Best brunch spots in East London
My idea of a perfect day in London always includes brunch with my friends followed by an extensive browse in the nearest bookshop and debating how many coffees I can have in one day before having a panic attack. Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to delicious brunch options, with the hipsters of East London staking claim to some of the best the city has to offer.
Whether you're within walking distance of these effortlessly cool brunch spots or are prepared to embark on a journey utilising every possible TfL service to get London's best bagels, I would highly recommend adding these East London brunches to your weekend plans.
215 Hackney
The only thing better than a delicious brunch is knowing that you're eating somewhere that supports amazing causes and is deeply committed to the local community. 215 Hackney is a small but mighty cafe, using their Middle Eastern-inspired brunches to contribute to charities like War Child UK. They've also done incredible outreach programs in the Stoke Newington community, like preparing food for NHS nurses during the pandemic.
Inside the cafe, the cosy nooks and walls covered in bookshelves create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects their giving spirit. It's also very easy to help 215 Hackney in their charitable mission when the food is this good - I'm dreaming of the baklava French Toast as I write this. They also have some great savoury options, including traditional Jerusalem bagels and shakshuka.
While many London restaurants are increasing their prices, 215 Hackney is doing all it can to make their food as accessible as possible. They've created a £5 menu to ensure that anyone has the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, made with high-quality ingredients and served in an inviting environment.
Stoke Newington, N16 | 215hackney.co.uk
Mae & Harvey Cafe
I will admit it, I am a sucker for a minimalist cafe with the perfect aesthetic for Instagram Story photos. I am the friend who makes everyone wait to eat while I awkwardly hover my phone above a strategically arranged tablescape of coffee and brunch dishes. If you are also that person in your friend group, you have to head to Mae & Harvey for food that deserves a spot on your main feed.
Thankfully, the quality of the food at Mae & Harvey matches the refined interiors. The menu changes daily so there's always something new to try and they come up with the most creative flavour combinations. I didn't know I needed pancakes with Earl Grey-infused plums in my life, but now I don't know how to live without them.
Mae & Harvey is also in a great location for grabbing brunch before heading to Victoria Park or Regent's Canal for a leisurely stroll.
Bethnal Green, E3 | maeandharvey.com
Papo's Bagels
As any American in London will tell you, one of the hardest things about living in the UK is not adjusting to the climate, being away from family, or even the gruelling visa process - it's the lack of good bagels this side of the pond. For whatever reason, the Brits just haven't quite mastered the perfect New York City-style bagel yet. Luckily, a few New Yorkers have set up shop in Dalston to make bagels good enough to cure my homesickness.
However, bagels this good in London sell out very quickly. On my first attempt to try Papo's, my friend and I trekked all the way from Putney only to arrive at the tiny, alleyway shop and watch them sell the last bagel of the day to the couple in front of us. Thankfully, Papo's also deliver their bagels across London, so you can stock up and enjoy them at home. However, if you want the full experience and the opportunity to try their bagel sandwiches, consider making your brunch plans more of an early morning breakfast.
Dalston, E8 | paposbagels.com
The Parlour Bistro
As a lover of the show Gilmore Girls, I am always on the hunt for cafes that feel like Luke's Diner, and the Parlour Bistro in Stoke Newington is the closest I've found. It's the epitome of a cosy, neighbourhood brunch spot that perfectly suits the Stars Hollow-esque Church Street. The funky decor and mismatched furniture creates a laid-back atmosphere and made for a great conversation starter when I came here on an early date with my boyfriend. It was the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat before spending a wholesome day visiting the deer in Clissold Park.
The menu is primarily comfort food made with fresh ingredients, with a good mix of sweet and savoury options. I especially love their omelettes and wraps. I can also vouch for their American-style pancakes and noted that their iced coffee has an impressive amount of ice for a London restaurant. They also offer takeaway meals from the counter, including quiches, pies, and salads that would be perfect to pick up before a picnic.
Stoke Newington, N16 | theparlourbistro.com
Brother Marcus Spitalfields
While Brother Marcus has locations across London, their Spitalfields restaurant stands out as the perfect place to fuel up before a big day of vintage shopping. I once ate here with my cousin who was visiting in January and their delicious, warming Mediterranean dishes were exactly what we needed after a frigid morning wandering the market. The minimalist, subtly tropical interiors were also a much-needed oasis from the dreariness of a London winter.
I usually opt for sweet brunch options, but the savoury menu at Brother Marcus is too good to pass up. My absolute favourite dish is the sweet potato fritters, which are paired with a turmeric yoghurt sauce and a perfectly poached egg. They're so good that I've only tried the other items on the menu by picking off of my friends' plates. Maybe one day I'll be a little more adventurous because the lemon, cardamom brioche seems like it's probably worth the risk.
Spitalfields, E1 | brothermarcus.co.uk/locations/spitalfields/
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