by Arietta Pouliou*
Amazing flavours, beautifully presented dishes and original settings set the tone for an exciting day in the British capital
The famous “English breakfast” may have been questioned by some as a truly enjoyable meal, but no one can deny that London offers the most and more tempting breakfast options than any other European city. Those who still believe that the first meal of the day in Britain consists solely of eggs and fried bacon sharing a plate with baked beans, a few slices of tomato and just as many slices of bland white bread -uninspiring at best, off-putting to some-, have probably not visited London in years. Because even that very plate, has now been elevated into an art form, transformed into a genuinely pleasurable experience. Bakeries, cafés, restaurants of every category, hotels and even department stores with food halls, tempt us to leap out of bed in anticipation of dishes bursting with flavour, fluffy freshly baked breads and pastries fragrant from the oven, specialty drinks, refreshing juices and energising smoothies – all crafted to ensure the day begins with a broad, satisfied smile.
We’re not talking about brunch -an endless, distinct chapter in London’s culinary scene in its own right, complete with its carefully curated menus and ever-festive atmosphere- but about breakfast served from early morning: thoughtfully designed not to weigh us down, yet substantial enough to provide the energy required for a day filled with the exciting experiences London invariably has in store. The following recommendations, one for each day of the week, combine striking settings with exceptional flavours and are certain to earn a place on your personal London “must-do” list.
- With a crackling fireplace and the air of a bygone mansion: The Zetter Townhouse
As the iconic shopping artery of Oxford Street begins to stir and stores prepare for the day’s retail frenzy, all it takes is stepping through the discreet blue door of a Georgian townhouse in ever-elegant Marylebone to travel back in time. Welcome to the refined residence of “Uncle Seymour,” the fictional eccentric British dandy, whose home exudes both quiet grandeur and an immediately warm, inviting charm. Like the set of a period film, or scenes lifted from the pages of a classic British novel, the interiors -think of antique furnishings and decorative curiosities, fireplaces and hidden corners, rich textures and deep colours, striking floral arrangements and comforting homemade flavours- conspire to recreate the authentic atmosphere of an 18th-century aristocratic home. Even if you are not staying at the luxurious boutique hotel The Zetter Townhouse, located just a short stroll from the legendary Selfridges department store, you can still begin your day in its intimate, imaginatively decorated drawing rooms with a generous breakfast at reasonable prices. Settle comfortably by the tall windows framed with heavy velvet curtains, on leather sofas beside book-lined shelves, near the gently crackling fireplace, surrounded by paintings and Oriental rugs, and order the full set-price breakfast designed to keep you satisfied until evening. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate, croissants and indulgent chocolate muffins, French butter and preserves, yoghurt, muesli, granola and fresh fruit, bread accompanied by selected cheeses and cold cuts displayed on a discreet buffet with vintage crockery -and, in addition, a hot dish for each guest- are all part of the experience. As you leaf through the morning newspapers waiting in the lounge, the illusion is complete: a thoroughly convincing taste of “Old Money” elegance in the heart of London.
- With the cosmopolitan flair of a modern metropolis and an impressive setting: The Ivy
Nearly 90 years have passed since the legendary The Ivy first opened the doors of its Art Deco interior in the heart of the West End, and a decade has already gone by since its glamorous reinvention. Though it has since expanded across London and beyond, it remains a benchmark for refined flavours, attentive service and the unmistakable glamorous aura that accompanies every dish adorned with its signature ivy leaf. While the original The Ivy serves only brunch on weekends, its brasseries offer breakfast from early morning, featuring delicious plates -both traditional and seasonal- alongside fresh juices and specialty drinks, all infused with contemporary British style.
The aesthetic is a playful, light-hearted interpretation of “English Heritage Chic”: spaces of relaxed elegance where bold colours meet mix-and-match patterns and textures, art pieces coexist with modern lighting, and the setting becomes as enjoyable as the food itself. Expect omelettes with selected cured meats and roasted vegetables, poached eggs -Benedict, Royale or scrambled with salmon and creamy hollandaise- fresh pastries, vegetarian and health-conscious options, and this winter, an irresistible round croissant filled with pulled pork, melted mature cheddar and a perfectly cooked egg. Make a reservation through their website, dress smart casual, sink into the comfortable floral armchairs or curved banquettes, and immerse yourself in an authentic expression of London cosmopolitanism.
