Top 5: Ways to Eat Brunch in London This WeekendBy Alicia Grimshaw
We believe in a thing called brunch, just listen to the rhythm of our hearts.
Here’s 5 places to brunch in the capital this weekend. Happy brunching, London:
1. For a Bottomless Brunch: Jar Kitchen
What: Covent Garden favourite Jar Kitchen has just launched its bottomless brunch. Available every Saturday from 10am tuck into some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, and of course copious amounts of Prosecco, Bloody Marys or Mimosas. Come for cute, kitsch decoration, hanging ‘jar’ lights, a seasonal, exciting menu and just a generally warm, inviting atmosphere.
Eat: Starters include; ox cheek and cheddar croquettes with mayonnaise, potted salmon and pickles, and of course – their famous Jar Kitchen granola topped with yoghurt, toasted almonds and Yorkshire rhubarb. Main courses consist of; mixed grain salad with roast chantenay carrots, JK yoghurt, pomegranate and almonds, there’s also, pork belly, baharat spiced baked beans, tamarind chutney, and a poached egg, and brunch favourite – smashed avocado, lime, poached eggs, chilli on sourdough toast. Don’t miss their chocolate brownie served with rhubarb and chantilly cream. It’s heavenly.
Where: 176 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5QF
2. For Bottomless Bubbles: Cafe Pistou
What: Cafe Pistou brings a slice of southeastern France to the capital. Located in Exmouth Market, this quaint French brasserie knock up small plates at dinner along with a weekday and weekend brunch menu. Here, it’s about ‘sunshine food’ bringing across the fresh and vibrant flavours that Provençal France is so well known for. Pay £8 extra and you glass will receive unlimited top ups of Philippe Dublanc sparkling wine.
Eat: All the French inspired brunch dishes, such as avocado, feta, sunblush tomatoes and ‘pistou’ (a French interpretation of pesto) on toasted Pain de Campagne, alongside brunch favourite, the Café Pistou Eggs Benedict with thick cut Bayonne ham. For a real taste of France, order the Fougasse and Bayonne Ham – a traditional Provençal bread from their charcoal oven, served with extra virgin olive oil. The salt cod croquettes with bacon and fried egg is also a good shout. And if you can stomach any more food, order the crepe to share – it’s served with passion fruit syrup, pineapple and mango. Magical.
Where: 8-10 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QA
3. For a Gluten-Free Brunch: Pearl and Groove
What: Starting their humble beginnings at markets, events and festivals, Pearl and Groove recently opened their first bricks and mortar site in Notting Hill. This flourless bakery is a coeliacs’ dream, as everything is gluten-free, with some sweet treats also sugar and dairy-free, too. They’ve boarded the brunch train, and launched their weekend brekkie and brunch menu this week.
Eat: Listen up gluten-free hunnies – try the toasted banana and coconut bread with espresso butter, or the homemade ginger granola with yoghurt and berries, or the equally satisfying, fruit scone with butter and jam. Also available is the coconut and chia seed pot with blueberry and coconut crumble, and superfood energy balls which are both sugar, gluten and dairy-free. Alongside their food offering, they also bang out some solid cups of coffee.
Where: 341 Portobello Road, London, W10 5SA
4. For an American Brunch: Heliot Steak House
What: What could be better than brunch? A mighty, meaty and maple syrup-y all-American brunch, complete with Heliot Steak House’s signature juicy steaks. Step inside The Hippodrome Casino’s Heliot Steak House to be welcomed to ‘Seventh Heaven’, where you can enjoy most of the menu for the purse-freindly price of £7 per dish.
Eat: If you’ve overdone it the night before, wipe the hangover away with the signature chilli fried egg and bacon brioche roll with spicy chutney and rocket, guaranteed to pick you back up. Fancy a steak? Indulge in one of Heliot Steak House’s award-winning USDA prime steaks, complete with American sides such as mac and cheese, or crisp and fluffy hand cut chips. For something a little more refined, tuck into the classic eggs Royale with smoked salmon and sautéed spinach, or spoil your sweet tooth with the Jack Stack – an unbelievable combination of pancakes, waffles, French toast and maple syrup.
Where: 14 Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH
Photo Credit: Piotr Kowalczyk
5. For a Classic Brunch: Bluebird Chelsea
What: Bluebird Chelsea is an iconic institution, and houses a European brasserie-style restaurant, destination bar, cafe and courtyard. On the weekends, they roll out their special menu – from cold salads to steaks and their epic roasts. Bask in the spring rays in their outdoor courtyard, Bloody Mary in hand.
Eat: Keep it simple with either the eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale. While the weather is getting slightly warmer, the cobb salad with avocado, egg, ranch dressing and bacon wouldn’t go a miss. For something heartier, try the Goan monkfish curry with tamarind, ginger, green chilli, served with basmati rice. There’s also a steak menu, and a selection of oysters to choose from. If you find yourself round the Chelsea area on a Sunday, Bluebird also whip up their mean roasts, including sirloin of beef, roast potatoes, sweet mash, spring green, parsnips and Yorkshire puddings, and goosnargh chicken with duck fat potatoes, spring greens, bread sauce and truffle stuffing.
Where: 350 King’s Road, London SW3 5UU
