The Breakfast Club – Brunch Spot Review
After my little photoshoot for my 1 year blog-anniversary, my friend, Bolu and I decided to go for brunch. It was such a windy Saturday and even though it was not particularly cold, we just wanted to relax. We were in the city and The Breakfast Club was nearby so we headed there knowing we did not need a reservation and hoping the wait would not be too long.
The Breakfast Club is one of the most popular breakfast and brunch spots in London. There are locations in Angel, Battersea, Canary Wharf, Croydon, Hackney, Hoxton, London Bridge, Soho and Spitalfields. So you can see, everywhere! I actually thought it was just open for breakfast and brunch but some locations serve lunch and dinner as well! With the array of choices, The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields was just a few minutes’ walk from where we were so that was an easy choice. We got there at about 11am and of course there was a queue.
I have mentioned previously in my brunch spot reviews for Drunch and Elan Cafe that I really don’t fancy eating in restaurants that won’t take reservations because I hate having to wait in a queue for food; especially in winter! However, The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields only takes reservations during the week and on the weekends; and then it is walk-ins only till 6pm!
Location
It is hidden away opposite one of the exits of Liverpool street station; literally a 3 minutes’ walk from the station on Artillery Lane. No 12-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS to be specific. Spitalfields is a bubbling location especially on weekdays because of the city workers; however during weekends, it becomes a little less busy. The Breakfast Club is not in the most obvious solvation but it has a bright yellow door with gives it away.
Ambiance
As with most restaurants and pubs in the Spitalfields area of London, it had a very relaxed and young vibe. Almost quirky and very artsy. There were murals on the wall, the tables and chairs had a vintage and unpolished feel to them and the atmosphere was very laid back. I tend to appreciate this side of chilled out London vibes. Nothing extra fancy, less pretentious and just a good ol’ British everyday spot!
The exciting thing in the space was a big white SMEG fridge-freezer which on first glance looked like any other fridge; however, we soon found out that it was actually a secret door to an underground secret bar! How exciting!!
Menu
We ordered off the Brekky Menu which had a good mix of British and American staples. They had pancakes, waffles, full English, avocado on toast, eggs benedict and royale, porridge, breakfast sandwiches and vegetarian options as well. I think this menu is probably one of the most extensive ones I have seen for breakfast and brunch in London. The cocktails were also your typical brunch drinks; however, you could order from the drinks menu as well.
I had the all American which was pancakes, (well done fried) eggs, sausage, home style potatoes (this was so yum!), bacon and maple syrup. Bolu had the full Monty aka full English breakfast which had bacon, sausage, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, eggs and toast. She opted out of black pudding and creamy mushrooms. To drink, I had a Bellini and she had a love lace martini! It was a lot of food!
The food was tasty, I especially loved the home made potatoes as it was very flavour-full. My eggs were well done and the Bolu said her martini was one of the best she had ever had. We were very satisfied with our food and drinks!
Service
For a very busy spot, it was actually really good. A solid 4 out of 5! So I have already stated that we had to wait in a queue right? They had a really efficient process which I think ever walk in restaurant should adopt. After about 5 minutes on the queue, a lady took down my name and telephone number and informed us that there was a 30 mins wait until our table would be ready. The best part? We did not have to wait in the queue but she would give us a text when our table was ready. So we actually left the restaurant and had a little wander around the city. 30 mins later, I got a text to say my table was ready and would be held for 10 minutes! We walked back and were seated just before noon!
Another waiter came almost immediately and took down our orders; food was ready in about 10 minutes. For someone who prefers reservation only restaurants, this was not a bad experience at all!
I had always known about The Breakfast Club but of course, the “no reservations on weekends” policy put me off massively but knowing that this process is in place, makes me feel more inclined to return!
Oh remember the secret bar I told you about when i described the ambiance? we asked if we could go down to see what it was about and the lovely waiter allowed us have a cheeky peek to satisfy our curiosity!
Value for Money
What I will say is that the portions were quite big in comparison to other brunch spots so you are guaranteed good value for your coins. Our total bill came up to around £45. It was cheap and cheerful so I would say it was very good value for money and I would definitely go back.
I would 100% recommend The Breakfast Club. It does what it says, no frills, just an easy spot to have brunch. I also loved the secret bar which most likely gets quite busy in the evenings.
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
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2 Comments
Damilola
I remember going for brunch at the Breakfast Club on Berwick St in Soho but ended up going somewhere else because QUEUE!!!!!! Inspired by your post. So, would definitely go back there for brunch. I would try for a weekday though so I can make reservations instead of just walking in.
Bugo
I know what you mean. It put me off going for the longest time because brunch is like my weekend thing so if I have to queue, it just stresses me out.
However, I was quite happy with the process they put in place so it didn’t seem like we were just stood in the cold on the queue.
But, yes, if you can go on a weekday, a reservation is always MUCH better x