Things to do

Valentine's Day brunch: London restaurants for romantic dates

By CW Contributor on 21/1/2016

Book ahead for a special treat for your special someone with the best Valentine's brunches London has to offer

Since unique date ideas can be hard to come by, we've curated a list of quirky Valentine’s Day date ideas at some of London's best brunch restaurants. Shirk the crowds and soak up your Sunday at our favourite understated spots.

Oxo Tower, South Bank, brunch 12pm - 3pm

For a particularly picturesque Valentine’s Day in London, ascend the Oxo Tower Wharf, look at the sunshine hitting St Paul's Cathedral and survey the crowds on the South Bank while sipping on the restaurant’s signature Southbank cocktail. An established favourite for chic suppers, the Oxo restaurant has just added a brunch menu to its repertoire. Think simple classics with an elegant twist (our smoked salmon was shaped like a rose), attentive service and stellar cocktails. Brunch at the Oxo is special without being too formal or flashy — just what you need for a Sunday Valentine's.

Opso, Marylebone, brunch 10am - 5pm

For a relaxed, social brunch of modern Greek tapas and sharing dishes, head down to Marylebone's Opso Restaurant. They've crafted a special Valentine bubbles cocktail with sparkling wine, strawberries and elderflower, and their eclectic menu offers such dishes such as grilled fresh salmon fillet with tomato jam and aioli mayo in a squid ink bun.

Bandol, Chelsea

The Provençal restaurant in the heart of Chelsea does not fail to delight its customers. With a range of eggs, tartines and class French toast together with exceptional service, Bandol restaurant's brunch offers a traditional feast to help you drift into the afternoon.

The Greenberry Cafe, Primrose Hill, brunch 9am - 4pm

This lively North London café and restaurant offers all the usual classic brunch dishes as well as several exploratory recipes. Only five minutes from Primrose Hill, it's a cosy spot to warm up with brunch before a romantic walk along the grassy landscape.

Ottolenghi, Islington, brunch 9am - 1pm

Islington's deli/restaurant starts serving its scrambled eggs, Welsh rarebit and Cinnamon French toast at nine o'clock in the morning and finishes at one, so their Valentine's day brunch may be suited best for early birds. We are, however, intrigued by their new Valentine selection, offering treats such as heart shaped pavlova with red berries "to share" and rose infused cupcakes.

The Good Egg, Stoke Newington

This neighbourhood cafe offers a range of Middle Eastern comfort food for brunch this Valentine's day, from Iraqi aubergine pita to Shakshuka from Tunisia. With a warm and friendly atmosphere with a hint of nostalgia, it's ideal if you're after something off the beaten track – a very good egg indeed.

Hally's, Parsons Green

Organic and ethical food inspired by the Golden State California may be the choice for a light, fresh and healthy Valentine’s date. However, the relaxed neighbourhood favourite also caters to those after a heartier meal, with options such as a home-made beef burgers and steak sandwiches served with streaky bacon and fries available.

The Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell

For brunch food cooked to perfection, head to the Modern Pantry for some coconut & cassava waffles or their favourite sugar-cured new caledonian prawn omelette. This Valentine's day, they will be offering bottomless prosecco and handmade truffles to accompany their brunch menu. A clean, bright venue serving up luxurious dishes – all very reasonably priced – the pantry will not disappoint.

Bourne & Hollingsworth, Clerkenwell

This relaxed and stylish brunch spot will offer their traditional bottomless Bellini with a raspberry twist this Valentine’s day. B&H are also introducing sharing cocktails made from pear liqueur and fresh apple cocktails, designed for two people. For signature drinks alongside your brunch, this is the place for those who enjoy their glass always filled to the brim.