Mar
05

Keep calm and brunch on: The best of London’s brunch hot spots

March 05, 2017
Julia D'Orazio

The English have done it again. They gave us their classic breakfast and now they have managed to take it a step further. Actually, several steps. It’s now not about how you want your eggs or how you would like your tea — it’s what kind of an eccentric entertainment scene would you like beside your brunch table.

London has managed to turn brunch into a weekend institution with its array of themed brunches ready to kickstart the weekend. With bottomless eats, Prosecco, and all kinds of fun in between, its time to quench the thirst, feed that hunger, and party on at these top London brunch hot spots.

Hip Hop Brunch LDN

locals gathered around a table with champagne and plates of food

A ‘dirty south’ brunch is on the menu here | Photo by Jason Glass and Amy Astor

99 problems and brunch ain’t one! You know things are about to get hot in here when a world filled with hip hop karaoke, finger-licking brunches, and specialty drinks unite. Each one of these hip, hop, happening affairs include breaking out with the goods to create the ultimate three-course American “Dirty South”-inspired brunch (wings and burgers are considered brunch food in this ‘hood). Sometimes the grease factor is taken to the Far East with the occasional dim sum special thrown into the mix.

Drop the mic as the venue location for Hip Hop Karaoke will only be revealed just a few days prior to the event, to keep this brunch exclusive to those who truly want to get their freak on.

Secret location.

Bunga Bunga — The Englishman’s Italian

interior of Italian-style cafe

Come for the carb overload | Photo by Bunga Bunga

When the bellini fills your glass and all you want to do is sing and eat out, that’s Bunga Bunga. Located in the the west London district of Hammersmith, this is an Italian brunch like no other, as once the shutters come down, day becomes night and all gets loose with both brunch and dance floor moves.

The party kicks off with unlimited bellinis and entrees such as antipasto meats and freshly baked brioche buns served with the supreme of all spreads, Nutella. As Nonna (or Grandma) would never want you to go home on an empty stomach, the next round of Italian carb overload includes traditionally cooked breakfast-inspired pizzas, including the Englishman’s breakfast (Think the best of both worlds). Coupled with cheesy Italian décor, drag queen karaoke, and playful tunes blaring, this is one Italian party you don’t want to miss.

37 Battersea Bridge, London, SW11 3BA. Phone: +44 20 7095 0360.

All Star Lanes

close-up of burger in London pub

Burgers for brunch? Why not. | Photo by All Star London

You know you have hit a strike with this one! Put on those bowling loafers and feel your competitive side shine as you grab a ball and aim for the pins at this hidden bowlers’ paradise.

After flexing your bowling skills, spare no time in selecting a bottomless brunch that stars a simple yet flavoursome menu — my pick is the chicken maple waffles. This is a perfect Sunday brunch affair with games allowing up to seven people to participate. Play on!

All Star Lanes, Spitalfields Arts Market, 95 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL. Phone: 020 7426 9200.

Bounce

close-up of ping pong paddles

Get your pre-brunch game on | Photo by Bounce

No one wants the party to stop and that is why you must bounce on. With neon lights illuminating this basement ping pong lovers’ haven, you know it will be game, set, and brunch like no other. Your arms will be given a welcomed workout with the swapping between servings of breakfast-inspired gourmet pizzas, glasses of Prosecco, and, of course, a ping pong paddle. If you are a mad pizza lover, you will not be disappointed as there are endless slices to go around. (Eggs Benedict pizza? Yes please!) Throw in some fun disco and pop tunes and this makes for the ultimate Sunday (anti) hangover cure.

241 Old Street, London, EC1V 9EY. Phone: +44 20 3657 6525.

Turner Tea Lady Steamy Bingo Bottomless Brunch

Welcome to fun brunch city! The diva of all teabags, Ms. Tina Turner Tea Lady, hosts this steamy bingo brunch with numbers of all sorts shouted out. Get the ball rolling while feasting on simple traditional brunch dishes and sipping limitless bloody Marys, mimosas, and Prosecco.

The Candlemaker, 136 Battersea High Street, London, SW11 3JR. Phone: +44 20 7095 0360.

Want to discover more local spots in London? Hop onto a locally led tour for all the secret spots off the tourist track.