The Fitzroy Tavern is a fine example of how a social space can influence the surrounding area and shape it for generations to come. This London Pub on Charlotte Street began life as a coffee shop in 1883 and eventually became the home for a bohemian clientele in the first half of the 20th century, with George Orwell, Dylan Thomas and Augustus John among the cast of artists, writers, painters and poets that were patrons. As a result, the community that surrounded the pub earned the name Fitzrovia and is now a renowned district of London in its own right.
This creative spirit endures in 2026 with its majestic Georgian townhouses and Victorian mansions now home to design houses, media companies, architects and art studios. As one would expect, there are a lot of exciting food and drink locations in the neighbourhood to support them.
Here is a guide to a collection of the best brunch options in Fitzrovia to provide that all-important morning boost for busy minds.
Riding House
Great Titchfield Street
Riding House opened in 2011 and quickly developed a strong identity that would go on to inform much of the Fitzrovia dining scene that has followed since. Its all-day design makes it an ideal spot for brunch and with such ample and impressive space, there is usually room to accommodate even the largest parties. The industrial aesthetic of the interior is lent a softer edge through the leather banquettes, striking timber tables and brass accents that are ideal for the creative clientele to warm up their own ideas for the day. An open kitchen also adds a lovely element of energy and movement to provide an attractive hum and hustle for the experience.
Importantly, brunch at Riding House is always unhurried. It is not uncommon for the excellent choices of malted deep-dish pancakes or smashed avocado on sourdough to be eventually replaced with a light cocktail as the lunch servings take over. With a stunning terrace that is quite the coveted location in summer months, Riding House has a proven and evergreen appeal for the Fitzrovia faithful.
Lantana
Lantana on Charlotte Place is a little off the well-trodden path of the Fitzrovia streets, and it duly makes this a virtue with a more neighbourhood atmosphere within its walls. The idea here was always to inject a little of the Melbourne Café sensibility into modern London with a relaxed approach that never compromises on quality food and top-tier customer service.
The brunch crowds are drawn to this bright space of light wood finishes and riotous colourful artwork that has a confident feel to everything it does. Working with such an international influence has a great effect on the brunch menu too, with some interesting global takes amongst the more obvious morning staples. Turkish poached eggs with dill yoghurt, chilli butter and flatbread and the inventive pork belly Benedict are two particular standouts here that offer something a little more substantial for heartier appetites. The accompanying brunch cocktail menu of espresso martinis and Bloody Marys make Lantana a fantastic weekend brunch option when the day permits a little more relaxation.
Caravan
Great Portland Street
London is fortunate to have witnessed generation upon generation of evolutions and its buildings display that in many striking ways. Caravan on Great Portland Street is one of those wonderful examples where the architecture, history and purpose of the structure that houses it is appropriately celebrated and embraced. As part of Yalding House, this was once home to the British media flagship Radio 1 and its Record Room and studios are now private dining spaces in Caravan with a little nod to the countless sessions and stories that took place here.
The building’s original function allows for a remarkable design scope of triple aspect windows with exposed brick and steel beams. For brunch servings, this means that light and warmth flood the space to add to the buzz of busy conversations and creative chatter amongst the diners. Although there is a dedicated breakfast service that runs through the week, the full brunch menu is limited from 9am to around 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. There are some excellent diversions from basic brunch options too, with the chorizo & potato hash served with spinach and tomato fresca adding a dash of spice and zing. The Jalapeno cornbread with fried egg is perhaps the standout choice, with spinach, curd cheese and the fiery mojo verde gaining plaudits among patrons. Caravan is definitely a brunch destination with a stellar reputation worth broadcasting to Fitzrovia residents and visitors.
Counter by Naroon
Great Titchfield Street
The city of London is made great by the beautiful tapestry of cultures, influences and people that have arrived here from locations all across the world. Its culinary scene is perhaps the greatest representation of this, with flavours of the globe becoming adopted and adapted in many exciting and interesting ways. Counter by Naroon on Great Titchfield Street is an informal and daytime expression of the fantastic Persian cuisine from the London-based Iranian restaurant, Naroon. It offers a brunch unlike any other in the capital and one that Fitzrovia has been quick to embrace.
Everything about this place has intimacy and hospitality in mind. It is accessible and natural, with an invitation to sit and share the fantastic food they serve. Rather than clumsily force Persian flavours and ideas into a western brunch template, Counter by Naroon develops the entire idea using the eggs, bread, herbs and spices that are central to Persian cooking. Nargesi brings sauteed spinach topped with eggs and warm bread for a simple mid-morning option. The sweet omelette of Khagineh comes with the added vibrancy of cardamom and pistachio for something a little different and their cinnamon porridge is warming and hearty. All of which can be paired with fresh juice and the sharp brews of great coffee. A Middle Eastern morning meal in Fitzrovia becomes a true delight at Counter by Naroon.
The restorative and relaxing ceremony of brunch is, quite rightly, regarded very well in modern London. These Fitzrovia options can be enjoyed in an immaculately prepared and occasionally surprising manner, all of which feels perfectly appropriate for this creative hub in the city.
