Where To Go For Breakfast In Shoreditch
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12 months ago
Brunch hotspots in London's hipster HQ
East London’s foodie capital, Shoreditch is home to some of the capital’s most exciting restaurants. It’s where the coolest chefs go to open restaurants in unassuming locations – The Light Bar in a former Victorian power station, for instance, and Rochelle Canteen in an old bike shed. But where to go if you’re after breakfast? From cosy cafes in Old Street to American-style diners in Hoxton, here are the best spots for breakfast in Shoreditch.
Where To Go For Breakfast In Shoreditch
Andina
Peruvian food might not be the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to brunch, but the vibrant cuisine actually lends itself well to breakfast fare. Head to Andina, a restaurant in Shoreditch inspired by the traditional Andean eateries, to see for yourself. Classic breakfast dishes are given a Peruvian twist: pancakes are served with mango whipped cream, pink peppercorn and chancaca syrup, while poached eggs are jazzed up with spicy potatoes and peanut butter (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it). On weekends, there’s a bottomless option too, complete with a mix of small and large plates alongside 90 minutes of unlimited drinks.
60-62 Commercial St, London E1 6LT, andinalondon.com
Eggslut
Eggslut began as a food truck in LA, known then as Old Bessie. The brainchild of chef Alvin Cailan, the truck had locals queueing for hours to get a bite – and a snap – of the action, which came in the form of Instagrammable egg dishes. Alvin went on to open numerous other sites around the US, before launching a site in the UK – and now there are three branches in London, including one in Shoreditch. Famous dishes include the Slut: coddled egg on top of a potato puree, poached in a glass jar and served with baguette; and the Fairfax: scrambled eggs with cheddar, chives and caramelized onions in a warm brioche bun. Shocked by the name? According to Whitney Myrus, the man responsible for Eggslut’s London opening: ‘it’s a chef’s term, it just essentially refers to somebody who always just says “add an egg to it” when they’re cooking.’
94 Leonard St, London EC2A 4RH, eggslut.com
Grind
If you’re after a great breakfast in Shoreditch, Grind is sure to fit the bill. The East London branch of the renowned cafe group is a relaxed – though always busy – spot serving an excellent all-day brunch. All the breakfast classics are there, but with fun, creative twists. Sweet potato harissa cakes are topped with poached eggs and yoghurt, while smoked salmon is served on house crumpets. Feeling extra hungry? Go all out with the Grind breakfast, a feast of eggs, thick cut bacon, avocado, Cumberland sausages and baked butter beans (with a veggie version also available). The only hard part is securing a table, particularly on weekends.
213 Old St, London EC1V 9NR, grind.co.uk
The Hoxton Grill
American diner meets Shoreditch cool at The Hoxton Grill, an all-day restaurant nestled within the hotel. With its red leather booths and relaxed vibe, it’s well-suited to low-key breakfast meetings as well as leisurely weekend brunches. The US-inspired menu includes everything from pastries and chia seed bowls to larger brunch-style dishes of buttermilk pancakes, and bagels filled with bacon, avocado or salmon. Pair with smoothies, pressed juices and coffees – or, if you’re in the market for a boozy brunch, a cocktail or two.
81 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HU, thehoxton.com
The Breakfast Club
Long before we were spending our Saturday mornings eating avo-on-toast in chic cafes, The Breakfast Club opened its doors in Soho: a no-frills cafe serving hearty brunches. Nowadays you’ll find branches all over the capital, including one in Hoxton, all serving home-cooked comfort food with a focus on – you guessed it – breakfast. An extensive menu offers everything from American pancakes to fried chicken French toast, alongside ‘Caf Classics’ including a Full English fry-up. Granted, this isn’t the place if you’re after a light breakfast, but for an indulgent brunch you won’t find much better.
2-4 Rufus St, London N1 6PE, thebreakfastclubcafes.com
Lantana
Everyone knows the Aussies do brunch best, hence why so many of the city’s breakfast hotspots are inspired by Antipodean cuisine. One of the best is Lantana, which began in Fitzrovia before opening branches in Shoreditch and London Bridge. Pop in during the week for signature dishes of corn fritters with halloumi or bacon, Turkish eggs with Mediterranean vegetables, and lemon and raspberry French toast. Fancy kicking things up a notch? Visit on a weekend to try Lantana’s infamous bottomless brunch, which includes 90 minutes of free-flowing fizz paired with dishes like BBQ beef brisket hash, and a cooked breakfast featuring bubble ‘n’ squeak, poached eggs, streaky bacon and caramelised onion.
55 City Rd, London EC1Y 1HQ, lantana.co.uk