There’s disagree denying Londoners are suckers for a novel unused opening. Whether or not it has a sprawling rooftop terrace or partitions coated with twinkling lighting and 1000’s of bottles, we’re there – telephone in hand, able to seize it. Probably the most untouched such openings comes courtesy of Daisy Inexperienced staff, upon a renovated barge gently bobbing within the Thames for all of Richmond’s citizens to peer.

Aussie classics are at the menu for early risers, reminiscent of smashed avocado on charcoal toast, sweetcorn fritters and entire Bondi breakfasts with bacon, eggs, sausage and mushrooms. Revel in those dishes atop the barge over espresso, or get your satisfied rags on in moment for the lunch menu. Gargantuan pizzas are generously affected by toppings and will somewhat simply be shared all over overdue brunch sittings below the solar. We paired our pizza with a handful of facet plates; hour the squid wasn’t to our style, the halloumi fries had been one of the crucial absolute best we’d ever attempted, accompanied via tangy lemon and mint yoghurt. Frosé is in, judging via the recognition of the freezing drink all over our consult with, and we slurped on glasses of the fruity tipple garnished with colourful withered raspberries. Complete from our unfold of facets and pizzas, we choose to percentage the Mars Bar cheesecake nearest encouragement from the desk nearest to ours. We had been grateful we did – the round starting stuffed with cheesecake filling, molten caramel and chunks of Mars Bar rocketed to the lead of the tastiest muffins we’ve ever had nearest only a mouthful.

One ultimatum – secure an ocular at the tides. Richmond’s riverside isn’t any stranger to being submerged because the Thames breaks its banks, and – hour the entice of such tasty fare method it’s disagree actual deterrent – you’ll need to be smartly ready for wading during the H2O when disembarking, hand rubbing your abdominal post-feast. Connor Sturges

1. Dipna Anand at Somerset House
Best for: River views

A la carte: Bottomless Tali

Somerset House is probably the most beautiful building in London, so it only makes sense for its restaurant to emulate it. The ultra-high-ceilinged, art-filled space is flooded with light through huge windows that offer views of the Thames – the prettiest backdrop for enjoying the Punjabi and South Indian-inspired dishes created by the talented Dipna Anand.

Dishes include tandoori grilled chicken burgers, chollay bhatura with mango chutney and sizzling chicken biryani with masala fries. However, we cannot recommend the bottomless meat thali. Small curry pots of spiced chicken, lamb kofta and black lentil dal Makhani are served on traditional silver trays with buttered naan bread, hearty rice, mini crunchy poppadoms and the most delicious samosa and onion bhaji. But the best part is that bottomless thali means the curries keep coming. Feast until you’re ready to gorge yourself, but leave plenty of room for the five-spice cheesecake covered in sweet, juicy citrus.

Address: Dipna Anand, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

2. Double standards
Best for: Build your own Bloody Mary

A la carte: Buttermilk Chicken Waffles

Standard Hotel’s ultra-modern exterior is elevated from the inside out to its soft vintage interiors, filled with cool guests in baggy vintage Levi’s, leather jackets and branded tote bags. The Double Standard restaurant serves Sunday brunch on the first floor and outdoor terrace. The 1970s-style space is tiled with mosaic tiles, polished wood tables and a bar with leather stools that spans the entire back wall. There’s also an old-fashioned photo booth to capture memories.

It’s all about the Bloody Mary here. DIY the perfect mixer by choosing the desired gin, mezcal or classic vodka, spice level and toppings (including gherkins, stilton, bacon bits and prawns) – yes, the prawns of cocktails. Served in a pint glass, we’d be surprised if you can get more than two. Of course, bottomless mimosas and Prosecco are also an option.

