Marylebone is well established as one of London's most prominent neighbourhoods when it comes to all things gastronomical. With its elegant Georgian streets, quiet lanes and strong contingent of five-star dining establishments, this Central London enclave offers copious options for those looking to make more of a meal out of their breakfast.
Whether seeking a straight-up British affair with all the pomp and ceremony, or hoping to indulge in something a little more continental, Marylebone offers a brunch selection that matches the pedigree of the neighbourhood. From fine-edged cutlery to kitchens that lean more into fusing different breakfast and lunch staples from around the world, these are the most distinct and characterful brunch experiences that the neighbourhood has to offer hungry diners.
Palm Court at The Langham
Part of The Langham since 1865 and credited as the birthplace of the British institution that is Afternoon Tea, Palm Court brings the elegance and grandeur of the Victorian era to the morning meal. Though it doesn't offer a typical brunch sitting, the late breakfast and early lunch menus cover much of this territory. From a luxurious full English Breakfast to sourdough topped with Clarence Court scrambled eggs, Palm Court serves up classic breakfast staples with the same panache as the last two centuries.
A dedicated plant-based menu featuring dishes like avocado toast with broad beans and heritage tomatoes, served with punchy dukkah and lemon oil, offers variety that will suit the tastes of all comers. The dining space is a marvel of mirrored walls and crystal chandeliers that allow the morning light to dance across the spotless white tablecloths. Though its reputation for tea-themed engagements may often precede it, Palm Court handles brunch with the right amount of respect and grandeur that those looking for a prolonged brunch engagement will delight in.
Granger & Co.
Australian restaurateur Bill Granger understands the requirement for brunch. Light-drenched and with a palpable penchant for the 1960s, judging by the decor, Granger & Co is one of Marylebone’s most in-demand establishments at the weekend, with queues often trailing out onto the pavement. Dining at this establishment may require careful planning, but the whole experience is, in a word, delicious.
With the buzz more akin to a downtown cafe than a gilded spot like The Ivy, the food on offer looks to bring more of a global approach to the typical fare for brunch. Ricotta hotcakes topped with banana and honeycomb butter are a staple, as are the land down under’s take on eggs, with chilli fried egg rolls served with bacon and spiced mango chutney, or a sweetcorn fritter stack with roast tomato, spinach, and house-made kasundi. For those in search of one of the best, yet more unconventional brunch offerings in this part of town, it’s hard to beat Granger & Co.
Fischer’s
Evoking the charm of an early 20th-century Viennese café, Fischer’s on Marylebone High Street delivers a classic continental brunch which has been a staple in the neighbourhood for more than a decade. Delivering a fully continental experience, morning plates comprised of Bavarian sausage with pretzel and mustard, soft-boiled eggs with rye soldiers, and an Austro-Hungarian take on eggs Benedict, topped with Black Forest ham, are accompanied by the finest Viennese pastries and coffee, served with whipped cream in the traditional Melange style.
Evoking all the grandeur and glamour of old Vienna, the tiled walls, dark wood furniture, and period lamps freeze the interior of Fischer’s in time, taking diners out of the frenetic energy of the streets of Marylebone and transporting them to a much more classical setting. Brunch here isn’t rushed; it’s a longstanding ritual, best enjoyed with a newspaper and perhaps a glass of Grüner Veltliner for those who are in no rush to leave this charming establishment.
The Ivy
The Ivy Café brings its signature blend of glamorous interiors and well-honed comfort food to Marylebone Lane. Brunch is served daily until midday, with some of the more decadent house favourites on offer, including lobster scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and yoghurt, and the classic garden breakfast, served with halloumi, beans, and poached eggs.
It’s a testimony to the Ivy’s strong sense of identity and commitment to consistency that such a large chain of restaurants can deliver so repeatedly on their dining experience. Brunch here is as seamless as any other meal of the day, but the option to indulge that little bit more is always tantalising, particularly when taken with a glass of Ivy Champagne Garden Punch, a summary blend of gin, elderflower, cucumber, and prosecco. The Ivy has always been an ideal destination for those wanting to make a show out of their meal, and at brunch, this remains unchanged, and more than delivers on the promise of a good time and an even better meal.
108 Brasserie
Tucked into the Marylebone Hotel, 108 Brasserie offers a polished, well-rounded brunch service that fits the bill for all appetites. The Saturday and Sunday brunch menu serves as a greatest hits list of classic brunch items with a few curveballs thrown in for good measure. Eggs Florentine, truffle mac and cheese, and buttermilk pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup all grace the menu, whilst healthier options such as a poached egg and quinoa bowl and smashed avocado with grilled halloumi and toasted seeds, provide a semblance of balance.
The brasserie itself is a warm and inviting dining space that's tastefully furnished with fixtures and furniture that offer gentle nods to art deco influences. For those in search of something a bit more lively to mark their brunch, the 108 hosts a monthly jazz brunch, complete with a four-piece band, to inject some pace and energy into proceedings.
