There has always been a decadent allure to the idea of brunch. The mid-morning meal that became a phenomenon holds connotations of lazy Sundays that are only necessary as the result of vibrant and late Saturday nights. Indeed, one of the very first references to the word was published in the London journal Hunter’s Weekly in 1895, with the author delightfully describing brunch as “Cheerful, sociable and inciting…for Saturday night carousers”.
The Best Brunch in Chelsea
Nowadays, brunch is an institution that is to be enjoyed seven days a week all across the globe from New Cross to New York. One area of London that is currently benefiting from the Brunch Boom is Chelsea . There are plenty of options on offer that elevate this tasty staple with distinct influences and fusions from cuisines around the world. Let’s take a look at 5 of our particular favourites.
Charlotte’s Cloud
Charlotte’s Cloud is the definitive version of a modern brunch eatery. Set on the eternally fashionable King’s Road, this is a unique and independent establishment with a firm focus on homely ambience in a comfortable setting. Families and gourmands alike mingle together in one of the most relaxing restaurant environments to serve the West London Community. Familiar favourites on the menu such as smashed avocado on sourdough are joined by contemporary twists like the beetroot hummus and zucchini fritters to offer opportunities for new and exciting taste experiences.
If the morning after the night before does make you feel a little worse for wear, then the Detox Bowl filled with re energising broccoli carrots and quinoa could be a great option too. With a commitment to locally sourced quality ingredients and a friendly atmosphere, there are lots of silver linings for the wonderful Charlotte’s Cloud.
Bluebird
Bluebird is a gleaming Art Deco icon on the King’s Road that was once Europe’s largest motor car facility and has now found itself as one of the most recognisable restaurants in Chelsea. This is unadulterated West London luxury and style with a remarkable biophilic, and plant filled interior décor that connects every diner to a unique natural world energy while they sample some of London’s finest brunches. The Truffled Croque Monsieur filled with delicious Gruyere cheese, honey roasted ham, Dijon mustard and divine fresh autumn truffle is a particular standout from the menu.
There are some interesting surprises too, with the Spicy Salmon Maki or even the wonderfully indulgent Rock Oysters served with shallots and Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar. Bluebird feels like it truly belongs amongst the heritage of London brunch spots that pays tribute to its origins.
Ollie’s House
Ollie’s House on Fulham Road invites you to escape the everyday through their innovative and refreshing combination of laid-back seating and Asian fusion cuisine. The rattan furniture and endless greenery can transport you from the enclaves of West London to the distant shores of Bali, under parasols and lanterns for the perfect brunch vibes. The menu makes it clear that your tastebuds can travel there too, with breakfast Bao buns and Gochujang Eggs Benedict offered alongside signature dishes like the traditional Indonesian breakfast of Nasi Goreng.
Saturdays here are always something special with live sets from DJs that can take you from your midday musings to become the beginning of a big night out. You can sample their Passion Fruit Daiquiri as you step from your seat to the dancefloor. Ollie's House is brunch for the 21st Century that brings together the greatest inspirations from the owner’s travels right into 2024 Chelsea. This is a must-do brunch for any self-respecting foodie in SW.
The Good Life Eatery
The Good Life Eatery is on a mission to have all of us eating better, healthier and happier. A visit to their Sloane Avenue restaurant will have you more than willing to do just that, with a vibrant and nutritional brunch that sets you up for the day ahead in an exciting and energy filled way. Everything about this place conveys colour and clean eating as an alternative to traditional breakfasts.
The cold pressed juices and superfood smoothies are 100% organic and always made from scratch to deliver a healthy boost in your brunch. Egg white frittatas and vegan porridge ensure all palates and persuasions are catered for, with the build your own avocado toast option always a firm favourite with regulars. There is also a clear commitment to the community with The Good Life Eatery having created relationships with local residents, schools & community centres to share its healthy and happy message.
Peggy Porschen
We couldn’t do a list of brunch spots for Chelsea in 2024 without mentioning the gloriously cute Peggy Porschen Café. This picturesque parlour is a jewel in the historic Glebe Place with its dreamy fairy tale arches inviting you into a brunch that is out of this world in more ways than one. The riotous pink décor houses a light and airy interior with an incredible 5 metre patisserie counter full of layer cakes, cupcakes and classic cakes tempting every visitor. The All Day Menu of brunch favourites is joined by some intriguing additions such as the French Forager’s Toast of creamy mushrooms and bacon with poached egg on a toasted brioche.
There is even the option to reserve a spot with friends for their famous Brunch Beautiful morning tea as an experience that is definitely worth sharing. With the champagne bubbles and citrus hit of a Mimosa cocktail also available to give your brunch an exciting lift, this can quickly become an eventful party. It is no wonder that Peggy Porschen has become a destination for professional photo shoots and Instagram Influencers looking for tasty content that works on all accounts.
Wherever you eventually decide to take a seat for brunch in Chelsea, take a moment to appreciate your place in this long line of fine dining. The menus may have changed, and the environments may be wildly different than they were over a century ago, but this is a meal that deserves to be enjoyed in a relaxing and social manner. Taking a moment to find your perfect brunch means giving yourself the opportunity to be entertained, wowed and waited upon in a way that no other meal during the day, or night, can do.