Brunch includes classics from avocado toast to eggs Benedict. Nonetheless, we came for the American-style delights, including buttermilk chicken waffles, baby back ribs and our favorite, short rib macaroni and cheese. Dessert is obvious – hot waffles with caramelized bananas and salted caramel ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Address: Ground Floor, The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG

3. Savory Girl

Best brunch: seafood to start Sunday

A la carte: Buttermilk waffles with fried lobster

This isn’t just any regular brunch spot in Mayfair. Yes, you’ll find avocado toast and eggs served a variety of ways on the menu. But at Saltie Girl, these classics are reimagined through seafood flavors (all sustainably sourced, of course). Gone are the days of chicken and waffles, replaced by crispy, tender lobster. Eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs are topped with caviar – even their version of the Bloody Mary has caviar. Oysters are an appetizer, and spicy crab on a buttered cream omelet is considered a small plate. For sweet treats, there’s a triple berry yogurt parfait and granola, but we’re told the passion fruit cocktail with puree and grapefruit bitters is the way to go.

Saltie Girl’s address is part of its appeal – its blue exterior complements the Georgian façade of North Audley Street, bringing new life to a classic and timeless neighborhood. We recommend finding a table by the window and truly marveling at the aquamarine hued space, filled with ocean-inspired art, a tuna canning bar and mermaid embossed dinnerware. Make reservations in advance, as brunch is only available at

Address: 15 N Audley Street, London W1K 6WZ, United Kingdom

4. Peggy Jean, Richmond

Best brunch: Riverside munching

A la carte: Mars Bar Cheesecake

There’s no denying that Londoners are fascinated by unique new openings. Whether it’s the spacious rooftop terrace or the walls covered in twinkling lights and thousands of bottles of wine, we’re there – phones in hand, ready to capture it. One of the latest openings offered by Daisy Green Group is a refurbished barge that gently rocks on the Thames for all Richmond residents to see.

The menu for early risers features Australian classics such as crushed avocado on charcoal grilled bread, sweet corn fritters and a full Bondi breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausage and mushrooms. Enjoy these dishes while sipping coffee on the barge, or don your favorite rag in time for the lunch menu. The huge pizzas are sprinkled with toppings and can easily be shared while sitting in the sun at a late brunch. We paired the pizza with a handful of side plates; while the calamari wasn’t to our liking, the halloumi fries were among the best we’ve ever had, served with a rich lemon and mint yogurt. Judging by the popularity of chilled drinks during our visit, Frosé was popular, and we had a glass of fruity spirits garnished with vibrant dried raspberries. Encouraged by the table next to us, we chose to share our pasta and pizza, opting to share the Mars Bar cheesecake. We’re glad we did – the spherical creation filled with cheesecake topping, melted caramel and chunks of Martian chocolate bars soared to the top of the list of the most delicious desserts we’ve ever eaten in one bite.

One warning – watch out for the tides. Richmond’s riverfront is no stranger to being flooded when the Thames breaks, and – while the lure of such delicious food means it’s no real deterrent – you need to be fully prepared to wade through the water as you disembark and rub your hands together with your stomach after the feast.

Address: Peggy Jean at Riverside Green, The Boat, Bridge Boathouses, Riverside, Richmond

5. Wolseley, Green Park

Best for: Great cafe culture

Order: Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs

Technically, it’s breakfast, served until 11:30 a.m., but the Mayfair restaurant is too good not to list. It’s sleek and gorgeous in black, gold and cream; there’s a no-photo rule (you’re bound to recognize a famous face or two), and suitable service includes paper presses and silver teapots. The Scottish smoked salmon is top-notch, and the eggs are bright and creamy. Frankly, even after you’ve eaten half a grapefruit, you’ll still think The Wolseley is the best brunch spot in London. Book in advance, as it’s always crowded.

