Tag Archives: breakfast

Weekday breakfast at Village East, Bermondsey

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Bermondsey Street is my favourite road in South London for eating out, with Jose’s two Spainish eateries and comfort French food at Casse Croute. Nearby to Borough Market, and close enough to roll home to my flat, it ticks every box! Village East will undoubtably become my new weekday meeting spot now that they are serving breakfast from Monday to Friday.

Village East Breakfast

This neighbourhood restaurant is based in the former textile factory, so the decor is stylishly industrial. I joined a crowd of foodie influencers at the back of the restaurant to try out the new morning menu.

Coffees and juices were ordered all round. The coffee is roasted by Allpress Espresso in Shoreditch and had a lovely nutty taste. I was interested to see the creative choices for smoothies juices, I opted for the ‘In the pink’ made from apple, pink grapefruit juice and agave syrup, a deliciously girly drink and a great way to kick start your metabolism for the day. The ‘Cooler’ was popular amongst my colleagues a refreshing mix of coconut water, apple juice and lime.

Village East Breakfast

The menu is not as varied as the weekend brunch at Village East, and I was a little disappointed to notice some of the sweet recipes have been omitted (Malted waffles with caramelised banana and Buttermilk Pancakes). However, there is a good mix of savoury dishes, from simple Toast with homemade butter and conserves to the full Campfire breakfast with barbecue beans, fried eggs, and slow-roasted pork shoulder. Aware that I was also eating lunch out I asked for the classic Avocado on toast with chilli and coriander. It was light and tasty, though I must admit I was jealous of some of the other food round the table!

More information on Village East breakfast bookings and menu here.

No.1 Duke St, Richmond

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Richmond is an area of London that is perfect for lovely walks, welcoming pubs and family eateries, but never before have I visited a stylish café that I feel suits my needs. No.1 Duke Street is an elegant neighborhood bar and restaurant offering irresistible breakfast dishes, lunch classics, and dinner feasts. Alternatively you can pop in for a quick coffee or cocktail to relax after shopping in town, or walking round the green.

I visited on a gloriously sunny Sunday morning with all my family in tow. Despite the abundance of space (there is even a private floor upstairs) the main dining room was packed and we were lucky to find a table on the front terrace. Before I looked at the menu, I ran in to admire the instagram-friendly décor – white walls, worn wooden tables and plenty of pretty plants. Unsurprisingly, the interiors are photographed as much as the food.

The breakfast menu features a long list of morning favourites and a few imaginative additions. My brothers were immediately won over by the No.1 House Breakfast – sourdough toast with poached or scrambled eggs, accompanied by dry cured streaky bacon, pork and sage sausages, slow roast tomatoes and field mushrooms. The less greedy end of the table (!) settled for Blueberry ricotta pancakes with maple crème fraiche and syrup, Breakfast sourdough bruschetta with roast tomatoes, spinach, avocado, dry cured bacon and breakfast mayo, and No.1 Eggs Benedict with honey roast ham, avocado and spinach on sourdough with housemade hollandaise.

Fresh juices and strong (Caravan) coffees arrived to quench our thirst, before the morning feast was delivered. After copious photos of the photogenic spread I set about tasting each dish. Despite the simplicity, my favourite dish was the light and fluffy pancakes served with a dollop of sweet crème fraiche and topped with plump blueberries. I also loved the crusty farmhouse-style sourdough bread that comes toasted with many of the dishes. No.1 Duke St work hard to offer ingredients that are high quality and taste great, the meat was all butcher standard and the sauces are freshly made in house. Needless to say, silence fell over the table as the group devoured the delicious food.

Though I now live in South London I am often visiting family in West London and it is wonderful to find new venues that I am excited about visiting in this part of town. Next on my list to visit is the sister establishment, No.197 Chiswick Fire Station, which has also been receiving rave reviews.

More information and book a table at No.1 Duke St. here.

The Larder, Fitzrovia

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There could never be too many breakfast spots in London. I am always on the lookout for new cafes, and am constantly amazed by the variety on offer, from healthy hangouts serving yoghurt and fruit, to venues offering indulgent towers of pancakes with all the trimmings. The Larder, in Fitzrovia, has a nice mix of post-gym snacks and weekend treats. I joined a group of famished bloggers to get the scoop.

This new all-day café & store comes from Executive Chef Diego Cardoso and his team, who focus their recipes on ingredients that are seasonally available. The neighbourhood eatery has a casual feel, with welcoming wooden sharing tables and shelves stocked full of delicious items. We devoured a banquet of: chia seed pots with mixed berries; ham & cheese croissant melts; and crushed avocado on toast. I particularly enjoyed the pastries which were flaky and buttery, just like they should be. The Larder have their own brand of coffee, created by the celebrated Dorset roasters, Reads Coffee. It had a smooth and rich taste and is on offer with a variety of milks for fussy coffee fans. A range of fresh juices provide customers with a morning vitamin boost.

Those working nearby will enjoy the lunch options, simple but tasty toasties, fresh salads showcasing British produce and house-made sausage rolls and sandwiches.

Tucked away in Pearson Square, just a short walk from Oxford Street, The Larder is ideally located for morning meetings or weekend catch ups with friends. With 35 seats there is plenty of space to get all of your friends together and share as many dishes as you can fit on the table!

More information about The Larder here: thelarder.co.uk