Best outdoor brunches in London: 21 places to eat your eggs al fresco

When you know where to look, outdoor brunches in London aren’t actually too tricky to find. Brunch has become such a mainstay that it's almost hard to think of a time when it wasn’t a key part of our lives, when people only either ate their eggs in the early morning or tucked into a sandwich at lunch. Now it's a staple part of our weekend routine, whether you need an intimate event for a friend's birthday, or are after the best outdoor brunch in London to merely celebrate summer.

The truth is, this mid-morning meal isn’t an invention coined by millennials to justify having a lie in, it was actually established in 1895 by Guy Beringer in his piece for Britain’s Hunters Weekly called ‘Brunch: A Plea’. The aim was to combine the best of both breakfast and lunch, to create something new to be held later in the day on Sundays (and allow time to recover from the previous night's festivities). Word spread pretty quickly through London, and before long the concept was working its way around the world and becoming a weekend long affair. The trend really kicked in in the 90s though and has been a hit ever since - with some even meriting its popularity to programmes like Sex And The City which associated it with a glamorous lifestyle.

Considering this is where it all began, it’s no wonder that London has such an impressive list of spots to get your brunch fix. Even when looking for specifics, such as places with outdoor seating, it’s still a struggle to narrow it down to just a few. However, we’ve powered through and done the hard work for you, even separating each restaurant into different areas of London. So whether you’re in the east and want a laid back meal, or after something a little fancier in the west, this list of best outdoor brunches in London is sure to have what you’re looking for.

Each restaurant below provides the perfect place to kick start your day during the warmer months, varying between terraces on the King's Road to balconies on Regent's Canal, with an impressive selection of menus to boot. So grab some sunglasses and bring your appetite, because London’s brunch scene is waiting for you.

Best outdoor brunches in central London

The innermost part of the city, bustling with tourists and boasting some of the city's top sites. From Westminster to Covent Garden, these are our favourite brunches in the heart of London.

Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone

What: If you’re feeling fancy, there’s nowhere quite like Chiltern Firehouse to kickstart your weekend. Known as a key place for celeb spotting, it’s the perfect restaurant to get dressed up for, where you can enjoy the finer things in life. If the marble top tables and chic monochrome decor wasn’t enough to convince you, then maybe the brunch menu with caviar and lobster will.
Where: 1 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PA
Book Now: Chiltern Firehouse

Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

What: Located within the Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace offers a romantic oasis away from the city buzz. Flowers line the walls at this dreamy spot, and arch above marble top tables and wicker chairs. Not only is it Instagram friendly, but the brunch menu is pretty magical too. Choose between two or three courses of delicious brunch favourites.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: Dalloway Terrace

Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, Marylebone

What: Okay, so it may not have a specific brunch menu, but it does do all day dining, and the rooftop is just too good to not include on this list. The chances are you’ve already seen the terrace on social media, with its flower laden pergola and views over London, as it’s gained a reputation as one of the glammest spots in the city.
Where: 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
Book now: Alto by San Carlo

Best outdoor brunches in west London

Considered London’s most affluent area, with the likes of Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea in its repertoire, west London has everything from luxury department stores to royal parks. But most importantly? There’s a first class choice of brunches here too.

Smith's Bar & Grill, Paddington

What: Whilst the indoor dining room at Smith's Bar & Grill may look like a floral paradise in its own right, as it turns out there's also an outdoor terrace, allowing diners a delightful al fresco spot. Here, you'll find all the classics, from avo toast to eggs royale but there's a few extra options on the menu offering reimagined versions of your favourites dishes. Why not try the crab pancakes and mushroom truffle eggs benedict for something a bit different. 
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Book Now: Smith's Bar & Grill

No 197 Chiswick Fire Station, Chiswick

What: If you’re looking for a good brunch with a side of minimalist interior inspo, then head to No.197 Chiswick Fire Station. The menu provides options beyond the ordinary, with everything from sweetcorn and courgette hash, to pancakes with lemon curd labneh and blueberry compote, as well as all of the classics. All made even more enjoyable when eaten on the ultra chic terrace.
Where: Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR
Book now: No 197 Chiswick Fire Station

Best outdoor brunches in east London

It’s edgy, trendy, and a part of London that everyone wants a slice of. Over the past couple of decades, East London has come into its own as the place to be, and is now home to some of the best food spots in the city. Fancy brunch on a barge? You’ll find it here.

Franze & Evans, Shoreditch

What: Franze & Evans is a family-run cafe that's been feeding the people of Shoreditch since 2008. Now with a couple of spots across the city, and even one in Tokyo, this East London location offers a cosy outdoor patio where you can sit out and enjoy the sun. Brunch is served seven days a week, and it’s not limited to the morning with a menu running late into the afternoon - perfect for those who don’t want an early start. Expect everything from 'nduja on toast with fried eggs and salsa verde to cannoli pancakes with orange ricotta cream and berry compote. 
Where: 101 Redchurch Street, E2 7DL
Book now: Franze & Evans

Towpath Café, Haggerston

What: Towpath Café is loved by locals, chefs and celebrities alike - Keira Knightley actually once described it as the reason she lives in London. The menu changes regularly, but the theme remains as simple, seasonal food that has been executed to perfection. It’s worth getting here early though, as it practises a no booking policy and it’s VERY popular.
Where: 42 De Beauvoir Crescent, N1 5RY
Book now: Towpath Café

Llama Inn, Hoxton

What: Llama Inn is less your traditional brunch and more an exploration into slick, modern Peruvian cooking, from scallop ceviche with yuzu kosho tiger’s milk to confit duck sliders with kimchi. The rooftop itself is an absolute stunner as well, situated at the top of the Hoxton Hotel - nicely protected from the wind but catching the sun at all times of day.
Where: 1 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Book now: Llama Inn

