The Swindian recommends: London breakfasts

Breakfast might be my favourite meal of the day (though I’m rather partial to a spot of lunch and a decadent dinner, too), and the abundance of London establishments that offer it has only served to exacerbate that love. I love meeting friends for brunch at the weekend, and when my job allows it, I try and spend my mornings working flexibly from one of the city’s many cafes. I can never say no to a poached egg or freshly squeezed juice, and am always on the hunt for more, so I decided to put together a little list of my favourite breakfast spots in the city!

Disclaimer 1: I tend to go for Eggs Benedict wherever I am, as I think that dish is just the perfect combination of runny eggs, solid ham, a filling muffin, and oozy Hollandaise. The best I’ve ever had were actually up in St Andrews at Bibi’s Cafe, but in London, it would likely be either Hawksmoor or The Modern Pantry (both are listed below).

Disclaimer 2: This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I am yet to partake of the famous breakfasts such as The Good Egg and the Riding House Cafe, so the below is based on my humble experience.

The Swindian’s top 3 breakfast picks

Dishoom: For surprisingly cheap Indian fusion and especially that bacon naan roll (with a shout out to their destiny granola). Make sure you book to avoid queues.

Honey & Co: Amazingly interesting Middle Eastern dishes. Go for the sabich, which combines soft pitta, roasted aubergine, and tahini – absolute heaven on a plate. As above, bookings are essential.

Hawksmoor: A solid English breakfast within luxurious surroundings – their Eggs Benedict involve chunky bits of ham as only a steak restaurant would offer. The breakfast is only available at their Guildhall branch.

Good for flexible working (all have free wifi)

Dishoom again: Their ChaiFi is outstanding, and you can opt for the bottomless chai and just never leave. I’m particularly fond of the Kings Cross branch, as it’s the largest of the chain and has enough buzz without being disturbing to your concentration.

Half Cup: A lovely little cafe in Kings Cross that has great value food, but unfortunately no power plugs, so your time here will be limited. Discovered through the #365LDNCafes project!

Le Pain Quotidien on Great Marlborough Street. A great selection of breakfast dishes, ample space with power plugs, and booths where you can have a bit more privacy. I particularly enjoyed the baked eggs with smoked salmon.

Honourable mentions

Berners Tavern: Luxurious and upmarket, with prices to reflect the decor. Great for breakfast meetings, with ceilings as high as a cathedral, though the Eggs Benedict not quite as good as Hawksmoor.

The Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell: Love the casual setting, and the addition of dukkah on their Eggs Benedict inspired me to make the dish I’m most proud of this year. Their outside area was also a great treat in the summer sun!

Flat White in Soho: A slightly cramped setting, but worth it for the first-rate coffee and avocado toast, which is smothered in crunchy seeds and topped with halloumi.

Overrated

The Breakfast Club: It has achieved cult status with its ‘Sex, Drugs & Bacon Rolls’ neon signage, but in my experience, it was a case of very average pancakes for above average prices.

One to avoid

Four To Eight in Covent Garden: Do not touch this one with a bargepole – find out exactly why here.

And when all else fails…

… make sure you know how to whip up a stellar brunch in your very own house. Instructions here!

Which is your favourite breakfast spot in London, and which ones would you avoid?