Brunch with the kids. It doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as, say, ‘brunch with the girls’, but having your children in tow doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, at these London restaurants, it’s positively pleasant, with special menus, child-friendly flavours, and alcoholic add-ons for grown-ups. So, without further ado, here are the top spots to bring the tots.
Nobu, Shoreditch
Whilst some children may baulk at the idea of eating raw fish, introducing them to the world of sushi via the master himself is as fine an introduction as any. And Nobu’s Shoreditch restaurant has just launched Saturday brunch, which lets you loose on a buffet of unlimited sushi, sashimi, ceviche and dessert, plus one main dish – including the beloved black cod with miso. Kids under five eat free, it’s half-price for those under 11, and grown-ups can make it bottomless for an extra £40.
10–50 Willow St, EC2A 4BH
The Ned
With ten restaurants, there’s something for everyone at The Ned. Simplify things and arrive at noon on Sunday for Ned’s Feast, which is served across all its restaurants and includes everything you – and the children – could dream of. Brunch classics such as avocado toast and smoked salmon sit next to steaming trays of roasts, and the cake section is extensive, too. Free-flowing Champagne is available for you, children under five eat free, and kids aged 6–12 eat half-price.
27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
Circolo Popolare
A sunny, festive atmosphere is one of the best parts of Circolo Popolare. Its brunch menu features classics with an Italian twist, such as eggs alla Florentina – which come topped with hollandaise salsa and optional Tuscan ham – and fluffy ricotta pancakes. Vegetarian options mean there’s something for everyone, and spectacular desserts leave children’s sweet tooths satisfied.
40–41 Rathbone Pl, W1T 1HX
Granger & Co
You’ll find all the brunch classics at the ever-stylish Granger & Co, plus some new ones in its latest summer menu. Grown-up palettes are sure to love dishes such as silken tofu and mushrooms on toast, whilst the children’s menu features dishes like ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter.
Locations in Chelsea, Clerkenwell, Notting Hill and Kings Cross
Sea Containers
The view is definitely one of the draws of this Thameside restaurant. It’s also a good distraction: whilst the children enjoy watching the passing boats, you can partake in bottomless Bloody Marys and order a selection of ridiculously fresh seafood (try the Devon crab benedict). Little ones can choose easy classics such as mac and cheese from the kids’ menu.
20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
The Ivy
The brunch menu at The Ivy is simply huge, as is their definition of brunch – shepherd’s pie? Monkfish curry? Elsewhere on the menu, classic brunch dishes such as eggs benedict come with chips – sure to be stolen by smaller hands – whilst pancakes with bacon and lemon balm are a great option for those looking for something sweeter.
Multiple locations across London
Roka
The relaxed environment at Roka makes it the ideal place to try your kids on new flavours and textures – as does the sharing-style Japanese brunch menu. It’s a lot of food: for adults, a platter of starters including gyozas and sashimi is followed by a main apiece, and dessert is yet another platter. The kids’ menu is a softer intro into Japanese food, with dishes like crispy prawn and avocado maki, fish fingers with yuzu mayo, and grilled skewers – plus, under-fives eat free.
Aldwych and Canary Wharf
Louie
Inspired by French-Creole cooking and known for its lively nights, Louie is just as vibrant at brunchtime and has space for all the family. Marble, leather, and velvet jumble through its many rooms, with a menu that’s just as eclectic; try the Cornish crab omelette and send children in the direction of buttermilk pancakes topped with puddles of blueberry compote.
13–15 West St, WC2H 9NE
Duck and Waffle
Technically, you could visit Duck and Waffle at any time of the day as it’s open 24 hours. However, head to the sky-high restaurant between 6am–4:30pm on weekends for an indulgent brunch. Whilst some dishes may make kids squirm – BBQ pigs’ ears? Foie gras crème brûlée? – the sweeter stuff is sure to tempt them, with plenty of waffles and even a fancy PB & J. For you, try the eponymous duck and waffle – crispy confit duck leg, a fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup.
110 Bishops Gate, EC2N 4AY
Chiltern Firehouse
As to be expected from a grandiose Victorian building, interiors at Chiltern Firehouse are impressive – although keep children away from the original firemen’s poles still intact in the dining room. The extensive menu offers all the classics done right, alongside a selection of creative snacks (try the Carabinero prawns) and wood-fired pizzas. There’s really something for everyone.
1 Chiltern St, W1U 7PA
Milk Beach
There are two Milk Beaches in the city, but the best for brunch is in Queens Park. All brunch bases are pretty much covered, from sourdough toast with jam (or Vegemite – this is an Aussie restaurant, after all) to salmon royale topped with roe and wilted greens. Choose something off the sweet section for children (the Anzac crumble slice is our fave) and something from the brunch cocktails menu for you – or the smoothie menu if you’re in need of a health kick.
