Struggling for ideas for your morning breakfast meeting? Fear not, we've rounded up 10 of the best spots in central London so you can get back to everything else on your to-do list. Whether you're into acai bowls, super smoothies or a good old English breakfast, we've got you covered.
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Granger & Co, 7 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
This Aussie spot, by Sydney-sider Bill Granger, pays homage to healthy breakfasts and comes with a menu of fresh juices that's hard to beat. Perhaps best known for its sweetcorn fritters with roast tomato, spinach and bacon (naturally, with an option of avocado salsa on the side) in honour of its Aussie roots, it naturally nails a good coffee too. The downside is you can’t book ahead, but staff are eager to accommodate, and more often than not we’ve always been able to get a table. It’s worth arriving 15 mins early if you’re hosting a VIP. If you arrive and find you simply can't wait, why don’t you head across the road to...
German Gymnasium, King's Blvd, Kings Cross, N1C 4BU
More formal in its surroundings, this spot is no less welcoming, and you won’t be the only one starting the working day with a luxury breakfast. The menu differs between the Grand Cafe, the restaurant and the Meister bar, so take your pick depending on how fancy you're feeling. Don’t leave without throwing a glance at the cavernous ceiling - the building was once England's first purpose-built gymnasium and its original beams and features have been carefully protected. The upstairs bar area feels like a hotel lounge and makes a great spot for a more casual coffee meeting.
Isla at The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Already packed with media types, we’ve put our own fair share of expenses through for this spot already. Headed up by executive chef Adam Rawson, the restaurant's decor shows off eclectic nicknacks against a backdrop of geometric patterns. The ground floor all-day restaurant is a vibrant space with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead onto a plant-filled terrace. With its name inspired by Britain's island geography, the menu takes inspiration from coastal cuisine around the country. A friendly atmosphere and helpful staff means Isla is a great place to start your morning.
The Hoxton Holborn, 199-206 High Holborn, WC1V 7BD
As the Hoxton stronghold grows with new openings in Southwark and across the Atlantic in Chicago (which we admit might be a bit far to whisk a contact even if you are trying to woo them), this Holborn spot is hard to beat, with its buzzing lobby and classic menu, the hotel strives to keep their dishes deliciously simple and locally sourced. You can build your own bap, go as high as you like, then look to the chefs to curate a masterpiece. Just maybe steer clear if you're trying to impress - no one looks good sporting a spillage of hollandaise sauce.
Henrietta Hotel, 14 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8QG
Part of the experimental group founded by three childhood friends, this hotel is home to the Henrietta Bistro. The menu, developed by head chef Sylvain Roucayrol, takes inspiration from the south-west of France to the Catalunyan region of Northern Spain. A hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, it's relatively quiet on weekdays with a great, no-fuss breakfast menu.
Dalloway Terrace, 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Open from 8am, and located in the historic area of Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace is designed to feel like an outdoor space all year round. Changing its decor to match the seasons, this picture-perfect location is more than the just a flawless backdrop to your Instagram post. Winning the best breakfast in London* for 2 years in a row, the classic menu serves up a range of plates from your classic full English to the healthier option of a rainbow acai bowl, so there's something for everyone. Don't forget that Instagram pic, although maybe wait until your meeting's finished).
Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JH
In the heart of London's Fitzrovia, head chef Lello Favuzzi brings his ambitious talent and Mediterranean menu to the central open kitchen of Mortimer House. The beautiful setting of the glass ceiling conservatory creates a calming atmosphere and inclusive environment. Definitely one for the more modern breakfast choices, the kitchen splits their menu into bowls, avocado and eggs - you can even order a power snack if your lunchtime gym class follows. Looking for something lighter? Enjoy one of their health kick smoothies.
Farm Girl Soho, 1 Carnaby Street, Soho, W1F 9QG
With branches in Notting Hill, Knightsbridge and Chelsea, this cult spot is now in Soho on the first floor of the Sweaty Betty Flagship store. Valuing fresh, nutritious food that never compromises on flavour, their high-quality ingredients are sustainably sourced. The Soho store aims to bring their much needed nourishing smoothie bowls to central Londoners. If you're into healthy eating or are following a "free-from" diet, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Dean Street Townhouse, 69 - 71 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3SE
Set in a Georgian townhouse, the dining room and bar of this elegant destination serve up a host of British breakfast favourites. Settle into one of the vintage armchairs and enjoy the British food using the best seasonal produce. We're calling Dean Street Townhouse is an oldie but a goldie.
The Ivy Soho Brasserie, 26-28 Broadwick Street, W1F 8JB
Located in one of Soho's most popular spots, this branch of the Ivy group is unmistakably, and unashamedly, flashier than the others. The colourful interiors and bold artwork, inspired by the location's music scene, make this an impressive breakfast spot. Serving up a modern British menu, this is another great choice for a morning meeting that matters.
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