One Of London’s Most Luxe Breakfast Spots |Abuelo
London mornings have a magic of their own. Imagine fog drifting off the Thames, the quiet buzz of black cabs, and the inviting aroma of a fresh flat white alongside a croissant or avocado toast. Here, breakfast isn’t just a meal, it’s a blend of tradition and modern style. Whether it’s scones and clotted cream in a classic tearoom or sourdough toast piled with seasonal ingredients at a new café, breakfast in London is an experience. It’s less about grabbing food on the go and more about taking a pause to enjoy a moment in the middle of the city’s energy.
Let’s start with pastries, my absolute weakness. London is obsessed with them. Imagine buttery pain au chocolat from a French-inspired bakery in Notting Hill, or creative spins like matcha-infused cronuts in Shoreditch. The pastry scene borrows from everywhere: you’ll find cinnamon buns with Scandinavian hygge vibes (I love the ones at Fortitude Bakery), Italian cornetti stuffed with pistachio cream, and even Middle Eastern baklava hybrids. Breakfast really comes alive in Central London. Weekend brunches are a big deal, with queues outside places like The Breakfast Club for pancakes or Dishoom for Bombay-style eggs. Sure, central spots can be pricey, but the quality fresh, local, thoughtfully sourced—makes it worthwhile. In a city that never sits still, breakfast is where tradition and new ideas come together, turning a simple meal into a little escape.
If you’re making a list of must-try London breakfasts, Abuelo deserves a spot at the very top. With locations in Covent Garden and the newer Marylebone branch, this place feels like you’ve stepped into a sunlit home that invites you to settle in and relax. It’s run by a mother-daughter team who have a background in architecture, and you can feel that mix of Aussie ease and Argentinian warmth as soon as you walk in. The Covent Garden spot is tucked away in a historic building on Southampton Street—think antique chairs, terracotta tiles, and a big communal table that makes everyone feel welcome. In Marylebone, the atmosphere is a bit more retro and laid-back, perfect for lingering with friends or winding down on a Saturday night.
What sets Abuelo apart in London’s crowded breakfast scene?
For starters, the coffee. Ethically sourced single-origin beans from Latin America, roasted to perfection for those iconic Aussie brews. We’re talking velvety flat whites, frothy iced matchas, and creative sips like brown butter ice cream floats that elevate your morning ritual to editorial-level luxe.
Pastries and breakfast plates? Pure poetry. Fresh, produce-led dishes with a South American twist: think avocado toast piled high, truffle-mushroom toasties, or huevos divorciados for a spicy kick. Don’t miss the Fig Toast slathered with whipped mascarpone and topped with fresh figs, honey, salted pistachios, and micro-flowers. It’s almost too pretty to eat.
The whole place just feels easygoing and friendly. You can book a table if you want, but they always save some spots for walk-ins. And honestly, if you’re in the area and they look full, it’s worth popping your head in to see if they can squeeze you in.
In a sea of generic chains, Abuelo feels personal and thoughtful, like a secret shared among those in the know. Whether you’re a local chasing the perfect brunch or a visitor like myself dipping into London’s pastry paradise, Abuelo is a destination that captures the city’s breakfast essence with a global, luxurious twist.
What’s your go-to London brekkie spot? Drop it in the comments and let’s swap recommendations!
ProTip | Grab a Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie to go… You’ll thank me later!
Until Next Time!