For those who like a Champagne lifestyle, but on a lemonade budget, I’ll let you in on one of my most useful tips: Pick a top restaurant – even a really upmarket one, with high prices and long waiting lists – and visit for breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all, and this way you can truly indulge and enjoy the beautiful ambience and service of a sought-after venue without the hefty price tag.
I used exactly this tactic when I fancied a visit to the dining spot that is surrounded by whisperings of ‘London’s Best Restaurant 2014‘: Berners Tavern in Fitzrovia. With Michelin starred executive chef Jason Atherton at the helm, I knew it wouldn’t disappoint.
With my breakfast buddies Holly, Shawn and Jasmin, we swanned into the soaring lobby of the London EDITION hotel – with high ceilings, shining surfaces and suited doormen, it was pretty dreamy to start the day in such luxury!
Berners Tavern is just off the lobby, and the interior is utterly breathtaking as you enter – I always pay attention to the interior design of the venues I visit, but this place really did go over and above anything I’ve found in London of late.
Super-high ceilings with ornate mouldings sat above walls that were covered in colourful, highly stylish artworks in baroque-style gilt frames.
The bar is straight ahead as you enter, and gives a whole new meaning to ‘top shelf bottles’ – this display was floor to ceiling with top-notch tipple bottles.
The tables and booths are all smoothly rounded, and we took our seats to enjoy well-made coffees (served in bone china cups and saucers). I enjoyed Bircher muesli (£5) and soft, sweet toasted brioche (with Kitchen Garden preserves, handmade in the Cotswolds – £4).
Although I kept it light, there are other more hearty options on the menu – everything from a full English for £14 to hazelnut waffles for £8 (Jasmin confirmed these were perfect, served with berries and whipped vanilla cream). Shawn’s Brioche French toast with maple and bacon was quite a sight to behold too. Juices and smoothies (£5.50) provide a vitamin hit where required.
I am over the moon that I have discovered this glamorous central London breakfast spot – it’s the kind of impressive place that I’ve been telling everyone about since my visit, and I can’t wait to get back for more early morning decadence.
I wouldn’t mind staying in the hotel either – it looks absolutely fabulous…
Berners Tavern
10 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NP
Reservations
Photos: Nikolas Koenig and BernersTavern.com
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