Best Christmas brunch London: 14 festive spots to brunch with friends

In the words of legendary pop songstress Mariah Carey - 'all I want for Christmas is brunch.' Okay, fine, we might have mangled that a little bit, but if a young Mariah was living in London circa 2024, that's probably how the song would have ended up. Weekend brunch in London has become a city-wide institution. Every Saturday and Sunday, thousands of Londoners descend upon neighbourhoods from Shoreditch to Mayfair and everywhere in between to chow down on smashed avocado and stacks of buttermilk pancakes lashed with maple syrup. 

Weekend brunch is a time for celebrating - another work week is consigned to the annals of time, and lie-ins, Prosecco and the Sunday hangover await. Surely there’s no better time for celebrating than Christmas, so it makes sense that the keenest of the capital’s brunchers don’t want to break their weekend tradition during the festive season.

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a festive brunch, our guide to the best Christmas brunch in London offers plenty of festive inspiration. Some of the restaurants featured are as sparkly as a cracker on the table just waiting to be pulled, while others have actually gone the extra mile and are hosting dedicated Christmas brunch events (we’re talking cringe worthy jumpers galore). You’ll even find a bottomless Christmas brunch or two, that are guaranteed to have you feeling merry by the end of your allotted 90 minutes.

By the way - if you’re in charge of planning the office Christmas do this year or the annual festive reunion of your friend group, planning a recovery brunch for the day after your party is also a good idea. The likes of eggs any style and superfood smoothies are sure to cure any sore heads and dodgy stomachs.

So, whether you’re sorting Christmas brunch for you and your mates, the whole office or as a festive-themed date idea, there are plenty of options to choose from, spanning a range of styles and budgets. Just remember to be on your best behaviour - we’d hate for you to end up on the naughty list.

The best Christmas brunch in London

From themed Christmas brunches to just a jolly good festive time with your pals, these are our picks of the best Christmas brunches in London.

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: Open 24/7 and 40 floors above the city’s streets, Duck & Waffle is an ideal spot for special occasion dining, that’s still casual enough to feel natural and unpretentious. Come Christmas, pretty decorations give this place a little bit of seasonal sparkle. From 24 October, you can kick things off with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne get your hands on fancy hash browns and try the signature duck and waffle; a crispy confit duck leg with a fried egg and maple syrup.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

Nessa, Soho

What: We’ll happily go for brunch at Nessa at any time of year, but it’s particularly perfect for cosy winter brunching. Tom Cenci’s hearty menus are just what you need to keep the winter chill off, whether it’s a cosy, comforting four grain porridge with hibiscus plums, or the Nessa sausage and egg muffin, which might just be our favourite breakfast sandwich in London. You’re spoilt for choice between egg brunch options too, and there’s a fabulous mixed grill breakfast if you want something to power a day of shopping. Or, head to Mortimer House Kitchen for a similar Cenci-inspired menu with a lean towards hearty Italian fare (the ‘nduja bruschetta with whipped ricotta and poached eggs is a joy).
Where: 86 Brewer Street, W1F 9UB
Book now: Nessa

Riding House, Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury and Victoria

What: If you’re looking for cheerful, festive atmosphere and elevated Christmas dishes that you can just dive into, you can never go wrong with Riding House. All three locations are beautifully decorated, with little nooks and areas for large and small groups. Meanwhile, the brunch menu has something for everyone, ranging from egg brunches galore to deep dish pancakes, cooked breakfasts, and even a massive bone-in chicken schnitzel with bacon, black pudding and egg.
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ; 1 Brunswick Centre, Bernard Street, WC1N 1AF; 8 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ
Book now: Riding House Fitzrovia; Riding House Bloomsbury; Rail House Victoria

Megan’s, Various locations

What: When you think brunch in London, you think Megan’s, and with good reason - this mega multi-site group remains as popular as ever with the breakfast and brunch crowd. Search out your local Megan’s this Christmas for some special brunch items, including a Boxing Day brunch plate that includes pigs in blankets, stuffing, bacon, oyster mushrooms and more. If you’ve got some room, we recommend the festive loaded hash browns too, which you can dip into a moreish cranberry and date sauce.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Megan's at the Sorting Office

Sky Lounge at Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge

What: Year after year the Shard pulls astounding festive menus out of the bag, and not just because you can enjoy them all with sweeping views of the city. Sky Lounge is one of the best, with a brilliant Sunday brunch packed full of delicious dishes (lemongrass and chilli chicken, anyone?) and served with effortless charm. Afterwards, feast on a buffet of artisanal cheese and homemade mini desserts, or dip fruit in the chocolate fountain.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book Now: Sky Lounge at Shangri-La The Shard

