Belgravia has certainly come a long way from its beginnings as a marshy landscape in the old Five Fields area of London hundreds of years ago. This ultra prestigious area can even lay claim to having invented the ‘London Look’ of stucco facades in wonderful crescents that most people think of when the great city comes to mind.
How appropriate then in the 21st century that Belgravia is now the setting for one of the modern world’s most notable dining occasions, brunch. In such exquisite surroundings you would be correct in thinking that the standard of options represents some of the greatest brunch places in all of the city too.
Here is a collection of the finest brunch choices in Belgravia.
Amélie
Transferring the sun drenched charm and elegant atmosphere of Provence to the heart of London is a difficult challenge to overcome, but Amélie succeeds in style. This wonderful place on Montcomb Street is housed within what was once the striking Pantechnicon building, constructed almost 200 years ago as a bazaar for the sale of carriages and furniture. Head Chef Steve Raveneau learned his trade amongst the renowned kitchen of The Arts Club and has brought a wonderful showcase of Provencal dishes to Belgravia using locally sourced ingredients and innovation in equal measure.
This is demonstrated in the brunch offerings that do a great job of bringing an altogether slower and more serene ambience to the fizzing energy of modern London. Amongst the macarons and madeleines are some standout brunch dishes like the truffled scrambled eggs on brioche with a touch of fleur de sel. And if one should so desire then this can be elevated further with an option to add caviar for a delicate special touch. Indulgent and inviting, Amélie is the perfect Belgravia resident.
The Thomas Cubitt
It is fitting that the great master builder’s name is celebrated by this wonderful place. The classic Georgian architecture and large sash windows are a timeless reminder of his influence, while the interior allows modernity to take residence with contemporary furnishing and modern lighting. There are several dining spaces to choose from at The Thomas Cubitt, with the first-floor restaurant and private dining rooms of The Atrium and The Drawing Room all available for booking. However, for a brunch appointment it feels like the cosy ground floor pub setting is too charming to ignore. From here you can watch as the boutiques and galleries of Elizabeth Street wake up alongside you and open up for the day as you dine.
The brunch menu is a delightfully eclectic affair with elements of traditional English dishes through options for flat iron steak and salt-aged sirloin and highlights such as the endive salad with cured pork and cacklebean egg. With weekend brunch hours extending well into the afternoon, there is also an opportunity to augment your experience with a craft beer or cocktail at The Thomas Cubitt. Perhaps even raise a glass to the great man himself as you do.
The Buttery
Although it is difficult to remain a secret for very long in Belgravia, The Buttery can often be rightly referred to as somewhat of a hidden gem. As a part of the Limetree Hotel in the leafy surroundings of Ebury Street, it offers an elegant and classic welcome to those who have the necessary insider information to know it’s even there. Despite the timeless and antique stylings of the interior decor there is no doubt that the walled courtyard garden here is the star of the show though. If the weather is on your side, then there is no more serene retreat in Belgravia for an al fresco meal.
British dishes make up the lion’s share of the menu at The Buttery, all created with finesse and comforting flavours in mind. Their signature Buttery Breakfast is an elegant take on the full English with Cumberland sausage, streaky bacon, eggs and a hearty portion of sourdough toast. If you would like a lighter start to your brunch, then the brioches and buns from the bakery are all handmade and well-crafted, and with coffee beans sourced from the prestigious Gentlemen Baristas you can be sure of a quality hot drink to accompany them too. Relaxed and refined, The Buttery is fast becoming an iconic brunch destination.
Chucs Belgravia
The flagship venue of the Chucs Restaurant & Café Collection is a welcome addition to the brunch spots of Belgravia, bringing a touch of Italian Riviera glamour to the charm of a London townhouse on Eccleston Street. The interior was created by Fettle Studios to incorporate oak panelling, striking patterned wallpaper and vintage photographs of the Amalfi Coast and Côte d'Azur clipped to antique mirrors. The petrol blue leather and velvet banquettes evoke an ambience of effortless grace and intimate hospitality, but the wraparound terrace is the ultimate way to enjoy your brunch with a fascinating side order of people-watching on the streets of Belgravia.
Alongside the usual suspects of avocado on sourdough, eggs benedict and granola, you could also opt for the Chucs signature Italian flair with a brunch of Bigoli Cacio e Pepe or chicken Milanese with Amalfi lemon. For the coffee connoisseurs amongst us, it’s always a delight to learn that a place serves the superb Difference coffee alongside a meal too. With rare and high-grade Arabica beans from the best estates in the world, you can experience all the flavours of the globe from this impeccable little corner in Belgravia.
One of the most thrilling things about a brunch with friends and family is the opportunity it provides for a day’s adventure together. As these Belgravia brunch hotspots prove, getting off to a good start is always the best way to start any journey in style.
