The riverside village of Richmond in South West London has an atmosphere all of its own despite being so well-connected to the rest of the bustling capital of England. The Thames gracefully meanders by some of the largest and most enchanting greenery in the city and it is easy to see why the area has been a favourite of royalty and the elite for over five hundred years. From Queen Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor, many have been drawn to the beauty of Richmond that has long represented the pinnacle of London living.
For the 21st century, it builds upon all of this prestigious history to offer a pleasing mix of Georgian, Victorian and modern architecture that sits together sympathetically to house boutique shopping, residences, schools and, of course, some incredible food and drink establishments. And there is perhaps nothing more fitting than enjoying the defining meal of modern times in this contemporary and chic hub of London living – brunch.
Here is our guide to the very best brunch in Richmond that will set you for the day in style.
Antipodea
Antipodea is a brilliant example of Melbourne’s café culture reimagined in South West London. In the evening it is an energetic nightspot fizzing with energy, but the daytime here is a relaxed and sophisticated affair helped by the cosy, simple décor. Well-travelled and well-designed is the Antipodean ethos and that is perfectly demonstrated in the brunch offerings. The Breakfast Pide here is a Turkish-style flatbread filled with ham, seeded mustard mayo, baby spinach, and mashed Cacklebean eggs. For those that may not want such a hearty start, there are some great juice options such as the Energiser, made with apple, carrot, ginger and celery. And as brunch sits between breakfast and lunch, it’s always a great excuse to try a little slice of the Banana Bread too.
144 on The Hill
144 on The Hill is an incredibly impressive experience before you have even taken a seat at the table. Set within the elegant surroundings of The Richmond Hill Hotel, it affords unrivalled views of the Thames and the verdant lawns of Richmond Park to take in as you dine. The Art Deco stylings that adorn the walls are a delight to be amongst of course, but when the sun shines it is difficult not to want to be on their famous south-facing terrace with those surroundings as an appetiser. The Avocado Benedict Brioche is a lovely new twist on the brunch classic with creamy avocado proving to be a worthy poached egg companion. This place currently enjoys a certain Hidden Gem status for the people of Richmond, so it makes sense to get there for brunch before the mass bookings take over.
The Ivy Richmond Brasserie
There is little left to say about the all-conquering brand of The Ivy upon London’s dining scene. It has been synonymous with high quality cuisine, impeccable service and fantastic locations for a very long time. The Ivy Richmond Brasserie is a wonderful example of how each restaurant develops its own style and connection to the community it serves. Brunch here is a suitably luxurious business as befits the area, of course. A Whisky Barrel Smoked Venison Tartare with pickled beetroot and hazelnut mayonnaise offers an exciting starter, with classics such as Truffle Arancini always a hit for sharing at the table. A private dining experience is available here on request for those confidential business meetings or more intimate gatherings too.
Peggy Jean at Riverside Green
Peggy Jean at Riverside Green is a fantastically unique dining experience that you just could not get anywhere else in London, perhaps even the world. Fusing elements of the quintessential Oxford College Boat Race atmosphere with a generous touch of Australian Beach Club energy, this is a marvellous place to spend a morning, particularly when the sun shines. It is a restored barge, moored on the North Bank near the Richmond Bridge that is now incredibly popular and can therefore occasionally prove difficult to grab a booking. The Sydney-style brunches here are bold, colourful and vibrant with the Bondi mixing halloumi, poached eggs, mushrooms, avocado and spinach, all served with excellent sourdough toast. Such a fantastic menu does mean that making your choice might be plain sailing though.
Hollyhock Café
The walk up to Hollyhock Café is pretty much worth the visit alone. Strolling up past Richmond Bridge and into the beautiful Terrace Gardens provides a mindful retreat from the pace of the town and into a serene and calming atmosphere where the café sits. A spectacular veranda gives those all-important Thames views in the summer and an open fire is on-hand for the colder months to make this place an evergreen favourite. The Hollyhock Café is vegetarian with some great vegan menu choices too. Quiches, salads and homemade cakes are all available, but it is perhaps the coffee that makes this place one to try. A cappuccino under the canopy of trees is a Richmond experience that cannot be recommended highly enough.
Megan’s at The Old Town Hall
Megan’s at The Old Town Hall adds a touch of the Mediterranean into the mix for brunch options in Richmond. Located, as the name suggests, in the incredible grandeur of the old Town Hall on Hill Street, there are two floors of rustic fittings and biophilic décor that is welcoming and intimate, withattentive service to match. This place understands the enduring appeal of brunch and offers their menu until 3pm every day for those long, lazy gatherings at the weekend in particular. Shakshuka Baked Eggs are an interesting spicy addition here for a little pep in your step, and the Vegan Pancakes with mixed berries and maple syrup are always impeccably prepared.
The location, surroundings and attractions of Richmond make it an excellent choice to visit and explore at any time of the day. Booking a brunch here is always a great idea to make sure that you have the most time at your disposal for the afternoon and evening. Although, with these fine places on our list, it may prove difficult to pull yourself away from the table.
