Nestled just half an hour from the hustle and bustle of the London is Kingston, the riverside town that has been overtaken by young families and students from all over the country (and abroad). The place is home to many great places to grab a lazy brunch – from cute cafés tucked away in little back streets, to stylish and quirky restaurants. Below is a selection of our top picks.
Fortunella Café
Why: This quaint and cosy café is tucked away from the busy high street. The colourful décor and tightly-packed tables make for a homely and friendly vibe, while the open bar spread allow you to see everything it has on offer for that day. When it comes to brunch, it keeps things simple. Expect a traditional full English, or salmon and scrambled eggs. Got a sweet tooth? The artisanal pastries delivered fresh each morning will whet your appetite.
Where: 8 Apple Market, KT1 1JE
The Terrace Eatery
Why: Next door to Fortunella you’ll find the contemporary no-frills décor of The Terrace Eatery. Our top tip? Get there early as by lunchtime, there are queues out of the door for its tasty and seasonal delights. You can enjoy all the usual brunch suspects here, think scrambled eggs with salmon and if it’s sunny, the outdoor seating in the quiet square is a great place to catch up with friends and get some much-needed vitamin D.
Where: 6A, 7 apple Market, KT1 1JE
Local Hero
Why: If you can’t manage to drag yourself out of bed before 11am after a night on the town, Local Hero might just be your new favourite brunch spot. Serving the stuff all day long, this independent (read hipster) coffee shop (which also has an outlet in Fulham) has a creative take on brunch that is bound to perk you up. Punters can try the likes of courgette fritters; chorizo, avocado and mustard aioli on sourdough toast; and brioche French toast with berry sauce and mascarpone – yum. Sat opposite some of Kingston’s biggest bars and nightclubs, you might be reminded of last night’s debauchery, but Local Hero is bound to have something to cure your post night-out blues.
Where: 22 Thames Street, KT1 1PE
Hawkers Bar and Brasserie
Why: If you are looking for a more formal brunch, the modern and stylish Hawkers Bar Brasserie (part of the Double Tree by Hilton hotel) is the place to go. Although its brunch menu is small, it packs a punch. Expect your classic eggs benny and royale, or get the Hawkers eggs with crushed avocado and crispy kale – great if you’re on a health kick. And for when coffee just isn’t enough, you can upgrade to a bottomless brunch with either prosecco, G&Ts or Bloody Marys.
Where: 1 Skerne Road, KT2 5FJ
Poor Boys
Why: Championing New Orleans street food, this quirky restaurants brunch menu is sure to leave you full all the way to dinner (and if you still happen to be there when dinner rolls around, its menu is pretty spectacular too). When it comes to ordering you can really go wild with the build your own brunch section. First pick your ‘boy’ i.e. your base of waffles, pancakes or French toast. Next your toppings, go for the southern fried chicken if you are into your savoury brunches or peanut butter and jelly for a sweet treat. And fear not because they have a spin on all the classics too. Whatever you go for, this Mardi Gras themed restaurant will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the USA (for an hour or two anyway).
Where: 5 Griffin Centre, Marketplace, KT1 1JT
Maison du Mezze
Why: Kingston is a huge shopping destination and its super-giant shopping centre, The Bentall Centre, boasts more than trendy shops. To kick off your shopping spree, treat yourself to a delicious Lebanese breakfast curtsey of Maison du Mezze – located on the second floor. Now, usually a shopping centre-based caff would send alarm bells ringing with us too, but the labneh, haloumi, foul medames and hummus is enough to make you forget where you are. The Shakshookeh- fried ripe tomatoes with eggs is another solid winner. Not feeling experimental? There’s a selection of eggs benny, royale and Florentine too.
Where: The Bentall Centre, Wood St, KT1 1TP
Wags N Tales
Why: Just a few minutes’ walk from the river, this café and bar has a host of plant-based options including a vegan full English, gluten-free banana pancakes and a trusty avocado toast with poached eggs for good measure. The modern furniture and exposed brick walls make it feel slightly like the trendy hipster digs usually found in central London, but we can assure you those types won’t be found here. Just Kingston locals, families and a lot of puppies. Yep, you read that right – this place doesn’t just invite WAGS, but tails, too – see what we did there? Basically, dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome.
