5 Ways to Brunch in London This WeekendBy Alicia Grimshaw
Brunch: the socially acceptable excuse to drink before noon.
We’ve found the best places to brunch in London this weekend. Happy days:
1. For an Italian Brunch: Bernardi’s
What: Bernardi’s is a new modern Italian restaurant in Marylebone, serving up killer brunch dishes at the weekend. Brothers Gabriel and Marcello Bernardi are the duo behind the restaurant and along with Head Chef Sabrina Gidda, they’ve created a menu concentrating on fresh, seasonal dishes.
Eat: If you’re tired of pancakes and eggs Benny, Bernardi’s is a great shout. The restaurant has put an Italian twist on their brunch menu, which features pizzette such as N’duja with egg, basil and spinach and the tasty egg and parmesan. Egg dishes are also available, including poached eggs and prosciutto on toast, roast tomato, pancetta, fried eggs and focaccia croutons and courgette, chilli and fontina frittata.
Where: 62 Seymour St, London W1H 5BN
Photo Credit: Paul Winch-Furness
2. For a Bottomless Brunch: Zest at JW3
What: Zest at JW3 has just launched its new bottomless brunch, happening every Sunday. For those not satisfied with a one course brunch, sip on as many cocktails and unlimited mains as you can handle. If you’re not familiar with JW3, it’s a state-of-the-art community and cultural venue in West Hampstead, a charity established for the benefit of the Jewish community, the local community and for the people of London
Why: Zest is the restaurant, café and bar at JW3 led by Head Chef Dan Burrell. It blends culinary cultures and the Tel Aviv vibe to create a more contemporary approach to Jewish cooking. Knock back pomegranate mimosas and harissa Bloody Marys, as well as unlimited mains. The brunch menu features shakshuka with a soft poached egg, porridge with fresh berries and nut crunch, Rugalach and challah French toast and an Israeli breakfast. You certainly won’t be hungry after this lot.
Where: 10.30am-3.45pm every Sunday – 341-351 Finchley Rd, London NW3 6ET
3. For a Peruvian Brunch: LIMA Floral
What: LIMA Floral was created with the aim of presenting Peru as a country full of diversity: ecologically, culturally and historically. They’re big on seasonality and have created a leisurely brunch menu that showcases Peruvian flavours and ingredients in a clean and contemporary style.
Eat: This is not a brunch, but a Peruvian banquet. There are two options to choose from – the first one is the Andean breakfast which includes 3 courses. Start with cereal, quinoa porridge or fruit and then move on to either potato pancakes, suckling pig brioche bun or egg frittata. Make room dessert, as they’re something special – opt for the Amazonian chocolate mousse or cacao crumble. The second option is long lunch which includes starters to share, a main each, sides and dessert. Try the Mangorina smoothie – almond milk, mandarin, mango and honey, it’s delicious.
Where: 14 Garrick St, London WC2E 9BJ
What: From the team behind Poco in Bristol, the menu at Poco focuses on organic and seasonal British produce, sourcing locally from small producers. From the communal tables, to the al fresco dining and intimate seating, Poco in Broadway Market is designed to create a multi dimensional environment. Come for all the tapas goodness and great seasonal cocktails.
Eat: Poco is open for breakfast from 10am on weekends serving dishes such as organic eggs ‘how you like them’ on sourdough with homemade harissa, and a choice of Tom’s own recipe chorizo, merugez or home smoked trout. The brunch menu is hearty and unpretentious – their own chorizo and merguez sausages are unbeatable with a hearty slick of harissa and a lush side of buttered greens. The signature bacon butties and organic coffees are fast becoming legendary and for those with a sweeter tooth their homemade granola with seasonal compotes, yoghurt and honey is irresistable. Served until 4.30pm on weekends and 3pm on weekdays.
Where: 129 Pritchard’s Rd, London E2 9AP
5. For a Classic Brunch: Anderson & Co
What: Dear residents of South London, this one is dedicated to you guys. Anderson & Co in Peckham serve one mean brunch that will have your friends who ‘don’t travel south of the river’ topping up their oyster card immediately. Anderson & Co is an all-day restaurant cooking up fantastic food with some smashing coffees to match.
Eat: Here, it’s all about hearty brunch dishes. We’re talking about avocado on toast with chorizo and poached egg, chicken schnitzel with rocket, lemon and extra parmesan and the delicious halloumi burger on a brioche bun, with spinach, red onion, coriander and tapenade. Their Peckham burger is made from beef sourced from local butcher flock & herd and is served with caramelized onion aioli and home made gherkins. For afters, you can’t go wrong with one of their homemade cakes and a good cuppa.
Where: 139 Bellenden Rd, London, SE15 4DH