Brunswick East, Dalston

What: Brunswick East is known for its breakfast buns, and if you want to find out why you’ll have to get in there quickly because it regularly sells out. These are filled with either folded egg, peanut rayu and crispy leek or bacon and fried egg with BE brown sauce, and they’re worth the hype. Thankfully the terrace has plenty of space whether you make it for a bun or not, so it’s still perfect for working through the rest of the menu.
Where: Gillett Street, N16 8JH
Book now: Brunswick East

Dishoom, Shoreditch

What: It seems almost criminal to create a brunch list without including Dishoom, as the bacon and egg naan is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Whilst most of the sites are dark and moody spaces that are better suited to evening meals, the Shoreditch option boasts The Verandah which offers a space to lounge in the sun as you prepare for the day ahead.
Where: 7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE
Book now: Dishoom Shoreditch

Best outdoor brunches in north London

North London gives off a more leafy, suburban vibe than other parts of the city, and is a great place to head to for sunny dog walks at Hampstead Heath. But away from wholesome trips to the park, is an impressive list of restaurants where you can enjoy your brunch on a large terrace or whilst sat canalside (and don’t worry, you can still bring the pooch).

The Lighterman, King's Cross

What: The Lighterman is a canalside pub and dining room with wraparound terraces and a bar along the towpath. The menu is small, but offers a variety of sweet and savoury options, with our recommendation being the fried chicken Benedict with sriracha hollandaise.
Where: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Book now: The Lighterman

Common Ground, Finsbury Park

What: Common Ground is a neighbourhood café with a big reputation, serving up an eclectic choice of dishes to start your day. Think potato latke with poached eggs and spiced chimichurri, or Turkish eggs with focaccia for dipping. Head through to the back and you’ll find a terrace where you can enjoy your brunch al fresco.
Where: 49 Stroud Green Road, N4 3EF
Book now: Common Ground

Caravan, Kings Cross

What: Caravan has a reputation for being one of the best brunches in town, and the one in King's Cross comes with an enormous terrace to boot. Each plate manages to be both indulgent and fairly healthy, with options like spiced french toast with ginger jam and crispy onions or a chorizo and potato hash with spinach and poached eggs.
Where: 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AA
Book now: Caravan

The Narrowboat, Islington

What: Just a short walk from Angel station is one of north London’s hidden gems, located next to the Regent's Canal. The Narrowboat boasts balconies that overlook the water, and serve as a great little suntrap for those summer mornings. Sandwiches are the name of the game here with fillings like avocado and egg or a chicken and avocado BLT.
Where: 119 St Peter's Street, N1 8PZ
Book now: The Narrowboat

Milk Beach, Queen’s Park

What: Milk Beach sits along a quiet back road, with outdoor seating to the front of its floral painted exterior. Bringing a slice of Sydney to the capital, this Australian restaurant boasts specialty coffees and organic cuisine to its Queen’s Park location. The brunch menu ranges from overnight oats with poached pears and coconut granola to soft boiled eggs in a jar with pumpkin puree, cream and sourdough soldiers. 
Where: 19-21 Lonsdale Road, NW6 6RD
Book now: Milk Beach

Best outdoor brunches in south London

There is no denying that South London is a hub for delicious food with the likes of Borough Market, Brixton Village and Maltby Street Market, and the brunch scene is no exception. There’s a diverse range of cuisines and budgets, plus there’s even a rooftop option thrown in there for good measure.

Sonya Restaurant, Fulham

What: Sonya’s secret garden is the perfect location for when you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Serving up a taste of the Aegean, here you can enjoy brunch in this pleasingly pink dining space, offering nautical murals and fairy lights for added charm. Dishes here focus on Greek and Turkish cuisine, with an all day brunch menu that includes the likes of a saganaki toastie, Greek sausage and shakshuka. Plus, there’s a retractable roof so you don’t need to worry too much about temperamental British weather.
Where: 571 King's Road, SW6 2EB
Book now: Sonya Restaurant

Daddy Bao, Tooting

What: Steering clear of the standard eggs Benedict and pancakes, Daddy Bao offers a selection of different bao buns for brunch (who’d have thought it?). You can choose from meat or vegan fillings, as well as a choice of sharing plates like dumplings, fried chicken and kimchi fritters. The Tooting location offers a few out door benches allowing you to tuck into your bao in the sunshine. 
Where: 113 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PE
Book now: Daddy Bao

Kudu, Peckham

What: Kudu is more commonly known for its South African inspired dinner menu, but it actually does a great brunch offering too. Whether you need to start your day with something savoury, or are a sucker for a sweet treat, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. The honey roast ham crumpet with black pudding, eggs and hollandaise, or the sourdough waffle with fried chicken, kimchi and maple get our votes. There are a couple of tables at the front of the restaurant, as well as an enchanting garden to the back.
Where: 119 Queen's Road, SE15 2EZ
Book now: Kudu

Where The Pancakes Are, Southwark

What: It may not come as a surprise that the brunch menu here is almost entirely made up of pancakes. The mixture here is left to steep for eight hours and then slow cooked to give you that fluffy, pancakey goodness. You’ll find savoury toppings like pulled BBQ chicken with pickled red onion and slaw, as well as sweet options such as poached pear and caramel, black forest berries, and a choice of sea salted caramel or the house chocolate sauce. Dishes like those are only made better by eating them on the terrace on a warm summer’s morning.
Where: 85a Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0NQ
Book now: Where The Pancakes Are

A classic brunch is all well and good, but sometimes you need a supply of bottomless fizz to help you forget that hectic week at work. London is host to a wide range of restaurants that serve up their eggs with a side of booze, so check out our list of best bottomless brunch in London to find the perfect one for you!