- With queues out the door and flavours that inspire cult devotion: The Breakfast Club
Two decades on, the queues remain a constant outside these brightly coloured, breakfast-devoted London favourites -even on weekdays, even early in the morning, even when the wait stretches to 30 minutes or more. Yet no one seems to complain, at least not those who have already tasted the giant, irresistibly indulgent portions served by the small chain that borrowed its name from the iconic coming-of-age film «The Breakfast Club». Whether at its three Soho locations or at outposts in Spitalfields, Hoxton, St Pancras and several other central neighbourhoods, the formula is the same: a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of classic American diners and youthful crowds that flock here non-stop. You’ll probably be seated elbow-to-elbow -this is no place for a quiet, lingering morning- but you will eat exceptionally well. The menu is unapologetically generous.
Think special pancakes such as the “Bananarama” split with salted caramel, crème brûlée and vanilla ice cream, or stacks topped with cinnamon cream and caramelised apples for those in need of an early sugar rush. On the savoury side, sausages, bacon, burger patties and crispy fried chicken spill exuberantly from French toast, brioche buns, sandwiches and burgers. Eggs are cooked every which way, hash browns are a must-order side, and flavours range from mild to seriously spicy. The drinks list is equally eclectic: from wholesome smoothies and matcha tea to cocktails and outrageously over-the-top milkshakes crowned with five scoops of ice cream and extra whipped cream. Book well in advance, arrive on time and whatever you do, don’t even think about checking the calorie count.
- With views over the Thames and the original setting of a riverside igloo: The Coppa Club
Weather bulletins may report rainy days in London, but neither cold nor drizzle will trouble you inside the warm, riverside igloos of Coppa Club. When they first appeared as a temporary festive installation at Christmas 2016, they caused quite a stir and hours-long queues, however, they have long since proved they were here to stay, becoming one of the most spectacular spots to enjoy breakfast along the Thames. The location is hard to rival: Tower of London lies just steps away, Tower Bridge is visible from every igloo, directly opposite the gleaming silhouette of The Shard casts its shadow over the historic warship HMS Belfast, while the restored arcades of Hay’s Galleria invite further exploration once you’ve finished your breakfast. Before setting out, however, settle in with excellent coffee, fragrant teas and freshly blended smoothies. You may be surprised at just how satisfying -and genuinely delicious- the classic English breakfast can be, especially when served with traditional black pudding.
Kefir pancakes topped with mascarpone cream and red berry sauce feel wonderfully light, while the combination of smoked aubergine with eggs and green tahini proves unexpectedly harmonious. Advance booking is essential, as these alpine-style igloos remain perennially popular. Yet the moment you step into your heated cocoon, time seems to pause despite the constant movement along the bustling eastern bank of the Thames, unfolding just in front of you.
- With intoxicating Indian spices and dishes that transport you to 1960s Bombay: Dishoom
Cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg – alongside curry, ginger, turmeric and coriander: the warmth of Indian spices envelops you without ever feeling heavy. The moment you step inside the universally beloved Dishoom, you’ re instantly transported to colonial-era Bombay. Every detail in the décor and layout of this award-winning restaurant group faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the legendary Irani cafés that flourished in late 19th-century British India, without ever slipping into kitsch.Of its seven London locations, the Carnaby Street outpost adds its own chapter to the story of this iconic thoroughfare. Dark polished wood defines the interiors, enriched with retro touches: black-and-white chequered flooring by the bar, a jukebox in the corner, a vintage radio in the lounge, old vinyl sleeves and Indian film posters adorning the walls. Leather armchairs scattered with colourful cushions, books lining the shelves and framed photographs create an atmosphere of intimate familiarity – made even warmer by the radiant smile and heartfelt welcome of Nektaria, Assistant Manager at Dishoom Carnaby, who introduced us to the secrets of Indian comfort and street-food flavours.Devoted regulars swear by the breakfast naan.
