Julie's is an incredible place, sprawling out over several floors and multiple rooms, each entirely different from the others. One is Moorish in feel, another Balearic, one casual and cafe-ish, another formal and haute; you could breakfast, brunch, lunch, dine and sup here every day for a week and never feel that you were in the same place twice. There's a very homely feel about Julie's, at least in the part in which we were seated, which I'm sure must contribute in no small part to its local appeal.

One criticism that's been leveled at Julie's by some reviewers is that the pricing of the food bears little relation to the quality and indeed quantity of it, and I must admit that when I looked over the menu some of the prices struck me as being rather steep. However, we ordered from the brunch menu all of which appeared to be fairly priced (for W11 at least). Everything that came to the table was excellent; my smoked salmon and scrambled eggs was almost as good as I make it at home (in my not-so-humble opinion), the full English two of our group enjoyed was all present and correct and very attractively plated, and a plate of eggs and bacon was much liked. Toast was hot and crispy, butter soft and plentiful, the preserves superb (Bonne Maman no less) and the coffee strong, aromatic and very freshly roasted. Service was quick, courteous and unobtrusive, and we were welcomed and waved off warmly.

My experience of Julie's was entirely and only positive, and that it has stayed in business – not to mention in the same hands – for four decades must surely be an indicator that its fans outweigh its vocal online detractors. I certainly am already planning to go back and look forward to experiencing Julie's for lunch and dinner having thoroughly enjoyed brunch.