Early breakfast in London? These 7 delightful restaurants open well before 8am (plus the one surprising place to avoid)

Whether you’re looking for a delicious East London breakfast, the best avocado toast in London or a classic English breakfast you’ll definitely find it in this city teaming with over 15,000 restaurants. As early morning breakfast meetings become ever more popular, I thought it would be useful to list where to go for a great early breakfast in London. Every place on this list sits in the luxury breakfast realm but all places open at either 6am or 7am guaranteeing you’ll still be able to start work come 9am. So whether you want to discuss business over an Americano and bowl of shakshuka, or are simply looking for a place to catch up with friends before the crowds hit the city, you’ll find seven great options here. And one London institution I'd recommend swerving.

7 places for an early breakfast in London

1. The Ned: open from 6am

I’ve stayed at The Ned a handful of times and so have had the chance to try breakfast at various spots throughout the imposing yet beautiful building. The roof terrace is a sublime location to enjoy an early breakfast, especially during summer months when it feels as though you’ve almost been transported away to Mexico City or some other exciting sunny destination. Millie’s Lounge as you enter The Ned also has an extensive breakfast menu and then of course, if you are staying in the gorgeous hotel, breakfast in bed is the most luxurious way to start the day.

Breakfast in bed at The Ned

The last time I visited I enjoyed the full English breakfast, a fresh grapefruit juice, and a flat white and had no complaints. Kaia at The Ned, the hotel’s Asian-Pacific-inspired restaurant also serves some of the best cocktails in London.
Address: 27 Poultry, London, EC2R 8AJ
Closest tube: Bank

2. Berners Tavern: open from 7am 

As part of the fabulous London Edition hotel, Berners Tavern is not only one of the best luxury London breakfast spots loved by A-listers such like Leonardo Di Caprio and Uma Thurman it also opens at a very respectable time of 7am for both hotel guests and regular diners.

Waffles at Berners Tavern

I adore the waffles here, served with hazelnuts, berries, and cream—pure indulgence. Although a little on the small side, the bacon sandwich is also usually a no-brainer served on luscious sourdough bread with real butter. Coffee is not always great but the surroundings at Berners Tavern more than make up for that, and the staff are just wonderful.

Address: 10 Berners Street, London, W1T 3NP

Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road

3. Chiltern Firehouse: open from 7am

Another A-list hotspot where I’ve been lucky enough to dine on three occasions. While Chiltern Firehouse does open its doors early and is the perfect location for celeb-spotting, the breakfast offerings can be a tad hit-and-miss.

Potato pancakes at Chiltern Firehouse

The above spinach, mushroom, and potato pancakes were tasteless (and have since been taken off the menu), but my other two visits were more than satisfactory.
Address: 1 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PA
Closest tube: Bond St/Baker St

4. Cecconi’s: open from 7am

A London institution no less, and rightly so, Cecconi’s is the place to come to if you want great service and a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner in elegant surroundings.

Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs at Cecconi's in Mayfair

I love the scrambled eggs and smoked salmon served with toast and lemon. And the coffee is also perfectly strong, or par with some of the best specialty coffee in London.

Address: 5A Burlington Gardens, London, W1S 3EP

Closest tube: Green Park

5. The Delaunay: open from 7am 

Another place for celeb spotting, (Dermot O’Leary was there last time I stopped by) and old-school glam interiors, The Delaunay is known for its decadent breakfasts like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs made using full-fat cream.

Smoked salmon and eggs at The Delaunay

The coffee isn’t great, however, which is the only thing that lets the place down. 

Address: 55 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BB

Closest tube: Temple

6. Hotel Café Royal: open from 7am 

Not far from two of my favorite London hotels The Mandrake and The Henrietta Hotel, Café Royal, part of the fabulous Hotel Café Royal also boasts a serene spa and early morning breakfast options.

Eggs and black pudding at Hotel Cafe Royal

For my last visit, I ordered two fried eggs, black pudding, toast, coffee, and grapefruit juice, and everything was delightful. They also serve avocado toast, pancakes, and omelettes. 

Address: 10 Air Street, London, W1B 5AB

Closest tube: Piccadilly Circus

7. Nobu Shoreditch: open from 7am 

After a night’s stay at Nobu's Shoreditch Hotel and some incredible sushi the night before, breakfast here just wasn't up to the standard I'd expect. Since the sleek hotel had just opened when I first visited I gave them the benefit of the doubt and have since returned since where I was met with a much better breakfast offering.

Continental breakfast at the Nobu Shoreditch Hotel

Address: 10-50 Willow Street, London, EC2A 4BH

Closest tube: Liverpool St/Overground: Shoreditch High St

Claridge's (one to avoid): open from 7am

Claridge's may be one of the best hotels in London but wow, do they suck at breakfast. I visited just once and after eating in over 50 breakfast restaurants and cafes across the city this has to be my worst London breakfast spot.

One to avoid—breakfast at Claridge's

The coffee was simply terrible and outrageously expensive ($10/£8 for a basic filter), my eggs royale tasted of vinegar, the poached eggs were cold, the muffin was stale and low quality, and the toast was burnt. Worse still, a coffee and plate of awful eggs royal cost a whopping $40/£32!
Address: Brook Street, London, W1K 4HR
Closest tube: Bond St