These light, hand-rolled flatbreads, baked in an authentic tandoor oven visible from the open kitchen, are gently folded around fried eggs with mature smoked bacon, Shropshire sausages (or vegan alternatives) and appear on nearly every table. They sit alongside Persian-style omelettes, traditional Indian breakfast dishes, spiced pancakes, vanilla yoghurt and bottomless bowls of porridge.Equally unlimited are the refills of the ultimate comfort drink: milky Indian chai, whose sweet, exotic spices warm you from within.Be sure to book online in advance and look for the award-winning cookbook ‘’From Bombay with Love’’, featuring 100 authentic Dishoom recipes.
- With French finesse and dozens of buttery, flaky layers:Le Deli Robuchon, Chestnut Bakery
If breakfast, for you, is unthinkable without a freshly baked, airy croissant alongside a cup of hot coffee -a timeless and unmistakably French pairing- no one will blame you, even in London. In fact, all the better. Because in the British capital, beyond the classic croissants with their rich buttery flavour and delicately crisp texture, you will discover creations that are genuinely inventive in preparation, filling, glaze and even in their iconic shape. Your first stop should be the elegant boulangerie–viennoiserie–pâtisserie of the “Chef of the Century,” Joël Robuchon. It was here, in October 2022, that the now-famous Le Cubecroissants made their debut: perfectly geometric cubes concealing a masterful balance between filling and dough.
Months of experimentation were required to ensure the luscious fillings would neither weigh down nor overpower the feather-light pastry. Today, the impeccably crafted cubes -whose first batch emerges from the oven at 10 a.m. in the sophisticated Piccadilly café- confront visitors with a delicious dilemma: fragrant vanilla cream filling, glossy, silky chocolate ganache with an airy chocolate mousse centre, or an irresistible pistachio cream crowned with a vibrant layer of pistachio paste? And that is without even mentioning the savoury versions. Meanwhile, at London’s other croissant kingdom, Chestnut Bakery, guests face an equally tempting choice: sample the limited-edition Croissant of the Month, inspired by seasonal ingredients, or surrender to the signature flavours that have established this award-winning bakery-café as a destination in its own right. In February, for instance, the spotlight fell on a twice-baked Cookies & Cream croissant, featuring chocolate laminated pastry, white chocolate cream, pink chocolate glaze and edible rose petals. Among the classics, we recommend the combinations of caramelised walnuts with salted caramel cream, dulce de leche with caramelised bananas, and pistachio with raspberries. A friendly warning: they are dangerously addictive.
- Quick and on the go, yet uncompromising on quality:Fortnum & Mason, Fortitude, Gail’s, Buns from Home, The Chai Guys, Granier
Whether you are eager to start ticking off London’s landmarks, travelling on a tighter budget, or simply drawn to the idea of wandering the streets with a good coffee and a quality snack in hand, the city will not disappoint. It is no exaggeration to say that every neighbourhood offers more than one tempting option—from artisan bakeries and cafés to ethnic delis and the food halls of iconic department stores. At the ever-expanding branches of the award-winning Gail’s, you will find exceptional brownies, giant cookies and buttery quiches among many other delights. Pair fragrant Indian chai with a cardamom bun at The Chai Guys, queue -dizzied by the scent of cinnamon- for the tiny Buns from Home shops that have taken London by storm, or surrender to more than one generously filled cream croissant at Granier. Make a detour to Fortitude before visiting the British Museum and treat yourself to their outstanding beignets -Black Forest, pistachio-vanilla-raspberry, lemon cream with strawberry jam- which disappear in the blink of an eye. And if your morning begins at the historic department stores Fortnum & Mason, Harrods or Selfridges, even without indulging in shopping, you will discover impeccably fresh offerings that confirm one thing: the word “breakfast” has rarely felt so indulgent.
*Arietta Pouliou is a Travel journalist, Fashion lover, Foodie, Dreamer, Arts and Sculptures lover, Ice cream addict, Wine enthusiast, you name it. A great contributor to allaboutshipping.co.uk on very special issues accompanied by great photos!
