I feel as though I should preface this post by disclosing some information about my dieting needs. I have an intolerance to gluten. I have been aware of it for almost four years now. I do not have celiac disease {as far as I know}, but I do get extremely sick if I indulge in too much gluten. For example, I will go to town on some sushi and take full advantage of whatever soy sauce is on offer. One of only three ingredients of soy sauce is wheat, but since it is such a small amount that I end up ingesting, I may only feel discomfort temporarily. However, if I attempt to spoil myself and eat an entire bagel {oh how I miss you…}, you won’t be hearing from me for the rest of the afternoon.
This guide is meant to be just that. A guide. I would assume those who have an intolerance to gluten are like myself and take every suggestion with a grain of salt. Or rice, since we can eat that. We know our bodies better than anyone else and understand our limits. Please take that into consideration when visiting any of the following brunch spots!
And if you feel as though you still can’t eat anything from any of these locations, mimosas are always gluten free.
Farm Girl
Farm Girl was a highlight for me in general in London, in addition to being at the top of my brunch list. I could never go wrong in this local Notting Hill joint. I used any excuse to walk down the Portobello Road Market and complete the morning with brunch at Farm Girl. Half of the seating is indoors, but if you’re lucky enough, you may score a table in the tiny courtyard outside. I have had the luxury of experiencing both {multiple times} and either way you will not be disappointed. The menu offers a plethora of gluten-free and vegan options. The gluten free berry pancakes are to die for. Not literally. But almost. Sarah has recommended the avocado toast a million times over, because… avocado toast. Does it really need justification? And nothing feels better than a warm chai tea latte with coconut milk. I rate this brunch location as the number one place in London to indulge, if you have any kind of allergy or intolerance.
Reservations: No
Must-order: Gluten free berry pancakes
Location: 59a Portobello Rd, London W11 3DB {+44 207 229 4678} {MAP}
{Right before you enter the Portobello Road Market}
108 Pantry
We all know high tea is a must when visiting London! Nothing feels fancier than eating overpriced slices of bread and cucumber, and stirring oversized cubes of pure sugar into a delicate tea cup. Upon arrival to London, I assumed I would have to miss out on high tea due to the fact that I have a gluten intolerance. I mean, it’s an entire afternoon dedicated to crumpets, pastries, and sandwiches. Not my cup of tea {*ba-dum-tshh*}. Until I discovered 108 Pantry. Well, technically, I think Sarah discovered it. For 28 GBP you can enjoy gluten free sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes and pastries, and unlimited tea. Dairy free tea is also available on request! We had such an amazing afternoon chatting over a tower of pastries and sipping on piping hot tea. To be honest, you don’t get a whole lot of food for the price you pay, but that’s kind of expected at high tea. If you are looking for a typical English breakfast, this is not your place, though they do offer regular brunch items on their menu in addition to high tea. Also, don’t forget you are making a reservation with the pantry and not the brasserie! Two completely different restaurant experiences and menus.
Reservations: Yes
Must-order: Just literally eat everything at high tea, we didn’t leave a crumb on our plates
Location: 108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QE {+44 207 969 3900} {MAP}
The Breakfast Club {Spitalfields}
This trendy brunch location is not the easiest to spot at first glance. Unless it is a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and the hungover Londoners have risen from their beds. Then you will notice The Breakfast Club by the line out the door of hangry brunch goers, desperate for a mimosa. To be honest, The Breakfast Club does not necessarily cater to the gluten free bruncher. They do, however, nail it for all of those vegetarians out there! Including sweet potatoes tacos, haloumi and butternut squash burgers, and veggie breakfast sausage. Even though they do not offer gluten free alternatives, they have so many things on the menu for those with an intolerance that it doesn’t matter. Ask for all of the scrambles without bread on the side, or order the huevos rancheros and experience some spectacular guacamole! All of the burgers can be enjoyed ‘protein style’ {as we would say in California} without the bun. The atmosphere is great and the staff are extremely upbeat and peppy. The décor is out of this world and funky, with a neon sign flashing ‘Sex, Drugs, and Bacon Rolls’. I do not suggest getting the Banana Bircher, as grand as it sounds. It was mostly just oats with a spoonful of yogurt. I was not impressed. But almost everything else I have tasted has been delicious! At the end of the meal, the bill will include a optional 12.5% service charge. Please understand it truly is optional and you can tip as much as you would like without offending any of the wait staff! You just have to remember to speak up.
A tip before visiting: Tell the staff ‘I’m here to see the mayor’ upon arrival. Trust me, you’ll be in for quite a surprise!
Reservations: Not for brunch
Must-order: Chorizo Hash: chorizo, grilled peppers, mushrooms, caramelized crushed potatoes & a poached egg, with a lemon & feta sauce {I know, I’m drooling too}
Location: 12-16 Artillery Lane, London, E1 7LS {MAP}
Jam Tree {Clapham}
Jam Tree in Clapham is a great boozy brunch location. With outdoor patio seating, you really can’t beat the atmosphere on a clear day in London. For an additional 17.50 GBP you can enjoy bottomless prosecco with your meal. I wouldn’t suggest a meal at Jam Tree if you are looking for high quality service. I give the wait staff an A for effort, but ultimately the service was pretty awful. The food was decent, once delivered. And the drinks were always flowing. The menu caters to gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian guests. There aren’t as many gluten free choices, but the staff are happy to accommodate in the best way possible. They really worked with me and allowed alternative options for any meal I was interested in. I felt very well taken care of. Another reason to visit Jam Tree is for their signature cocktails. If you go, you must order a ‘Netflix and Chill’. You will be presented with a drink resembling a bucket of popcorn you would order at the cinemas. Better yet, you will actually get the popcorn too. Essentially, it’s a two for one. An alcoholic beverage that you sip through a straw, underneath a huge pile of popcorn. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR? Honestly. I’m asking.
Reservations: Yes
Must-order: Netflix and Chill signature cocktail
Location: 541 King’s Rd, Fulham, London SW6 2EB, UK {MAP}
Kaffeine
Kaffeine is a great pick for brunch if you want an intimate, counter service, dining experience. Kaffeine, like most great cafes anywhere in the world, is Australian owned. They offer a plethora of gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options on a menu that changes weekly. You can check out the latest menu on their blog here. Regardless of what is on the menu for the week you visit, I can guarantee it will be delicious. I have never been let down by Kaffeine and highly recommend it to everyone in London. Even if you settle for a coffee and a snack, prepare your taste buds to be impressed.
Reservations: No
Must-order: A slice of the gluten free lemon and poppy seed cake
Location: 66 Great Litchfield Street, London W1W 7QJ {+44 207 580 6755} {MAP}
Duck & Waffle
This may be cheating. I am adding Duck & Waffle to the list solely because I know they offer gluten free duck and waffles, and shouldn’t be avoided just because you have a gluten intolerance. In fact, they have alternatives for vegan and vegetarians as well. Personally, I have never eaten at Duck & Waffle. But I know many who have and continue to rant and rave over the place. Partially due to the fact that the food is superb. Partially due to the fact that the restaurant is on the 40th floor of a building in downtown London. I actually had the most expensive sushi of my life in the same building as Duck & Waffle and can attest to the view being spectacular. It is a brunch spot that I wish I would have made it to during my time spent in London. If you go, let me know how decadent it was!
Reservations: Yes
Must-order: Gluten free duck and waffles
Location: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY {+44 203 640 7310} {MAP}
Do you have a die-hard brunch location in London?