Brunch
The Perfect Yolk, Fluffy Pancakes and Crispy Bacon
Where to hit…?
Okay, so normally on a Tuesday, maybe even Monday… I think about where I’m going to eat on the weekend. Thinking of new places to try for a roast is one thing, but Saturday brunch is a whole other ball game.
I always used to go to NAC, literally every Saturday, and the sole reason for this was for the dessert. If you know what I’m talking about, then I’m assuming you’ve done the same thing, and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you have seriously been missing out! The half-baked cookies, which are hot and gooey in the centre, with just the right amount of crunch around the edges, with soft-serve ice-cream and sprinkled with frosties! It literally just doesn’t get better! However, the poached eggs are pre-made, and the yolk is always a little gelatinous. The mac & cheese I find doesn’t have enough mac for the ratio of cheese – yes that’s possible, thus making it a little sickly. The truffle burger and kale salad however, are absolutely delicious. The setting is great, and let’s be honest - the cookies itself make it worth the visit.
26 Grains – This place I discovered recently in Neals Yard. I normally always walk round there when I am in Covent garden because it is just super cute, and I have walked past 26 Grains so many times and said to myself – I must try it! And it really didn’t disappoint. Although it’s not the most lavish of places to dine, the food is not only incredibly beautiful to look at, but it tastes phenomenal. With its unique flavour combinations such as the black sesame porridge with banana and cacao nibs, or the oats with rhubarb and ginger compote, cardamom granola and spiced yoghurt, it really sends you on a flavour experience. They also do great coffees – the thing that can make or break a brunch!
Daisy Green Food. So these guys have locations all over London, 10 to be exact, and I am yet to sample them all, but to ones I have been to, I have got to say - I was most impressed. I am generally not happy unless I can order at least 5 things off the menu, and yes, sometimes (most of the time) that means lots of dishes get ordered, and I am terribly full at the end! I literally could order the whole menu at their locations. From nduja folded eggs with parmesan and avocado on fresh sourdough, to banana bread sandwiches with honey mascarpone cream, to a bacon roll which is far from anything you have eaten before. With crispy onions, poached eggs, avocado and, as they call it, ‘holy f*cuk hollandaise’ and I have to admit, holy f*ck it is banging!
Eggs eggs eggs – Now Notting Hill is a great spot for brunch, there are so many little spots to try. If you are searching for eggs, then you are in the right area, but I have to say that I side more with EggBreak than EggSlut. I first tried EggSlut in LA, and yes, it tastes good – but I wasn’t desperate to return, and I didn’t love the menu. EggBreak, on the other hand, has got a menu in which I would order every single thing on it. From burrata and truffle scrambled eggs, to a taste of the middle east with shakshuka or flatbread with roasted aubergine, tahini and poached eggs, to Nutella French toast with cornflakes….sorry if you don’t want to eat all 4 of those things right now then, quite frankly, you baffle me as a person.
Moncks. I recently tried this place and fell in love. From the guys that are responsible for Park Chinois, and although both sites have the same importance on great food, they have a different price tag, Moncks being more on the affordable side. With 4 different types of pancakes, classic eggs, truffle eggs, granola and porridge, but then also offering less brunchy food such as pasta, burgers, steak etc – there really is something for everyone.
Normally I am a classic brunch kind of gal, I like the mix it up with the odd middle eastern dish here and there – but I am a typically a traditionalist. HOWEVER, this is where I make the exception. Shackfuyu is a pop-up gone permanent – and the food really does speak for itself. It’s from the team behind Bone Daddies…..I don’t really even think I need to say anymore. I would highly recommend the crispy duck bun and also the burnt cauliflower – these dishes are up there with the best for me.
I’ve had brunch at Gloria, but I wouldn’t recommend it so much for brunch, definitely more of a dinner or late vibe for me. Dishoom brunch was not my thing, I love a curry but the brunch I found quite heavy. Granger and co, an easy go-to and obviously great food, but the fact you cant book a table really just puts me off every time. Then obviously you have your classic – The Ivy – where you never can really go wrong, however, but you are also never blown away by the food.
Then, of course, you can’t write a brunch list without including the iconic Wolsey. Perhaps the most traditional brunch spot in London with a classic menu that will never fail to disappoint. Impeccable service, flawless food in a beautiful setting.
I am always on the hunt for new places to try– so if you have recommendations, please send them my way!
