Where to find the best brunch in London this autumn

It comes as no surprise that there has been a brunch revolution in the capital: in fact, it’s the most logical food progression. After all, the only thing better than a delicious meal in the middle of London’s vibrant food scene is two delicious meals rolled into one. It’s essentially an excuse to eat whatever you want within a generously vague time period, as morning blurs into afternoon and the laws of culinary courses are joyously flouted. There’s no need to get up early, and there’s no judgement if you feel like starting on the booze at 10am. The only issue, really, is how many options there are. But to make it a little easier, here are five of our best recommendations, from laid back, lazy Sunday affairs to dressed up, fine-dining dos.

Farzi Café, Haymarket: Spice up your brunch

Farzi Café are now serving up a Sunday Feasting Brunch menu that is made to share. For £39 a head, the modern Indian bistro will give you a taste of their new line of dishes, beginning with five sharing starters for the table – including Masala Egg Omelette – followed by three main options such as the slow-cooked yoghurt marinated lamb shoulder with apricots (48-hour pre-order only) complete with sides such as fresh Indian breads; and finally a beautifully composed dessert platter, with Candied Sweet Lime Fondant, Lemon Cannelloni, Strawberry Shortcake and Coconut Sorbet. You can also choose to accompany your meal with free-flowing drinks, priced at £19 per person (for the whole table only).

To book a table at Farzi Café, 8 Haymarket London SW1Y 4BP, call 020 3981 0090 or visit their website here.

Adam Handling Chelsea: Indulge in a luxury brunch

Though Adam Handling calls his new Sunday launch an all-you-can-eat lunch experience, we call it one of London’s best luxury brunches. This classy Chelsea venture focuses on the best of British produce, offering not only bottomless drinks but also bottomless dishes, from deluxe fish options like smoked caviar, crab claws and oysters to hearty classics such as beef Wellington and roast pork. The menu costs £75 per person, with two optional drinks packages to choose from, but within the standard price, you will also receive a delicious zero-waste welcome cocktail made with croissant liqueur, which is created using the leftover croissants from breakfast, and champagne.

To book a table at Adam Handling Chelsea, 75 Sloane St London SW1X 9SE, call 020 8089 7070 or visit their website here.

Kym’s, the City: Catch yourself a lobster brunch

For a more unconventional brunch of seafood with an Asian twist, head down to Kym’s, where a special menu is available every Saturday for £45 from 12-3pm. Plates on offer include Sunny-Side Up Sourdough Prawn Toast;  Half Lobster with optional sides of Poached Kym’s Soy, Roasted Typhoon Shelter Style Jasmine Rice Bowl, Mini Three Treasures or greens; and sweet offerings such as 888 Yuzu Layered Cake with Cinnamon and Raspberry. Tipples include Kym’s Bloody Mary Shot, or for an additional £15, guests can enjoy the option of bottomless spiced plum bellini, wine or beer.

To book a table at Kym’s, 19 Bloomberg Arcade London EC4N 8AR, call 020 7220 7088 or visit their website here.

Galvin at Windows, Mayfair: Brunch with a view

At Galvin, the seasonally inspired menus are based around modern French haute cuisine with a Korean twist from chef Joo Won, and what’s more, you can dine whilst looking out across the stunning city skyline. Served from 12-3pm, the menu includes both classics and new inventions ranging from sourdough toast with delicious toppings such as smoked mackerel pate or black pudding and apple compote; to breads and pastries; to the ever-popular eggs benedict, florentine and royal. Desserts include a delectable chocolate fondant or a refreshing banana split. The view alone is worth the visit.

To book a table at Galvin at Windows, 22 Park Lane London W1K 1BE, call 020 7208 4021 or visit their website here.

Darby’s, Wandsworth: Brunch like a New-Yorker

Oyster bar Darby’s have now launched a New York-style weekend brunch, complete with a live swing soundtrack from a roster of jazz bands. As they transport themselves to the downtown Manhattan of the 1950s and 60s, guests can pick from native oyster varieties including Blackwater Wild and Achill. The venue also offers freshly baked American delights such as warm cinnamon buns, as well as a variety of brunch classics including the Darby’s Breakfast, with fried Cacklebean egg, Darby’s smoked bacon slab, brown butter waffle; and pork & fennel salumi baked beans. To drink, head bartender Wesley Yeung has crafted a list of cocktail favourites with a dash of Darby’s spirit, including an Amaretto Mimosa with prosecco and freshly squeezed orange juice.

To book a table at Darby’s, No 3 Viaduct Gardens London SW11 7AY, call 020 7537 3111 or visit their website here.

Rosamund Kelby
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina (Galvin at Windows)