10 of the Best Breakfasts in London

The reality for most of us is that breakfast is a rushed affair in the mornings or - if you’re working in the Homestay office- a quick dash to the nearest café in the morning to keep you going. When you’re on holiday, it’s nice to indulge in this neglected yet delicious part of the day. If you are planning a longer trip to London or are relocating to the city, consider this a guide to getting to know the different districts and boroughs, one breakfast at a time! So set your eggs to boil and fill up for the day with our top ten breakfast spots in London…

1. The Riding House Café, great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PQ

Tube: Goodge Street or Oxford Circus

Photo courtesy of Ewan Munro

Whether it's muesli in the morning or a full English breakfast that you want, the airy, fashionable surrounds of The Riding House Café are sure to set you up for the day. If the weather is good enough, you can also sit outside and watch the world go by. Their selection of juices and smoothies is worth trying also.

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2. Zedels, Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED

Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Photo courtesy of Linda Hartley

If, like me, you have a soft spot for anything Francophone, then Zedels is for you. Here the art deco backdrop of the Brasserie and Bar Américain will leave you feeling like something out of a sleek Humphrey Bogart film. And if you feel that breakfast is too early in the day to indulge in such glamour, they are also open for lunch and dinner.

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3. Breakfast and Gallery at the Tate Modern, Southbank, London SE1 9TG

Tube: Southwark or Blackfriars

Photo courtesy of Nic McPhee

Another architectural gem here, but this time on a whole different level. The Tate Modern is the imposing concrete building that dominates the Southbank and houses some truly spectacular and thought-provoking pieces of modern art. If that’s too much for you however, check out their ground floor restaurant for some delicious eats before a stroll along the Thames. Or if you plan on going later in the evening, the top floor bar has stunning views of the riverbank and the City.

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4. Maison Bertaux, 28 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 5DQ

Tube: Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square

Photo courtesy of The_Whiteness

Most definitely a stop-off spot for those whose ideal breakfast includes a croissant or pain-au-chocolat, Maison Bertaux shows that Greek Street, which is more often known for its nightlife, does have a daytime charm. With their claim to be “London’s oldest (and best) patisserie,” they seem pretty confident you’ll enjoy yourself.

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5. The Breakfast Club: locations in Spitalfields, Hoxton, Angel, Soho and Battersea Rise

Tube: Liverpool Street, Old Streeet, Angel, Tottenham Court Road and Clapham Junction respectively.

Photo courtesy of Mac Morrison

If you only eat breakfast in the coolest places in town, then you’ll definitely need to make a reservation at one of the 5 different Breakfast Club restaurants there are dotted across the city. I stress the need for a reservation here as this place really will have a queue out the door every weekend, in particular the Soho branch which is the smallest. The enthusiasm around eggs here deserves particular mention but any of their dishes will set you up for the day.

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6. Borough Market, Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Tube: London Bridge

Photo courtesy of Herry Lawford

If the prospect of queuing up and sitting for hours isn’t exactly your idea of breakfast then why not head over to London’s famous Borough Market? Located just next to the London Bridge tube station, this market is open from 10am Monday to Friday and from 8am on Saturdays. From quick coffees and cakes to slow cooked meats, there really is something for everyone here. They Argentinian stand that sells dulce de leche may not offer the healthiest breakfast, but it is one of the best.

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7. The Lido Café, Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PA

Tube: nearest station is Herne Hill which is served by National Rail Services

Photo courtesy of The Lido Café

Another bit of a wild card here, but for anyone who is looking for something a bit more off the beaten track or who likes nothing better than a morning workout, then head to the Lido Café in South London. Located right on the edge of the beautiful Brockwell Lido, which is itself a listed building, the café offers good quality English food as well as a good evening menu.

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8. Caravan: 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA

Tube: King’s Cross St. Pancras

Photo courtesy of Stephen Davies

Located in the recently renovated warehouse space behind the mainline train station, Caravan and indeed the King’s Cross redevelopment showcase modern London at its best. When the weather is fine enjoy your poached eggs in the sunshine or else indoors in the airy restaurant. They also have another branch of Caravan located just down the way at Exmouth Market where you can soak up the best that Islington has to offer.

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9. The Modern Pantry, 47-8 St John’s Square, London EC1V 4JJ

Tube: Farringdon

Photo courtesy of Ewan Munro

Located in a far less touristy and altogether more business area, The Modern Pantry has a healthy nod to traditional British produce while still offering a wide variety of delicious breakfast options. If you’re not convinced by this statement then take a look at their menu where they serve Marmite soldiers alongside fried haloumi! And if you are moving to London for work, then you’ll be happy to hear that they serve lunch and dinner too.

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10. Take a picnic up to Hampstead Heath

Tube: Hampstead or Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak Overground stations.

If you prefer a more do-it-yourself to breakfast, and of course weather permitting, head to Hampstead Heath with your picnic basket for breakfast. While it may only be a short ride on the Northern Line, it really is worlds away from much of the buzz that is associated with London. The hillside park has spectacular views of the city as well as several cafes in case you’d rather have someone else cook lido for you. And if you are feeling adventurous you can always take a dip in the Hampstead Ponds or Lido afterwards- just make sure you let your breakfast digest first!

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Main photo courtesy of Garry Knight under Creative Commons license.

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