While in London, you will likely find yourself needing some breakfast at some point. In this case, you’re in luck, because London is a city that knows how to do breakfast right! From trendy brunch spots to cosy cafés tucked away in historic neighbourhoods, London’s breakfast scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.
In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best breakfast spots in London where unforgettable food meets a captivating atmosphere — places you won’t want to miss.
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L’ Express City, St Paul’s
Nestled in the heart of the financial district, only a couple of streets away from St Paul’s Cathedral, lies L’Express City. I’ve been coming to this spot throughout my entire life, and it never disappoints. This intimate café combines charm with a modern twist, creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s both vibrant and relaxed. Known for its delicious pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and hearty breakfast options, L’Express City caters to early risers, families, and busy professionals alike.
L’Express City also stands as one of the most reliable and consistent caterers, delivering high-quality food without ever compromising on taste or freshness. Their pricing is also very reasonable, allowing you to get excellent value for your money.
Hot Chocolate
Sometimes, I visit L’Express City with the sole purpose of getting a cup of their hot chocolate — it’s that extraordinary. Even if you’re normally a dedicated coffee drinker, you ought to do yourself a favour and experience this treat. The hot chocolate is remarkable in every way. It’s rich and deep, without being overly heavy. A delicate layer of whipping cream rests at the top, dusted with a hint of cocoa powder.
Buttered Toast
The buttered toast at L’Express City is an absolute must-try. This deceptively simple dish is crafted to perfection: the bread is toasted to a golden-brown finish, achieving an ideal balance of crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. While still warm, a thin layer of lightly salted butter is spread over the toast, melting into each crevice to deliver an incredibly rich and satisfying flavour in every bite.
Check out L’Express City here.
Terry’s Café, Borough
I also have to mention Terry’s Café, which is located in Borough just south of the river Thames. It’s a cherished spot for anyone looking for a truly British dining experience. Serving up traditional English dishes made from family recipes, Terry’s is known for its warm, friendly service, making it a favourite among both visitors and locals.
Receiving the Certificate of Excellence for two consecutive years, being named a Traveller’s Choice winner in 2022, and consistently achieving a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Terry’s Café has earned high praise and reputation.
Build Your Own Breakfast
At Terry’s Café, you can build your own breakfast by choosing a combination of 4 optional cooked dishes. You pick from a wide array of delicious items like bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and black pudding. In case you have room for even more food, try ordering some of their incredible sides such as hash browns, sourdough bread, or one of the many pastries.
Cinnamon Bun
There is a range of pastries to choose from, one being the cinnamon bun, which caught me completely off-guard the first time I tried it. A perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and a fragrant spiced cinnamon filling. The outside is beautifully baked to a rich, golden hue and as you peel each layer apart, you’ll find ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon that have caramelized slightly, creating a sticky swirl in the centre. This pastry is the perfect complement to your carefully crafted breakfast.
The Breakfast Club, London Bridge
With multiple locations across the UK and London, The Breakfast Club has become an iconic spot for breakfast lovers looking for a fun twist on the traditional morning classics. When visiting one of their restaurants, you’re immediately met with retro decor and a quirky laid-back vibe, while music from the 80s plays quietly in the background. Boasting a welcoming atmosphere that feels like stepping into a cosy neighbourhood diner, The Breakfast Club is a must-visit spot when visiting London.
The Greasy Spoon
When I visited The Breakfast Club, I opted for The Greasy Spoon breakfast platter, consisting of bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns, and baked beans. I also ordered toast and a cup of coffee. All of the food was seasoned to perfection, and the sausage, in particular, was unlike anything I’ve ever had before — it had an incredible depth of flavour from the various aromatic herbs and spices. I’d also like to highlight the baked beans, a simple yet delicious dish, with a perfectly balanced tomato sauce-to-bean ratio.
Pancakes
You also have to try out their pancakes, which are light, fluffy, and golden brown with a hint of crispiness at the edges. They come in several varieties, each one better than the last. You also have the option to customize the pancakes exactly how you’d like. Besides the classic whipped butter and maple syrup, you can also choose popular sweet toppings like strawberries, chocolate ganache, and caramelized peaches, alongside savoury toppings such as crispy bacon and homestyle potatoes.
Check out The Breakfast Club here.
Duck & Waffle, Bishopsgate
Duck & Waffle offers a one-of-a-kind unique breakfast experience that perfectly blends exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views. Situated high above the city on the 40th floor, the restaurant provides guests with an incredible panorama of the London Skyline. The menu features a mix of creatively crafted British and European flavours, all made with the finest quality ingredients.
The atmosphere is exclusive, and perhaps also a little more high-end than some of the other places that I’ve mentioned in this article. One thing is for sure though — you definitely won’t regret spending a little extra money once you have tried out their food for yourself. The dishes that Duck & Waffle serves up are astonishingly exceptional.
Duck & Waffle
When you visit the restaurant, it would be a shame to miss out on their signature dish — fittingly named “Duck & Waffle”. Wondering what’s on the plate? Well, you probably guessed it: a perfectly crispy confit duck leg alongside a fluffy waffle topped with a fried duck egg and drizzled with rich mustard maple syrup. It’s a savoury and sweet delight you won’t regret ordering!
Seasonal Fruit Salad
Ordering a seasonal fruit salad from Duck & Waffle is a treat that goes behind just fresh flavours. You’re tasting the fruits at their most flavourful and ripest point. Each bite bursts with natural sweetness, juiciness, and acidity, highlighting the incredible quality ingredients. The selection of fruits also changes throughout the year, allowing you to try something new each time you visit.
PAUL, St Paul’s
Looking for an amazing bakery to start your day? Try out Paul, a well-loved French bakery chain with a strong presence in the city, boasting multiple locations. Paul is celebrated for its emphasis on quality and following traditional recipes and baking techniques passed down through generations since the bakery’s founding in 1889. When you enter a Paul in London, you’re immediately greeted by a warm aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries.
Pastries
PAUL offers almost anything you could ever dream of when it comes to French pastries. One of my favourites is the pain au chocolate — a French classic! It has delicate layers of buttery, flaky dough, surrounding a centre of rich, dark chocolate creating the perfect combination of crisp and gooey textures. Another one of their signatures is the croissant. A true French croissant is a work of art, and at Paul’s bakery, they create one that’s as close as you’ll get to an authentic Parisian croissant in London.
Coffee
Each pastry at PAUL becomes even better when paired with a steaming cup of freshly ground coffee. Whether you’re sitting down to relax or grabbing a quick caffeine boost on the go, there’s a perfect cup of coffee waiting for you. From creamy lattes to bold espressos, each variety is carefully crafted to complement the rich, buttery flavours of the pastries — making every sip and bite a true delight.
Conclusion
In a dynamic city like London, these highlighted breakfast spots are just a taste of the many options that await. But the food scene of this culinary capital doesn’t stop at just breakfast — explore further and you’ll find endless places that offer amazing food & drink experiences.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a few days, this city always has more things to do.
Thank you for reading along!
