Best brunch in Soho
While Soho is usually synonymous with nightlife, if you find yourself there earlier in the day you can treat yourself to some of the best brunch London has to offer. From authentic American-style breakfast to a vegan brunch that could win over even your most carnivorous friends, there are plenty of places for a delicious brekkie out.
Here are some favourite brunch spots in Soho.
My Place Soho
If your goal for brunch is to ensure you're properly caffeinated, My Place Soho is the perfect place to get a coffee with a side of breakfast. It serves some of the most affordable barista-made coffees outside of the usual London chains, ensuring you can sip lattes all morning without breaking the bank.
Their food menu includes sweet and savoury brekkie options including your usual fare of omelettes and full Englishes and more unique flavour pairings like sourdough toast with burrata and peach.
While Soho can often feel impersonal, My Place does a great job of making its cafe feel welcoming and neighbourly. The warm interiors and comforting menu make it a friendly oasis amid the hustle and bustle.
Soho, W1F | myplacesoho.com
The Breakfast Club
The ever-hyped Breakfast Club has been attracting queues for years and after finally trying it for myself I can attest that the wait is worth it. The brightly coloured cafe, covered in nostalgic trinkets is the closest you can get to a roadside American diner in the middle of London. While there are still lingering echoes of a full English fry-up across the menu, anywhere that serves "Chocolicious Pancake Balls" certainly understands the spirit of American breakfast.
If you don’t have a reservation and have arrived to a massive queue, keep in mind there are three Soho locations within quick walking distance. When I last visited, a miscommunication in the group chat meant half of my friends went to one location and half arrived at the other – which worked out in our favour as we ended up at the less busy cafe and were deciding between savoury breakfast sandwiches and sweet pancakes in no time.
If you have to wait or need extra time for a lie-in, don't worry – brunch is served until 17:00 on weekends.
Soho, W1F | thebreakfastclubcafes.com
Mildred's
London's favourite vegan restaurant is also home to one of the best plant-based brunches in the city. Their weekend brunch menu includes unique sweet options like black forest pancakes or – my personal favourite – the seasonal chick+n burgers that give any actual chicken sandwiches a run for their money.
In keeping with other Mildred's locations, Soho is a mix of funky and sophisticated decor. I've been here for cosy brunch dates or chatty mornings with a big group of friends and it's always such a warm and inviting atmosphere. I also recommend taking the window seat at the Soho location, as it is primed for people watching and seeing the characters that stroll down Lexington Street.
Soho, W1F | mildreds.com
Nessa
Located just off Piccadilly Circus, Nessa is a calming escape from the chaos of the traffic and crowds outside. It's also the perfect spot for an elegant brunch in Soho. With refined interiors, this lovely, airy restaurant is an ideal setting for a Mother's Day brunch or just a special morning out with friends.
Nessa serves a menu of elevated versions of comforting classics and decadent dishes – like porridge with hibiscus plums and chocolate orange French toast. You can also pair your brunch with one of their refreshing smoothies, gourmet coffees, or champagne to wash it all down.
Soho, W1F nessasoho.com
Balans
Balans has been a Soho institution for almost 30 years. Frequented by the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga, both Soho locations capture the eclectic energy of the area and cater to every walk of life that passes through. The rustic interiors and quirky decor make it a unique setting for brunch and the menu lives up to their storied history.
From eggs benedict served with lobster to beans on toast served with jalapeño cornbread, the menu at Balans is full of surprises. Known for their pancakes, you can get classic American-style pancakes with maple syrup or the more adventurous fried chicken pancakes with kimchi salad.
Look no further if you want a boozy brunch. Balans is home to a world-famous pornstar martini, as the inventor of the drink gave their bartenders the recipe when the cocktail first became popular in the early 2000s.
Soho, W1F | balans.co.uk
Scarlett Green
Scarlett Green is a great spot in Soho for those of us who like a little more lunch in our brunch. From Buddha bowls to fancy bacon rolls, there are plenty of options if you're looking to indulge in comfort food or need a little boost of nutrients. However, if you still feel like you're missing out on a sweet treat, they also serve an incredible banana bread sandwich filled with mascarpone cream and berries.
The vibe is very Aussie brunch-meets-industrial chic and features artwork from emerging artists that has been carefully curated by the Scarlett Green team.
Soho, W1F | daisygreenfood.com
100 Wardour Street
If you're not much of a morning person, there's nothing quite like a party brunch to make sure you're awake before noon on a Saturday. For brunch and a show, head to 100 Wardour Street, where they host London's biggest brunch bashes with live performers, three-course meals, and bottomless prosecco every weekend.
Upstairs you'll find the Jukebox Brunch, where a live band roams through the dining room taking requests and serenading you while you dig into your avocado toast. On the lower level, the DJ plays ‘90s and ‘00s R&B hits to keep the energy going. They also do a Christmas Brunch with their usual R&B lineup plus some festive classics mixed in.
Soho, W1F | 100wardourst.com
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