Friday 2 October 2009

London Review of Breakfasts (In One Post)

There is a fantastic blog called The London Review of Breakfasts.  It does what you would expect it do. Since August 2005, the authors have eloquently and exhaustively reviewed nearly every spot in London where breakfast in served. I cannot hope to match their strength in depth, but, much like the Arsenal 2008-2009 squad, I hope this selection of young promise and a few more experienced pros will be enough to guide your demanding morning tastebuds. (Additionally, if you are looking for a website that just makes you hungry, then the genius behind Simply Breakfast has done precisely that – this is pure breakfast porn).

The London Knowledge Breakfast List 

Lantana

I went to Australia last Christmas and had a massive revelation (two actually, but one won’t be that interesting to you) – the Aussies do the best breakfast in the world. Hearty, clean, wholesome and healthy. And some bright spark had the idea to show London that this is the case. Saturday morning, mews behind Charlotte St., Monmouth coffee, sweetcorn fritters with smoked salmon and a poached egg. Mmmmmm. (Word of warning: closed on a Sunday) 

Divertimenti

So you can’t get a full English in here. You can, however, get the equipment to make one. This café is situated at the back of the kitchen shop, and there is a cookery school downstairs, so they have no excuses in any department. This is more a place for an excellent pastry and a coffee, and although everyone I ever go with complain about how often I discuss it, I can’t escape from how great the “vibe” is in here (contra to my comments about the buzz in The Wolseley! – hypocrisy will form a key part of this blog) 

Smiths of Smithfield

In the days when I used to work weekends, Smiths was what got me out of bed. Founded by the half of the Masterchef presenting team that you would let cook for you, this solid multi-purpose venue does a mean Full English. There is something I love about eating somewhere where half the customers are starting their day (before heading South to the City) and half are finishing (falling out of Fabric).

Tom’s Kitchen

They teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, they nearly closed down because the smell made the neighbours too hungry (or something) and the proprietor has a Michelin star. If that is not enough to make you venture into Chelsea for breakfast, I don’t know what will. Pricey but excellent hearty fayre, and the best you’ll find in the area without a doubt. 

The Ambassador Cafe

Interior simple. Menu simple. Breakfast excellent. Exmouth Market has turned into a foodie hub and this café is part of the reason behind this. If post-breakfast meandering and eclectic window shopping forms a crucial part of your breakfast, then this is the place for you. 

Raoul's Cafe Maida Vale

An old favourite on a great little high street. The eggs they use must be, without exception, the most pampered, well nourished and well loved in the world if yolk colour is anything to go on. This place has everything you want in a breakfast place, and nabbing a table outside means you could stay for lunch and (to some’s surprise) an excellent dinner. 

La Fromagerie

Another one on my list who’s expertise is not in the preparation of breakfast but do a superb line in it nonetheless. While others have tried to imitate La Fromagerie’s “artisan chic” look, few can back it up with produce that is practically hand-picked and walked over from Italy and France. If you arrive and see a big queue, please persevere – you will not be disappointed.  

The Electric Brasserie

Although the location in the heart of Notting Hill might put you off, the food is unquestionably brilliant here. I have looked for ways to knock it every time I have been, but I can’t. Breakfast solo, breakfast date, team hungover breakfast. All work perfectly. Something I will consider over the coming months is who does the best Eggs Benedict in London. Some smart early money is on this place. 

Baker & Spice

Another Maida Vale stalwart and another place I could sit in all day. Three of their “pellet eggs” – like normal eggs but smaller, tastier (and a bit more expensive, naturally) – make for a superb breakfast. Pastries made on site, coffee is great and the bread is amazing. All you need to do now is hover aggressively for a table…

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