As one of South London’s favourite neighbourhoods, an area brimming with possibilities and boasting its own unique appeal that’s quite separate from the inner city, one would expect no shortage of suitable brunch options to be available around Clapham. Whether overlooking the Common or tucked into the Old Town’s elegant terraces, brunch in this part of London is an excuse to get out and about with friends or family, away from the packed streets of the city centre, and enjoy a meal at a leisurely pace.
From Scandi-inspired plates served on rustic boards to fairy-light-decked terraces offering Mediterranean feasts, the following are some of the most tasty and tasteful brunch destinations in South London, let alone Clapham.
Minnow
Sitting pretty on the edge of Clapham Common, Minnow is one of the most charming places in the neighbourhood to linger over a delightful weekend brunch. The restaurant’s pale green exterior, flower boxes and streetside seating carry an instant allure that gives it the feel of a small European café or bistro. During the summer, the outdoor tables are some of the most sought-after spots in Clapham, offering an easy view of the leafy Common just across the road and of course, delicious brunch items to devour.
Dishes like buttermilk pancakes with berries and crème fraîche, or perfectly poached eggs with crushed avocado on sourdough, strike a balance between indulgence and healthier eating and naturally, go down very well with a glass of prosecco or a spritz of some kind. A charming setting and winning atmosphere make Minnow a place where brunch can naturally stretch into the afternoon.
Megan’s Old Town
Few brunch spots in Clapham are as instantly recognisable as Megan’s. Thanks to its fairy-lit canopy, trailing plants, and vibrant Mediterranean décor, Megan’s has built a reputation for itself as one of the best and most popular dining spots in Clapham. Stepping inside is like crossing the threshold of a rustic taverna that was invaded by a garden conservatory. Turquoise tiles, mismatched wooden tables, and overhead branches hung with lanterns create a playful space that holds strong fairytale vibes. The restaurant’s terrace spills out onto the street, making it a popular option year-round, but especially on warm weekends when queues form before the doors even open, with hungry diners wishing to break their fast at the area’s signature brunch spot.
The food here is designed for sharing and spectacle. The Turkish brunch for two is the signature choice, arriving as a generous spread of baked eggs, halloumi, olives, hummus, flatbreads, and fresh salads. Individual plates include shakshorizo (shakshuka spiced up with Turkish sausage) and vegan pancakes layered with fruit compote and pistachios. Megan’s is also known for its bottomless brunches, offering prosecco that keeps flowing throughout the meal, drawing in more than a few groups every week who want to indulge in the delightful interiors and atmosphere.
Reyes Coffee & Brunch
Reyes Coffee & Brunch in Clapham Old Town may be less widely publicised than some of its neighbours, but for locals, it’s a treasured favourite. The interior is pared-back and welcoming, with a smattering of greenery and Spanish-influenced decorative touches that give the space a sense of warmth. The small outdoor terrace is ever popular during the summer, with queues occasionally forming past it made up of those who know the area well and know what to have when stopping by.
True to its name, the menu has a distinctive Iberian influence, where alongside classics like eggs Benedict or French toast, diners can enjoy Spanish-style tortillas, churros served with thick hot chocolate, and hearty bocadillos. The coffee, roasted by small batch suppliers, is a particular selling point for the place, often singled out as some of the best the area has to offer. Reyes provides well-made food, a comfortable setting, and the kind of intimacy that one cannot help but feel like they too, are a local resident visiting for their weekly brunch fix.
Nue Ground
Tucked just off Abbeville Road, Nue Ground is a café with a clear ethos focused on health, community, and sustainability. Attached to a yoga and pilates studio, it's a natural hotspot for post-class coffees and brunch, filling up incredibly quickly on weekend mornings, as the chatter of the participants takes over the space. Visitors need not worry about waiting too long for a seat, as the early morning crowd usually thins out by about 10 am, leaving plenty of room and time for other patrons to enjoy the space for themselves.
The food is quite wholesome, with a menu that caters to a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavour, or a full meal – coconut yoghurt with granola and seasonal fruit, turmeric scrambled eggs on sourdough, or vibrant plant-based bowls packed with colour. The house-baked banana bread, often served warm with a drizzle of nut butter, is a firm favourite, as is their indulgent raw chocolate tart for those with a sweeter tooth in the mornings. Smoothies, fresh juices, and speciality teas complete the line-up, making Nue Ground an inviting stop for those who are health conscious, but don’t want to skip out on a nourishing meal.
Willows
Offering one of the more inventive brunch experiences in Clapham, taking inspiration from Scandinavia, Willow’s echoes that Nordic influence with pale wooden tables, clean lines, and simple and understated touches. The menu is built around brunch boards, designed for diners to assemble a selection of small dishes into their own smörgåsbord in keeping with the theme.
Options include smoked salmon with crème fraîche, crab or roasted mushrooms on sourdough, or sweet plates like banana bread topped with mascarpone and honey. The brunch cocktails are of particular note, offering playful combinations such as marshmallow espresso martinis, anchoring the imaginative and indulgent experience that can be found at Willows.
The Perky Nel
Located on Cavendish Parade, The Perky Nel brings a modern pub-inspired setting to Clapham’s brunch scene, with up-holstered interiors that combine rustic wooden beams, patterned tiles, and an eclectic mix of vintage posters and spotlights that’s definitely moody. With plenty of seating, it quickly fills on weekends, especially during its popular bottomless brunch service.
The food is indulgent and hearty, with the likes of fried chicken and waffles coming drizzled with an adobo-style hollandaise, while a sweeter substitute arrives layered with peaches and cream in a nod to the classic American diner. In addition to these, further supercalorific classics like full English breakfasts and eggs served in every variable under the sun, round out a menu that also offers vegetarian options for most of its items, ensuring that every craving is catered for. The Perky Nel is a firm fixture for those wanting to truly go all out and enjoy a decadent breakfast, brunch, or brinner.
