Brother Marcus Covent Garden

Do you remember London before Brother Marcus? A decade ago, Marcus was no more than an idea; now it's a seven-strong mini empire, built on trademark foundations of neutral interiors, warm hospitality and easy-going East Med small plates. Set within the pedestrianised St Martin’s Courtyard, Brother Marcus’ Covent Garden outpost lures theatregoers and tourists alike, offering the kind of relaxed dining that works just as well for a breezy brunch as it does for an intimate evening meal.

Split across two levels, the space is light-filled and leafy, with terracotta walls, terrazzo-style flooring, and a natural palette of pale woods. Greenery cascades from overhead beams, whilst woven lamp shades scatter a soft glow across the room. Add in a sizeable terrace for a spot of al fresco dining, and Brother Marcus feels like a little pocket of the Med in the heart of the capital.

The menu is compact - a greatest hits of East Mediterranean dips, grills and salads. We begin with the rip and dip platter, a trio of spreads alongside fluffy, charred pittas. Tzatziki is pumped up with fennel and aleppo chilli, whilst taramasalata is luxuriously creamy, its salinity cut through by sharp pickled onions. We devour them, only stopping for long enough to ask for more bread.

A selection of mezze follows, quickly filling our tiny table. A skewer of deep-fried aubergine folds back on itself in ribbons, crisp batter giving way to soft innards. Smoky Greek sausage oozes with feta, with respite provided by a gentle salad of louvi beans, tomatoes, and herbs. Elsewhere, caramelised halloumi steals the show, almost drowning in a bed of honey, offset with a refreshing mix of watermelon chunks and bursts of mint - though an enthusiastic scattering of seeds feels a tad heavy handed.

Service is as much part of the package as the food. Staff are quick with recommendations and just as happy to guide you through the mezze as they are to take control with the Marcus’ Choice menu, offering a surprise line-up of plates. With its flavour-packed mezze, relaxed interiors and fair pricing, there’s a reason that Brother Marcus is slowly taking over the city.

You might recognise the name Brother Marcus from this independent chain's first location in Angel. Since starting in 2016, the three founding friends Arthur, Alex and Tas have impressively grown the concept to sites all over London - from Borough Market to South Kensington - but Covent Garden is their newest restaurant, positioned right in the heart of the action. 

Brother Marcus is actually named after Alex's little brother, Marcus, whose infectious friendliness and ability to make instant friends inspired the gang, imagining that this is how their restaurants would feel. The Covent Garden branch is no different, but while some of the other sites feel a little more relaxed, we think you'll be super impressed by this swanky interior scheme. 

On-trend textured walls meet atmospheric lighting, while suede-upholstered banquettes rub up next to rich, organic tiling. With hanging plants and plenty of light, it's a beautiful space which, by the way, can also be hired for private events. 

Brother Marcus Covent Garden offers week day breakfast, weekend brunch and all-day modern Eastern Mediterranean dishes. Perfect for a morning work meeting, you might try one of the breakfast pitas with feta and spinach or perhaps smoky shakshuka. At the weekends, the brioche is a must try, loaded with lemon cardamom curd, cheesecake cream, cardamom meringues, caramelised pistachios
and candied lemon peel, for those with a sweet tooth. Plus, if you're in the mood to par-tay, you have to try a brunch cocktail like the Mov Lavanta which mixes pink peppercorn infused gin, damson syrup, lemon juice and lavender foam.

Until the evening, a mezze selection allows for both singular and shared dining experiences. For example, you could mix and match charred celeriac with turmeric, lemon and dill aioli, as well as pan seared bream and roasted chicken with sun-dried tomato harissa, alongside fluffy pita breads and dips.