It’s never too early to start thinking about where to go for your next weekend brunch, and London’s restaurant and café scene is packed with options. It should come as no surprise that Balham, known for its population of young professionals and yummy mummies, has a variety of great weekend brunch spots. We’ve rounded up six of the best below, so that your next hangover can be a little less hellish.
Brother Marcus
Why: Serving brunch all day, this friendly little café is perfect for brunchers looking to make the most of their weekend lie-in. Our favourite dish is the ‘Step Sister’, which sees a pile-up of sweet potato, courgette and feta fritters, topped with a poached egg, but there’s also the cheekily named Sugar Daddy (brioche French toast with coconut and duck-egg custard) for those with a sweet tooth.
Where: 9 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JA
The Exhibit
Why: A Balham favourite for years, The Exhibit continues to pull in the locals, not least because of its quirky brunch offering, which includes monthly drag queen appearances and life-drawing classes. Weekend visitors sit down to enjoy a dirty-good menu featuring the likes of crab mac ‘n’ cheese and Welsh rarebit and you can add bottomless bubbles or Bellinis for a small supplement.
Where: 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG
Foxlow
Why: The Balham branch of Hawksmoor’s neighbourhood mini-chain serves up a hearty brunch menu that will see you through the rest of the day. We’re talking the likes of egg and bacon poutine with a side of chips and gravy, and steak served with spice-roasted tomatoes and eggs any way. If you’re looking to make things boozy, you can add bottomless Bloody Marys or bubbles.
Where: 15-19 Bedford Hill, SW12 9EX
Megan’s On The Hill
Why: This mini-chain of relaxed cafés may look like a run-of-the-mill yummy-mummy’s hotspot, but to those in the know, it’s got some substance to it. Instagram-friendly interiors, an ‘all dogs welcome’ policy and a bottomless Prosecco option have made Megan’s a popular brunch spot, but dishes such as shakshouka served with bread for dipping are what keep diners coming back.
Where: 41-43 Bedford Hill, SW12 9EY
Milk
Why: A resounding hit with Balhamites, this hip no-bookings café often has queues at the weekend. The interiors might be stripped back, but the food is anything but with an elevated brunch menu featuring dishes such as sweet buckwheat pancakes topped with smoked apricot, burnt marshmallow, elderflower syrup and macadamia nuts. The coffee is great too.
Where: 20 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG
The Regent
Why: This cosy pub features booths that are ideal for group outings, and serves up a largely traditional brunch menu. You might opt for the hearty full English (vegetarian and vegan versions are also available) but elsewhere on the menu there’s a Reuben sourdough toastie, stuffed with pastrami, melted cheese, sauerkraut and gherkins. The best part? A pound from each dish is donated to a local youth charity.
Where: 21 Chestnut Grove Balham, SW12 8JE
If you’re looking to broaden your horizons beyond SW12, check out our full list of the best weekend brunches in the capital.