Whether it’s for a Sunday detox or to kick off the weekend in style, Knightsbridge has the perfect brunch spot for you
Knightsbridge’s hottest spots for brunch
The international option
Al Basha
Bringing flavours of Egypt and the Levant to the table, this hidden gem is just minutes away from Harrods and is ideal for those searching for brunch with an international feel. While a popular dinner spot, its breakfast menu is something to behold, with a wide selection of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, such as feteer meshaltet (layered flatbread with honey and cream), and manaeesh halloumi, a Levantine baked pastry topped with halloumi and mozzarella. If the Arab Gulf or Egyptian menu doesn’t take your fancy, there is a whole section dedicated to eggs of all varieties, including shakshuka, omelettes and, of course, classic sunny-side up.
48 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JN
The cosmopolitan option
The Aubrey
Mandarin Oriental’s “eccentric Japanese izakaya experience” boasts a weekend brunch menu featuring Asian twists on classic fare that you won’t want to miss. Matcha French toast, “Tokyo” eggs royale with yuzu hollandaise and house-made tea-smoked salmon, and warm mochi sit alongside The Aubrey’s fresh sushi and sashimi and other small dishes. Soak in the maximalist surroundings – inspired by the Japonisme influence on artist Aubrey Beardsley, whom the restaurant is named after – and opt for bottomless champagne, sake and cocktails for £95 per person.
66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA; mandarinoriental.com
The luxury option
Sette
Located within the super luxe Bulgari Hotel, Sette is about as swish as it gets when it comes to weekend brunch. Bringing a taste of the Big Apple to Knightsbridge, diners can choose either two or three courses that include pastrami ribeye, lobster tagliolini and a bagel tower (to share), with the option of adding some free-flowing champagne to the mix for a bottomless brunch with a New York edge. Die-hard brunchers will no doubt also make good use of a sweet finale of salted caramel and chocolate biscotti, and red velvet cheesecake. With live music also on offer, Sette is the place to go to celebrate the weekend in style.
4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA; settelondon.co.uk
The healthy option
abc Kitchens
The London outpost for chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s abc brand, abc kitchens at The Emory describes itself as committed to locally sourced and fresh seasonal produce, and this is reflected in its menu. Local bee pollen and house-made almond butter feature in its selection of juices, smoothies and gluten-free pancakes. Elegantly healthy dishes such as vanilla chia bowls, coconut yoghurt with rhubarb compote and salted oats, and avocado toast are all on offer. For those feeling less virtuous, there’s always its selection of croissants, pain au chocolat or a blueberry matcha muffin to fall back on.
Old Barrack Yard, SW1X 7NP;
The bottomless sushi option
Clap London
Clap London brings Japanese delicacies to Knightsbridge, paired with unparalleled views of west London. A lesson in self-restraint, the self-service Sushi Bar in its exclusive Brunch Package features signature rolls and premium nigiri, including seabass shiso and tarama salmon. Make sure to bring your appetite as there are many interesting flavours to explore – think kimchi lamb skewers and black cod miso, and twists on French delicacies (vanilla-peanut millefeuille and baked matcha cheesecake, no less).
Sixth and seventh floor, 12-14 Basil Street, SW3 1AJ;
The old Hollywood glamour option
The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe, Harrods/h5>
What about breakfast at Tiffany’s? Don your best pearls and head to Harrods for a taste of Manhattan glamour. Choose from a selection of indulgent croissant boxes, filled with chocolate crémeux, lemon curd or raspberry jam, and New York-style pancakes all served on Tiffany Blue-and-white tableware.
Lower ground floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
Words: Stefan Chomka