyes, a Bloody Mary is a drink masquerading as a liquid salad, but the tomato juice concoction at The Vincent had some real heat and didn’t taste like items found at the bottom of our fridge.

The Vincent: The Verdict

The Vincent is a reliable brunch choice; the menu selection is stella, and you get plenty more booze for your British buck with their bottomless drinks offering. And even the most pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. There’s no doubt that we’ll be making our way to try the waffles with maple syrup and ice cream very soon.