Brunch in London: Your Ultimate Guide
Brunch is more than just a meal, it’s an occasion. It’s the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family to feast, and it’s nestled within that sweet spot after the breakfast rush and before the midday mayhem.
It’s a time to pause and catch-up over delicious dishes, washed down with a hot beverage or maybe even a glass of something special.
Brunch, and especially brunch in London, isn’t to be scoffed in front of screens or grabbed on the go. It’s a time to marvel at every mouthful and appreciate every plate.
At Greene King, our brunches are a bite above the rest. And what better place to enjoy them than in London? With history and architecture revealing itself at every turn, and an endless list of sights to see, the city is a feast for the eyes. So why not enjoy one for your stomach too?
If you’re looking to enjoy brunch in London, here’s your ultimate guide.
A toast to a Greene King brunch
At Greene King, we’re here for every food experience. From quick bites enjoyed between pints to sharing boards with friends, indulgent three-course meals with family, and comforting Sunday lunches to unwind after a big weekend.
And when it comes to brunch in London, our offerings are truly worth a (buttery slice of) toast.
The capital city has an endless array of sights to see, and our pubs provide the perfect retreat. Whether you need to fuel up for the day ahead or pause after an early morning rush.
Take your time exploring our menu. Enjoy a classic Full English or savour a breakfast roll loaded with all the trimmings. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, we’ve got plenty of delicious options to satisfy your morning cravings, plus a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices to please every palate.
Still feeling hungry? Add on some tasty extras to make your plate even bigger. Go on, we won’t judge!
We’ve always got plenty of hot beverages to provide a soothing sip. Whether you fancy a rich, freshly-brewed coffee, a warming mug of tea or an indulgent hot chocolate. Fancy something special? Order a drink from our bar. Brunch goes great with bubbles, but whatever your tipple, we’re happy to pour at our pubs serving brunch in London.
What’s the buzz behind brunch?
You may think brunch is an American concept, but did you need the in-between meal actually started in England?
It was a term first coined in 1895 by British writer Guy Beringer, who suggested a late-morning meal on Sundays to replace the traditional heavy breakfast after Saturday night’s festivities. The idea then crossed over to the US around the 1930s, and quickly became a beloved weekend tradition.
While not much of Guy’s personal life is known, he was a prominent member of the literary and social scene, so it’s likely he lived in London. So, in many ways, brunch can be said to have London roots.
Traditional brunches back then may have included a classic Full English, but they may have also served up cold cuts, salads and simple sandwiches. They often featured tea, as well as a light ale or even a glass of sherry.
Our guide to the top brunch spots in London
Fancy a spot of brunch? Here are our top London brunch pubs to visit, offering delicious brunches, a warm welcome, and plenty of sights right on your doorstep.Sawyer’s Arms, Paddington
This beloved pub sits opposite Paddington station, making it the perfect brunch spot in London if you're exploring the city by tube. It was originally built as a fishmonger's shop in 1854, and has retained much of its vintage charm with an ornate panelled wood bar and decorative coving. There’s plenty of cosy corners for quiet catch-ups, and it’s dog-friendly too. There’s whispers of a resident ghost, but much like the staff and local patrons, they’re very friendly. When you’re ready to explore, you’ve got plenty within walking distance. Take a stroll through Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park, or discover the beloved gem of Little Venice, with charming waterside cafes and boat tours.
While you’re here, why not try the Great British Cheese Toastie? Made with Barber’s Vintage Cheddar and served in a soft and crispy sourdough sandwich, it’s brunch heaven in every bite. Dip it in a squirt of HP sauce and take yourself to cheesy heights! Check out our menu for plenty of other tasty brunch treats!
Globe, Marylebone
This charming spot dates back to the 18th century and is just a five-minute walk from Marylebone station, which is not only on the London Underground but also has a National Rail service offering journeys to and from places like Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Oxford. The cosy London brunch spot has a large beer garden to enjoy on warmer days, and there's even TNT Sports and Sky Sports on screens if you want to catch the latest sporting action. Fuel up with a tasty brunch, and let the drinks flow with something special from the bar. If you're keen to explore, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds are a short walk away. Regents Park is also close by, and offers a boating lake and easy access to London Zoo.
At the Globe, small plates are certainly the way to go. Tuck into our Japanese-inspired Karange Sticky Chicken or crunch your way through our Battered Halloumi with a sweet and hot chilli jam dip. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a treat with our small plates. Still big on flavour, even though they’re smaller in size.
Travellers Tavern, Belgravia
Nestled in Belgravia, one of London’s most exclusive and elegant neighbourhoods, the Travellers Tavern is a great spot to tuck into a hearty brunch in London while you toast to good company and a perfect start to the day. The family-friendly spot is also welcoming to dogs, and you're spoilt for location with Westminster Cathedral a stone's throw away, and Belgrave Square, one of the city's grandest garden squares, a short walk. Make sure to head to Pimlico Road too, which is a go-to destination for antiques and art. Even if you’re just window shopping.
While you’re brunching your way through the Travellers Tavern, make sure you try one of our delicious sandwiches. Our favourite is the Halloumi & Chilli Jam Flatbread Wrap, with roasted red peppers, mayo, rocket and a side of fries, thick-cut chips or crispy sweet potato fries. Mmm, delicious!
Shakespeare, Victoria
This historic pub dates back to around 1785, and after a significant redevelopment in 1870, once boasted of having the longest bar counter in London. Today, it's a well-loved establishment that welcomes locals and visitors from afar, especially for a tasty brunch in London! As well as a sublime brunch offering, you can also swing by in the evening for live music and fun quiz nights. Victoria station is a short walk away, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Little Ben, which is a miniature clock tower at the intersection of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street, and Eccleston Yards, which is an open-air shopping experience with plenty of stunning boutiques.
At the Shakespeare, it’d be rude not to try our incredible sharers. Perfectly sized for three, our Trio of Fries gives you the flavours of Korea, Italy and Nashville all in one plate! Or, for more of a picky plate vibe, check out our Nachos! Trust us, they’re made exactly how you like them. Plenty of cheese and ounces of Mexican flavour!
Bayswater Arms, Bayswater
For book lovers, the Bayswater Arms is a literary classic. It's mentioned in a vast array of writings, including Jeremy Quirke’s Toerags in Orange Caftans and Charles H. Allen’s Gilded Monuments. The pub dates back to the 1960s but has a faux-Victorian decor with wood-panelled bars, gold-leaf mouldings and low ceilings for that retro charm. There are plenty of landmarks close to this cosy pub, including the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, and St. Sophia Cathedral, which is a Grade I listed Greek Orthodox cathedral. Today, we serve a delightful brunch in the heart of London that will certainly fulfil all your brunching needs.
Grab some small plates at the Bayswater and you just can’t go wrong! With Crispy Squid and Honey & Mustard Sausages on the menu, you’ll definitely be asking yourself whether five plates is too many for one person.