It’s no longer just an activity, but a concept of modern lifestyle and exploration of unlimited possibilities, within which there are a lot of revolutionary master pieces.
Weekend brunching in London is desirable. You can easily find various brunch surprises, even by just walking around your neighbourhood. I would like to share some of my personal favourites, they are not necessarily revolutionarily special, just pieces of simple enjoyment that you wish for on an usual weekend.
100 Hoxton
100 Hoxton has amazing brunch, and is the best I have had in London so far. The Big Breakfast (bottom in the photo) and Buttermilk & Maple French Toast (upper in the photo) are just ACE!
Pork belly was picked in the Big Breakfast, which is a very special element in Western dishes. Pork belly is common and popular in Asian dinner menu, but rarely seen as a breakfast choice. Avocado and cherry tomatoes are very fresh and well blended, taste brilliant on the toast with butter.
What I like about the Buttermilk & Maple French Toast is the mixture of savory smoked bacon and sweet maple french toast, they taste surprisingly good together.
Also noted, great fresh juice and nice coffee.
Located at trendy Hoxton, the restaurant has all the edgy ambience you can ask for.
Caravan Kings Cross
Caravan Kings Cross is apparently quite famous for its brunch in the local area, expected long waiting time during the weekend. While waiting you can sit at the bar and have a coffee or a bloody mary (I have seen more than 5 people ordered bloody mary in 15 mins. It’s either that Caravan makes good bloody mary; or people are just too hangover…) Caravan definitely has the weekend vibe for groups of friends to hang out.
They do nice omelette, the one I had was Prawn and chorizo omelette, piquillo, almonds, chipotle lime mayo (upper in the photo). Although the ingredients all look very Spanish, but it is very much like Japanese Okonomiyaki, both its look of presenting and the taste. I would absolutely recommend this one as it’s a bold yet wonderful blend. My friend had Pumpkin waffle, baked ricotta, maple, pecans (bottom in the photo): tastes average, 6 out of 10. But they do have a lot of options for brunch menu, definitely worth going again and try something else.
Kensington Crêpes
Kensington Crêpes is one of the best crêpes places in London. Located in West London — South Kensington, it doesn’t go on the posh path, but rather puts itself in a low profile stage and fully devoted in crêpes making. Its interior deco is very simple and far from posh, people would like to sit outside when it’s sunny and warm.
They do both good savory and sweet crêpes. Personally I prefer savory, and they have a selection of super delicious savory crêpes. You can even pick your favourite ingredients and have your tailored-made crêpes. I would say Tropical can be a good choice if you want to taste some sweetness but without going too far.
Note: they do BIG portion!!
Dim Sum
They say you will always carry an appetite for food from your hometown. This is so true.Coming from Canton, China, I never stop looking for quality Chinese cuisine to please my appetite.
Dim Sum, know as Cantonese “have tea” (yum cha 饮茶) — as the food is usually served with tea. Dim Sum is a typical Cantonese brunch, and is a significantly different type from the ones mentioned above.
Typical traditional Dim Sum dishes include siu mai, cha siu baau, dumplings, rice noodle rolls (cheong fun).
There are a number of places serving Dim Sum. A couple of my personal recommendations:
- Hakkasan— Michelin Star dim sum £££
- Yauatcha — Contemporary Cantonese dim sum (see photo above) ££
- Shanghai Blues — Contemporary Shanghai dim sum ££
- Kirin — Traditional Cantonese dim sum in the city ££
- Young Cheng — Traditional Cantonese dim sum (see photo below) ££
The brunch exploration never ends, hence this post will be updated from time to time. More brunch fun and exciting places are on the way!
Happy brunching. Happy weekend. x
London Sunrise 