WEST LONDON VS. EAST LONDON: BRUNCH EDITION

London is, in many ways, divided in two: east & west. East is known for the cool nightclubs, arty streets and cheap(er) rent. West is known for being more cultured, posher and significantly more expensive too. 

Before we go into this post, I'm just gonna state that I'm a West kind of gal. I enjoy a day out in Shoreditch or Spitafield's Market but it would take more than cheaper rent to make me call it my home. Not that there is anything wrong with East, but it's simply not my vibe. Even though I have to admit it's growing on me lately. 

As any average Londoner, I do love a good brunch - whether it is in East or West London. There's no better way to spend a lazy Sunday morning than catching up with your friends over indulgent food and hot lattes. 

Both East and West London have some pretty incredible cafes and restaurants that will make you want to go back weekend after weekend.  After living in London for over 4 years I have had enough weekends to visit plenty of places and find my favourite brunch spots. Let me share my wisdom with you. 

WEST LONDON

GRANGER & CO

If you are a fan of scrambled eggs, you must go to Granger & Co. I have no clue how they do it, but I have never had eggs that are so creamy, tasty and just all around perfect. They ricotta pancakes are not too shabby either. Their aesthetics are also very much on point, marble and gold with a hint of green. Your Instagram is going to be lit. 

They have a branch in Notting Hill and another one in King's Cross. Even though they don't take reservations the queue is 100% worth it - just make sure you don't go on Sunday at noon unless you are ready to queue up for a good half an hour or more. 

NAC

This narrow cafe in Mayfair is a little gem. The place is absolutely gorgeous, it's somewhere I could picture Serena van der Woodsen meetign Chuck Bass for coffee. And their food is equally stunning. Their dulce de leche pancakes never disappoint, and neither does their french toast or acai bowl. 

Their coconut iced latte is my third favourite coffee ever (fyi, my top coffee is Starbucks' Eggnog Latter followed by The Breakfast Club's caramel latte). They use coconut milk to make it, which also acts as a sweetener. It tastes delish. 

THE GOOD LIFE EATERY

Whilst this one is more on the healthier side, they still have some killer cake and juices. Let me tell you, if you're looking for the best red velvet cake, Chelsea is the place. And the portion is very generous too. 

Their acai bowl is probably the best one I've tried, and it's surprisingly filling too so you're not left hungry afterwards! 

EAST LONDON

HOI POLLOI

This beautiful restaurant hidden inside the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch is the perfect place to spend a few hours in the morning enjoying some incredible food and listening to live music. The decor is very zen,  it makes you feel calm and comfortable. It's the kind of place I could hang around for hours just chilling.

Their mac and cheese is incredible, easily one of the best mac and cheeses I've ever head. I'm dying to try their french toast, it sounds (and looks) amazing. And I'm always down for a good french toast. 

CEREAL KILLER CAFE

Who doesn't like cereal? Specially the sugary, nutrient-lacking kind. They have any cereal you could every dream of, from rare Lucky Charms editions to plain boring Weetos. They also have a variety of topping to choose form (Happy Hippos being my absolute favourite), and so many different milks. And I am not talking about this healthy trend of nut milk, oat milk or any other healthy type of milk. I'm talking chocolate, vanilla, caramel and even strawberry. 

You're likely to leave with a sugar overload, but I guess it is better to overdose in sugar than cocaine? 

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Whilst The Breakfast Club is not strictly an East London cafe, since they have branches all around London, writing this post has made me realise I don't know that many good brunch spots in East. I guess I'll have to start frequenting the area more. 

But if you love pancakes and eggs benedict as much as me, you'll want to pay this place a visit. They usually come with long queues, but you'll be glad you waited when you taste their delicious food. And, as I said before, their caramel latte is to die for.