Islington is known as one of the hippest and most vibrant areas of North London. As such, it boasts a thriving brunch culture fueled by its trendy cafes, restaurants and specialty coffee shops. Brunch has become a weekend ritual cherished by locals and visitors alike.
The popularity of brunch reflects the relaxed lifestyle embraced in Islington. The neighborhood has an artsy, bohemian vibe where people value spending time with friends and savoring great food and drink. Going out for a long, lazy brunch on Saturday or Sunday mornings has become a defining part of the local culture. It’s a time to unwind, catch up with friends or just people watch.
Islington brunch hotspots range from cozy independents to Instagrammable eateries. No matter where you go, you can expect fresh, seasonal ingredients along with unique twists on classic brunch dishes like avocado toast, eggs benedict, pancakes and more. For instance, The Breakfast Club serves halloumi hash while Lantana Cafe is loved for its lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries.
When it comes to coffee, Third Rail is a go-to for its expertly brewed cups sourced from top roasters. Meanwhile Grind specializes in filter coffee made with rotating single-origin beans. And no brunch in Islington would be complete without stopping into indie favorite Climpson & Sons to pick up one of their artisanal coffee bags to take home.
Islington also embraces alternative and healthy brunch options to suit all diets like the plant-based brunch menu at Season or the nutritious bowls on offer at Legs. Classic British fry-ups also remain popular at no-frills neighborhood stalwarts like Molly’s Cafe.
Brunch cocktails have taken off too. Top picks for boozy brunch drinks include the Blood Orange Bellini at Italian spot Ottolenghi, the Poison Apple cocktail featuring tequila and apple juice at High Water and the refreshing English Garden cocktail with gin, elderflower and thyme at Frederick’s.
Islington’s brunch scene stays lively all weekend. But the neighborhoods cafes, pubs and restaurants really come alive between 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Places often fill up fast so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Bring along the morning paper or a good book if you have to queue as brunch is worth the wait.
The atmosphere at Islington’s weekend brunch spots is laidback yet lively. The eclectic crowds range from young professionals nursing hangovers to couples reading the paper to families with toddlers in tow to groups catching up over bottomless mimosas. Laughter and conversation fills the air as people eagerly dig into their meals. Servers bustle while coffee machines whir in the background.
Being well-connected to central London via the tube or buses, Islington is easy to access for both locals and visitors coming for brunch. Hot spots cluster around Upper Street, the main thoroughfare running through the district. Cross Street and Islington High Street also have top brunch picks. Wherever you wandered, you’ll find tempting brunch options nearby.
While traditional full English breakfasts and avocado toast remain staples, Islington’s brunch menus continue to evolve. Some current trends include brunch bowls with grains and greens, creative eggs benedicts piling on cured fish or fried chicken and elevated pancakes featuring ingredients like tahini, orange blossom water or black sesame. Specials also change seasonally so there’s always something new to try.
For many locals, brunch has become a weekend ritual to savor. Meeting friends or family over an unhurried meal gives respite from London’s hectic pace. Lingering for hours while nibbling, chatting and people watching encapsulates Islington’s casual spirit. With so many excellent cafes and eateries to choose from, the neighborhood offers a brunch scene steeped in variety, quality and atmosphere. It’s much more than a meal – going out for brunch has become part of Islington’s cultural fabric.