Address: The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1
Telephone: +44 20 7499 6996

6. The Barbary next door, Covent Garden
Best Brunch: Pretend you’re on a sunny European holiday

Must-try: Eggs at the Bus Station

Since opening in October 2021, The Barbary Next Door has easily become one of Covent Garden’s most popular spots, thanks to its knack for combining the smoky flavors of Moorish Spain with North African cooking. Breakfast is the latest addition to the restaurant’s roster, with Chef Daniel Alt serving up a delightful array of dishes. Bus stop eggs – inspired by roadside meals throughout North Africa and the Middle East – are served on chewy butter beans with a hint of cumin warmth, and an easy-to-crumble savory four-cheese brioche pastry with tart pickles and zhoug is how more days should start. Head there on a sunny day, settle in on the outdoor patio and immediately transport yourself to the European sidewalk café away from Neal’s Yard. If you really want hospitality, order an extra cup of coffee and ras-el-hanout pumpkin bread with pumpkin and sunflower seed curd. You won’t regret it.

Address: 16A Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP

7. Ottolenghi, Spitalfields
Best for brunch: Ladies who like brunch

A la carte: Shakshuka

Ottolenghi is a very smart brunch spot from Yotam Ottolenghi himself, the chef who brought Middle Eastern flavours to London. Situated on Artillery Lane, with plush velvet curtains and decadent bouquets, the porridge comes with roasted plums and berry preserves. You can’t beat the shakshuka, which comes in a mini skillet filled with bubbling roasted tomatoes and smoked labneh. The toasted ricotta is dipped into a perfectly flowing bright orange egg yolk. Rumor has it that the crushed tomatoes and oil-sealed garlic sautéed tofu are not to be missed either.

Address: Ottolenghi, 50 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LJ

8. Dishoom, Covent Garden
Best brunch: Spicy start to the day

A la carte: bacon naan rolls

Dishoom changed the face of Indian restaurants in London when it opened its first Mumbai café-style restaurant in Covent Garden in 2010. The fluffy bacon naan rolls are filled with sticky-sweet ginger pork bacon, cream cheese and chilli sauce, and are highly sought after. There’s also Ludlow sausage naan and the option to add eggs. For the full Indo-English experience, enjoy the breakfast lassi made with bananas, mangoes and oats.

Address: Dishoom, 12 Upper St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2
Telephone: + 44 20 7420 9320

9. Where The Pancakes Are, London Bridge
Best brunch: pancakes

Must-try: American-style pancakes

As part of Flat Iron Square’s new food hub, this festival favorite opened its first permanent restaurant in Borough Market. The standard batter is made with buttermilk for perfectly fluffy pancakes, but the menu also features vegan, dairy- and wheat-free options. American with Canadian maple syrup (said to be healthier than honey), panko bacon and blueberries is the preferred choice. The 20-minute oven-baked Dutch baby, made with goat cheese, rosemary and thyme, is also great.

Address: Where The Pancakes Are, Arch 35a, 85a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1

10. Laurent at Cafe Royal
Best Brunch: New York-inspired Sundays

A la carte: Peanut butter and jam doughnuts

Brunch has been ubiquitous in New York for decades, and it’s been around in London for almost as long. Hotel Café Royal’s Laurent restaurant on the first floor brings a classic Manhattan twist to Sunday morning, with a handsome jazz trio freestyling to a tinkling, upbeat soundtrack during the bustling brunch service. Start with a pastry basket piled high with flaky peach and blackberry cream omelets, cinnamon pecan bread, fluffy jalapeño cornbread, and gooey peanut butter and jam doughnuts. The bottomless brunch will set you back £45 for 90 minutes of fresh, flavorful Bloody Marys or sweet mimosas, with a choice of entrees, which is a pretty good deal for such a quirky place. The classic choice is served with avocado, smoked salmon and hushpuppies on toast or thick pancakes with rum and bananas. New York staples include bitter almond French toast, crispy buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches and truffle popcorn. Or be bold and order the Italian-New York mash-up of silky scrambled eggs with black pepper pepper. Try to get a seat near a window so you can stay for music and coffee at the perfect crowd-watching level overlooking the chaos of Regent Street.

Address: Laurent at Café Royal, 68 Regent St, Soho, London W1B 4DY