Sunday in Brooklyn, Marylebone and Notting Hill

What: Brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn is always brilliant, but it’s even better at Christmas time when the restaurant transforms into a cosy winter wonderland. Last year this involved an impressive display of baubles and greenery, and some brilliantly inventive cocktails including a ‘Dude, Where’s my Sled’ served in a Christmas bauble. The menu offers smoked salmon brioche, burgers, and omelettes among other options.
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU; 10-12 James Street, W1U 1EE
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn Notting Hill, Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone

The Wolseley, St James's

What: The Wolseley does breakfast rather than brunch, but so what? We can't think of many better places to enjoy a late-morning Christmas breakfast (which is also known as brunch), than at a festive institution in St James'. Get stuck into quality Viennoiserie, cooked breakfasts, or just order some toast and jam and enjoy your time surrounded by the finest Christmas decorations in London. 
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB 
Book now: The Wolseley

Korean Dinner Party, Soho

What: Inspired by LA’s Koreatown, Korean Dinner Party brings kitsch cocktails, sake, Korean hip-hop and some east-meets-west fusion cooking to Soho. It's serving up two cracking menus this year, either Chimaek for £32 per person or Seoulful for £42 per person, which include a wealth of fun Korean party food and booze. The Seoulful for example, includes a soju fizz cocktail and a three-course menu featuring fried chicken, kimchi pancakes and Bo Ssam lamb shoulder.
Where: Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Book now: Korean Dinner Party

34 Mayfair, Mayfair 

What: The Christmas decorations at 34 Mayfair are a treat to behold every year, with previous installations seeing the hotel covered in over 14,000 baubles. It adds a touch of festive flare to the weekend brunch offering here each year, which features dishes like eggs benedict with ham and truffle hollandaise, lobster and shrimp rolls with chipotle and lime mayo, and a toasted waffle sandwich with caramelised bananas and peanut butter.
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HD 
Book now: 34 Mayfair

Sette, Knightsbridge

What: Sette’s festive family brunch has entertainment for the whole family, hence the name. Sette’s signature luxury Italian brunch dishes are on offer (think lobster tagliolini, ravioli cacio e pepe and a golden roasted chicken with herb spaetzle) for the adults, whilst the kids can enjoy live entertainment from Sharky & George whilst they tuck into a chicken Milanese or tomato spaghetti. A great choice if you’re looking to release some festive family stress before a day out in the city.
Where: 4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA
Book now: Sette

Dishoom, King's Cross

What: London’s foremost Indian chain has a smattering of sites across the capital, but the King's Cross location has the cosiest feel. The breakfast/brunch menu here is full of the kind of ‘dirty good’ dishes that you find yourself craving after one too many drinks the night before, including the now legendary bacon-stuffed naan finished off with cream cheese and chilli tomato jam, and a rather festive chai egg nog.
Where: 5 Stable Street, N1C 4AB
Book now: Dishoom King's Cross

The best Christmas bottomless brunch in London

Christmas is the season to party with your pals, and what better way than to get boozing? Most festive bottomless brunches offer free-flowing fizz or cocktails for at least an hour, along with some tasty food into the bargain.  

Royal Lancaster London, Bayswater

What: Fancy going bottomless on Christmas day? Royal Lancaster London’s Park Restaurant is offering a festive brunch with a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, topped off with free-flowing wine and live music from a soulful jazz trio. This one’s scheduled for the day itself, with bookings available on 25 December between 1pm and 3.30pm. Indulge in a hot breakfast buffet, followed by sushi, seafood and salad, as well as plenty of traditional festive fare.
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
Book now: Park Restaurant at Royal Lancaster London

London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge

What: An outdoor bar might not be your first thought, but with excellent views and live music each weekend, London Bridge Rooftop’s winter bottomless brunch could be the perfect spot for your festive celebrations. You’ve got your classic bottomless brunch tipples including prosecco and mimosas, but this menu also offers all you can drink winter punch and mulled wine. The best part – you don’t need to worry about braving the elements as the rooftop is fully covered and heated, so you’ll be perfectly toasty as you tuck into a menu of triple smash burgers and Parmensan truffle fries. 
Where: Colechurch House, SE1 2SX
Book now: London Bridge Rooftop

Lucky Voice, Various locations

What: If you’re looking for a little more fun at a festive brunch, it doesn’t get much better than this. Lucky Voice offers a Christmas brunch with karaoke so you can belt out the Michael Buble tunes and sit back and laugh as your friends screech along to Mariah Carey. From 23 November you can get your hands on a private two hours, along with two hours of bottomless sparkling wine and delicious pizzas.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Lucky Voice Liverpool Street; Lucky Voice Waterloo; Lucky Voice Holborn; Lucky Voice Soho; Lucky Voice Islington

If you’re the kind of person who thinks brunch without booze is just a sad, late breakfast, check out our pick of London’s best bottomless brunches.