London’s best breakfast spots

Located on a prime corner spot, this gastropub is well known for its excellent culinary selection, including a bargain two-course set lunch, however its brunch options are not to be sniffed at either! You could enjoy a full English, or its veggie version, in the comfort of the pub’s cosy surrounds while sipping on a cocktail or two. If you fancy more than just a couple, then you can upgrade your dish to a bottomless brunch and get as many glasses of prosecco, bellinis, mimosas, Aperol spritzes or bloody Mary’s as you like for 90 minutes!

The Waterman’s Arms is picturesquely perched on a section of the Thames near Canary Wharf, making for a particularly scenic start to the day. The kitchen offers up classic, well-made pub grub and the breakfast menu features a classic fry-up as well as a veggie version too. You could also order an omelette or a breakfast sandwich, and if you’re feeling particularly peckish then you could dig into a flat iron steak with hash browns, chimichurri and watercress, or a breakfast burger that’s stacked with a portobello mushroom, smoked bacon, a hash brown and a fried egg.

You’ll find The Union Tavern on a striking corner location between the hubs of King’s Cross and Farringdon. This trendy pub has actually been serving thirsty Londoners for two centuries, so it must be doing something right! In addition to its array of ales, you’ll find a brunch menu that includes a full English, as well as a spinach, roasted pepper and cheddar cheese omelette and a sirloin steak ciabatta sandwich. You can also create your own breakfast sandwich with any combination of bacon, eggs and sausages!

This family-friendly North London pub is a firm favourite with locals, and it features a lovely beer garden too for those warmer days. You can indulge in a full English breakfast until 3pm if you wish, or you could opt for the vegetarian version which consists of grilled halloumi, two poached eggs, beans, portobello mushroom, grilled cherry tomatoes and toasted sourdough. This independent spot uses all seasonal and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, so you can be assured you’re being treated to the highest quality produce.

For a truly special breakfast experience, The Petersham Hotel in Richmond offers incredible views across green fields and the winding River Thames. The English breakfast here comes with juice, freshly brewed coffee or tea, a basket of white or wholemeal toast and pastries, and includes eggs cooked any way you like, or scrambled tofu with saffron butter for the vegan alternative. You could even order a cheeky glass of bubbles and really start the day with some luxury!

Eat17 is a Walthamstow institute, and is the birthplace of bacon jam, so you can only imagine how passionate these guys are about their breakfast dishes! Their version of a full English is called the Eat17 Grill and is a hefty plate piled with fried eggs, streaky bacon, sausage, Stornoway black pudding, hash browns, enriched beans, toast and confit tomatoes. You’ll also find a selection of vibrant smoothies if you fancy a little healthy boost too! And make sure you don’t leave the store without a pot of bacon jam to use at home…

The Kennington can be found near to leafy Kennington Park and is within walking distance of the hubs of Camberwell and Oval, making for a lovely weekend wander after you’ve fueled up on one of the venue’s tasty breakfasts. The full English here features eggs any style you like, maple streaky bacon and Cumberland sausages, plus there are vegetarian and vegan versions too! If you fancy something a little lighter, you could always opt for a classic Eggs Benedict or Eggs Royale instead, and wash it down with a bloody Mary!

This lovely little spot is located near to the river in Chiswick, so you could incorporate breakfast with a walk beside the water. The decor here is quirky but relaxing, and there’s even outside space if you fancy dining al fresco! The menu features classics including a full English, eggs benedict and sandwiches, and there are more unusual options like breakfast tacos and salted caramel overnight oats. There’s a tempting cocktail menu here as well, which features a refreshing lychee martini as well as the house signature Annie’s Blush, which is a mix of crystallised rose petal and rose liquor topped with bubbles.

This all-day eatery in Kensal features a beautifully decorated outdoor area, perfect for those sundrenched mornings. After all, what better way to start the day? Even the food here is arranged prettily, making for an envy-inducing Instagram post. You can indulge in the Full Parlour Breakfast, or if you’re not feeling hugely hungry, there’s a smaller half version too. Other treats include smoked salmon and soda bread, and mushrooms on bread, to which you can add eggs if you wish!

You won’t find a much more spectacular or iconic place to have breakfast in London than at Coppa Club in Tower Bridge, which can be found right next to the river and offers uninterrupted views of Tower Bridge. On the menu, you’ll find the eatery’s own take on a traditional full English breakfast, including the skillet breakfast — which features two fried eggs, Cumberland sausage, bacon, black pudding, Portobello mushroom, tomato, baked beans, sourdough toast — and the vegetarian version, which swaps the meat-based elements with grilled halloumi and greens.