Brunch at The Bishopsgate Kitchen

Finding the perfect spot for brunch at the weekend is an important task. Whether I'm hungover from the night before (which isn't often these days because let's face it I am getting old and boring!) or if I'm just damn right hungry, a good hearty brunch is always the best way to kick-start the weekend. Going out for breakfast is always a treat, but accompanied with the excuse to sip on wine as soon as it hits 12 o'clock, brunch has got to be my favourite meal of them all.

One slightly worse-for-wear Saturday morning last year, my friends Georgie & Lorna met Rob and I at Liverpool Street Station. We headed straight to The Breakfast Club at Spitalfields; one of London's popular breakfast diners; but stupidly we hadn't anticipated how busy it would be. It turns out that half of London also had their hearts set on pancakes, maple syrup and bacon. Feeling pretty gutted we wandered around the corner onto Brushfield Street, just off Spitalfields Market. To our absolute delight we stumbled across The Bishopsgate Kitchen! We instantly fell in love and the rest is history as they say...!!

Attached to The Bishopsgate Institute, The Bishopsgate Kitchen is essentially a small glass space the size of a portocabin, transformed into a cafe/restaurant. Although rather small inside, The Bishopsgate Kitchen (which is run by the Benugo chain) has the most warm, rustic feel as soon as you step inside. This is casual dining at it's best! Imagine wagamamas but serving good traditional English breakfasts, brunches and lunches and you're half way there. Communal benches built of reclaimed wood, lined with bar stools are placed in the middle of the restaurant, surrounded by various other tables all sporting retro, pastel-coloured Dualit toasters. If you're anything like me with my love for kitchen appliances then I'm sure you'll appreciate a good Dualit toaster! The idea is simple: order some fresh bread and toast at your leisure using the snazzy toasters. Then top with jams and marmalades which are presented in old style kilner jars, adding to the rustic 'home kitchen' feel of the place.

The brunch menu is simple but pleasing, with full English fry-ups served on cast iron pans sat on wooden boards, bacon sarnies, poached eggs and pancakes. And with a selection of fresh fruit juices, cocktails, teas and good coffee what more could you possibly want?! The menu can accommodate whether you're hungover on a Saturday morning or meeting a client for coffee on a Tuesday.

Just look at those poached eggs... mmmm

As far as brunches go, The Bishopsgate Kitchen do them well. This is no greasy spoon - you can be sure to be served delicious, real food, made with love. We enjoyed a great brunch that Saturday along with some wine... hair of the dog! It was the perfect way to welcome the weekend. We've since been back a few times and each time we've been impressed, leaving with very satisfied bellies.

You can find more info on Bishopsgate Kitchen here on their website.


Lydia xxx