Where: 7-9 Brighton Rd, KT6 5LX
Pickled Pantry
Why: They say that good things come in small packages and that is definitely the case when it comes to the Pickled Pantry. Often overlooked as people rush to get to Surbiton train station every morning, this little gem offers quality coffee and a fantastic brunch to match. Try its gluten- and dairy-free toasted banana bread with cinnamon spread, chorizo scrambled egg or creamy scrambled eggs and salmon. The quirky mismatched interiors and peppermint tones make this spot very Instagram-worthy and its beautifully presented food is no different. That is if you can hold back long enough to take the picture.
Where: 7 St Mark's Hill, KT6 4PJ
Why: This restaurant (mentioned in the Michelin Guide) does a slightly unconventional two-course brunch, but it’s intriguing all the same (spoiler alert: it includes dessert). Start with a continental breakfast and follow it with a Crepes Suzette or honey-poached figs. Alternatively, opt for its ‘healthy breakfast’ of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. If dieting is the least of your concerns, give its sticky toffee pudding a try – we promise you, you won’t regret it.
Where: 85 Maple Road, KT6 4AW
No 97
Why: Known by locals as the ‘little neighbourhood restaurant‘, but far from little when it comes to what the menu offers. You won’t find your conventional eggs benny and scrambled egg here. Instead, expect Cajun chicken with Belgian waffles and slow-cooked spiced rice, peppers and baked eggs on sourdough toast. For seconds (because two-course brunches are the best), try the French toast and a selection of ‘brunch libations’ AKA drinks. Think boozy hot chocolate with gin – yes you read that correctly – and a coffee negroni – we are intrigued. All is housed in a super stylish brasserie restaurant with a gin bar downstairs – head here after your brunch to start (or continue?) the party.
Where: 97 Maple Road, KT6 4AW
Why: Last on the list of Maple Road brunch spots, created by the owners of The French Table, this café began its life as a table outside the restaurant selling homemade bread before the owners decided they needed to give it a space of its own. This quaint bakery offers a range of artisanal pastries, quality coffee and a short but punchy brunch menu. You can try a selection of scrambled eggs, toasted brioche with eggs, tomato and bacon or opt for the classic continental breakfast. The traditional French boulangerie décor and outdoor seating transports you to the charming back streets of Paris. What more could you want?
Where: 83 Maple Road, Surbiton, KT6 4AW
Why: Part of Hotel Bosco in Surbiton, this stylish and trendy upscale lounge is best known for its fully-stocked bar and resident DJs in the evenings. In the morning, however, it offers a mean brunch. Opt for unlimited prosecco or Bloody Marys to accompany your stacked buttermilk pancakes or huevos rancheros – perfect for getting the party started (or for curing your hangover – hair of the dog anyone?). Alternatively, go full detox with the selection of wellness smoothies and reminisce about the previous night in their trendy restaurant area.
Where: St Mark's Hill, KT6 4LQ
Boho Café
Why: As its name suggests, in this small and quirky café, you’ll find charming bohemian décor – think exposed brick and mismatched furniture. You’ll also be able to find (in our not so humble opinion) one of the most Instagrammable avocado on toasts in the entire Royal Borough of Kingston. Also on offer are velvety lattes emblazoned with milky hearts (another thing to add to the list of Instagrammable content) and freshly baked croissants.
Where: 159A King's Road, KT2 5JF
The Pottery Tapas Bar
Why: This family-run tapas bar is a favourite among locals and we can see why. With a long list of boozy hot drinks and a great menu to go with it, you’ve got everything you need for a lazy and indulgent brunch. The charming and rustic restaurant (which is also kid-friendly), is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning with the family. Enjoy the huevos rancheros or eggs benedict, and wash it all down with a Baileys hot chocolate or tequila espresso. For the kids, go for the scrambled eggs and the ‘awesome omelette’. They also offer a booze free hot chocolate to accompany the kids breakfast.
Where: 20 Park Road, KT2 6BE