London is bursting with culinary gems, and its brunch scene has never been more exciting. Whether you're craving the classic avo toast, something with a fusion twist, or a bottomless brunch that actually delivers, finding the perfect spot can feel overwhelming. Few know this better than Jordan Page, the Instagram food aficionado behind The Brunch Destroyer.
As brunch continues to dominate the weekend plans of many Londoners and tourists, skip the TikTok search, we sat down with Jordan to get his top recommendations, insights into the latest trends, and what makes a brunch spot truly special, doing all the hard work for you to plan your next brunch.
Brunch Trends: What’s Hot Right Now?
The brunch scene in London has evolved considerably in recent years, offering far more choice than ever before. Jordan has seen these changes first hand sharing that “There's definitely more choice now, with a lot of places offering brunch menus on the weekends. Many places are also making their menus more fun for vegetarians, which is great and beats always having to go for something like avocado toast (which I’m not a huge fan of anyway).”
In terms of emerging trends, he’s noticed a strong influence from East Asian cuisine making its way onto the brunch scene. “East Asian condiments like gochujang, miso, and crispy chilli oil have found their way onto a lot of brunch dishes now, which I love because it’s my favourite cuisine!” This global fusion adds an exciting twist to the usual brunch fare and has become increasingly popular.
What Makes a Brunch Spot a Winner?
For Jordan, the essentials of a great brunch spot come down to doing the basics right. “I think if you're going to do the basics – do them really, really well. Use high-quality ingredients because there's nothing worse than when you're paying good money and the food doesn't hit the mark.”
He also values a restaurant that’s inventive and changes its menu seasonally, offering something new for every visit. And of course, the vibe is key. “Comfy seating, attractive interiors, friendly staff—the best places are where you can tell the owners love food and are really passionate about it. And the coffee has to be great too! I love anywhere that serves Allpress.”
Neighbourhoods to Watch for Great Brunch
When it comes to finding a great brunch, Jordan points to a few key areas. “Clapham is always a good bet, but I prefer East London/North East London – Stoke Newington, Hackney, etc.,” he explains. These neighbourhoods are known for their vibrant food scenes, brimming with independent cafes and restaurants serving up delicious brunch dishes.
Avoiding Brunch Pitfalls
Jordan warns against being swayed by overly trendy spots with cool interiors but lacklustre food. “Going to tacky places (like EL&N, awful) or places just because the interiors look cool—that doesn’t always mean the food will be good.”
Social media plays a big role in influencing restaurant choices, but Jordan advises being cautious. “Some bloggers will say everything is good because they don’t want to risk not getting invited places, but I always try and be honest so people won’t be disappointed.”
Hidden Gem Brunch Spots
While many brunch hotspots are well-known, Jordan has a few underrated favourites that may have slipped under the radar. He suggests checking out Madelina in Brixton, Pique in Battersea, Ester’s in Stoke Newington, and The Apple Blue in Balham.
These hidden gems offer unique menus and laid-back vibes, making them perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch away from the more crowded spots.
What to Order: A Dish You Can’t Miss
If there’s one dish Jordan insists you try, it’s the goat’s cheese omelette at Juliets. “It’s my ultimate! I’ve never had anything like it,” he shares, proving that inventive twists on classic brunch items are often the most memorable.
The Top 3 Brunch Spots You Need to Try
For Jordan, there are three must-visit brunch spots that stand out right now, each with their own unique appeal:
Jones and Sons, Dalston: “The bottomless brunch is amazing – so much choice with the drinks and it’s bottomless food too,” Jordan says. “The dishes are simple but done really well!” A firm favourite for brunch lovers, Jones and Sons’ combination of great quality and endless options makes it a standout.
Juliets, Tooting: “Such inventive dishes, great coffee, and the vibe is cool,” Jordan notes. Known for pushing the boundaries with its creative menu, Juliets is a must-visit for anyone looking for something different on their brunch plate. And if you’re a coffee enthusiast, this spot is sure to impress.
Jazu Bar, Deptford: Jordan recently tried out Jazu, and it’s left a lasting impression. “It’s a hi-fi cocktail bar in the evenings, but the brunch dishes on Sundays are standout and really flavoursome.” Mixing up the usual brunch routine with bold, delicious dishes, Jazu is one to watch.
With so many fantastic brunch spots across London, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re craving inventive dishes at Julie’s, bottomless bites at Jones and Sons, or bold flavours at Jazu, Jordan’s recommendations are sure to satisfy. Make sure you're following @thebrunchdestroyer on Instagram for endless inspo and discovering hidden gems when planning your next London brunch outing.