Headhunters’ hangouts: best breakfasts

We’ve shared our favourite restaurants in London for a business lunch, London's coolest bars for meetings and also our pick of the London discreet coffee haunts that are just our cup of tea, and you loved all of our recommendations.

In recent months we’ve enjoyed a few tasty working breakfasts and have experienced some old favorites and some new London eateries. As you may know, we are quite fussy about our food, fussy about our coffee, we prefer not to be taking too many steps from a tube or overground station (great food awaits), and a little bit of style doesn’t go amiss.

So, here is our guide to some of the best (in our opinion) breakfasts in London to meet our clients and comms professionals for a catch up over eggs!

Indigo at One Aldwych, Strand, WC2
https://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/indigo/
Walk from nearest station: Covent Garden, 5 minutes and 9 minutes from Charring Cross station.

One Aldwych says: “Part of the fabric of Covent Garden, the restaurant is informal not stuffy, with a consistent focus on fabulous food and enjoyment. Good food starts with the finest ingredients and Chef Dominic goes to extraordinary lengths to source only the best British produce from our hand-picked selection of farmers, fishmongers, butchers and growers.”

We say: “A relaxing setting, pretty windows, elegant and quiet. It’s a bit of a hidden gem on the balcony overlooking our favourite haunt, the One Aldwych Lobby Bar, below. Their avocado on sourdough toast is delicious. I would happily linger here all morning!”

Roast, London Bridge, SE1
https://www.roast-restaurant.com/
Walk from nearest station: London Bridge, 2 minutes if you take the ‘Borough market exit’

Roast says: “Welcome to Roast Restaurant, situated above Borough Market in the historic Floral Hall, offering spectacular contemporary British food to evoke and create memories. We use the finest seasonal ingredients from the best British farmers to produce award winning dishes, from beautiful breakfasts to the finest Sunday lunch London has to offer.”

We say: “For a great breakfast place in London Bridge, it has to be Roast. Nothing else really touches it. It’s slick, tasty and modern British food which is actually very good. They use locally sourced produce which is a great touch. I love the beautiful room with fabulous windows overlooking Borough market – do specifically ask for a table which overlooks the market. The menu is pretty classic with a great selection of teas and the ‘morning boosters’ have a fabulous kick! (And may contain alcohol).

The Hoxton, Southwark, SE1
https://thehoxton.com/london/southwark
Walk from nearest station: Southwark, 3 minutes

The Hoxton says: “Albie is our all-day lobby spot where you can expect proper breakfasts and comfy seats, crowd pleasing modern dishes and a killer wine and cocktail list to see out the night. Enjoy panoramic views in the heart of Southwark - Seabird will take diners on a coastal escape where they will experience the fresh flavours of Southern Europe featuring an array of sea-to-table offerings with Portuguese and Spanish influences.”

We say: “We like Hoxton hotels and this one is in a smart newer build. It’s stylish and comfortable in the bar areas and a great place to meet if you come into Waterloo. Albie restaurant on the ground floor is smart but relaxed and they serve great coffee and we noted plenty of vegan friendly options. There is also a pretty fish restaurant called Seabird on the 14th floor which has a fabulous view and for seafood lovers it’s great for lunch or dinner. Apparently, they are thinking of reopening for breakfast again which is good news as they do a mean crab omelette.”

Megans, Battersea, SW11
https://megans.co.uk/locations/megans-battersea-power-station/
Walk from nearest station: Battersea Power Station, 10 minutes

Megans says: “We are a small, independently-owned, dog friendly spot, with homely & welcoming service. Our menu and interiors are loosely Mediterranean, making you feel as though you have been transported somewhere much sunnier.”

We say: “Now we all know what to expect from Megan’s and the coffee has got distinctly better of late. What is great about the one at Battersea Power Station is the view. It certainly makes a great start to the day when you can look out over the River Thames whilst enjoying a breakfast with a Moroccan twist. We have spotted a great looking pancake place in the station itself, however, the Megans view still wins.”

The Wolseley, Piccadilly, W1
https://www.thewolseley.com/
Walk from nearest station: Green Park, 2 minutes

The Wolseley says: “In his book, ‘Breakfast at The Wolseley’, the much-missed restaurant critic, A.A. Gill observed, ‘Wherever, whenever breakfast comes, it is a mouthful of stoic optimism’. The Wolseley’s breakfast comprises our home-made Viennoiserie, classic egg dishes, kedgeree, full English breakfast as well as fruit, yoghurts, cereals and more.”

We say: “How could we not include such a classic! We love The Wolseley as the service is reliable, accompaniments come in pretty silver dishes and although the tables for two are horribly small, most dishes are satisfyingly unhealthy and quite delicious. We have been known to spot an A-lister or two which certainly adds to the experience, and it’s only a stone’s through from Green Park tube. In heels, we can get there in two minutes.”

Mortimer House Kitchen, W1T
https://www.mortimerhousekitchen.com/
Walk from nearest station: Goodge Street, 6 minutes

Mortimer House Kitchen says: “Set in a six-story Art Deco building in the heart of Fitzrovia, Mortimer House brings beautifully designed work, social and wellbeing spaces together under one roof. Our neighbourhood restaurant is on the ground floor of Mortimer House, where honest Italian cooking takes inspiration from the Middle East via the Mediterranean. From breakfast to cocktails and late night dinners Mortimer House Kitchen is an all-day affair.”

We say: “The Spiced Shakshuka at the Mortimer House Kitchen is delicious, and what a lovely restaurant. Italian meets Israeli. Unless you’re walking from Goodge Street station, it’s a good ten-minute walk from Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road but the trek is worth it. Great décor, good service, vibrant and yummy food. It’s also a private members club and you can see people going through to the club for breakfast. The intrigue of what is behind the club door also adds to the delight.”

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