Culture•26 August 2021
Where To Go In London For The Best Breakfast Meetings
The places to book for early networking over steaming cups of coffee, freshly made green juices and perfectly made porridge
By Rhea Cartwright
T
he optimal morning routine always seems up for debate. From setting precious minutes aside for journalling or squeezing in a sweaty HIIT session, breakfast is often viewed as a non-negotiable. Widely considered as the most important meal of the day, with face-to-face meetings firmly back on the agenda, breakfast meetings are a networking tour-de-force and can often be the deal-breaker on your next business move.
If the early bird catches the worm, the early meeting host just might catch their next big investor. From pitch meetings to product launches, we’ve rounded up London’s best breakfast meeting destinations worth setting your alarm early for.
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Bar Italia
22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF
Head there: if you want to look very European for a stand-up coffee.
Not your spot if: you need some solid table space for a laptop presentation.
You should know: Celebrated Italian cafe and Soho institution, Bar Italia has been serving the masses since 1949. Open until 5 am nearly every day, the coffee isn’t the best you’ll ever have but come for the atmosphere and the truly great people-watching.
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45 Jermyn St
45 Jermyn St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DN
Head there: for a plush, red leather booth when intimate chats are needed.
Not your spot if: you don’t like being in the centre of town.
You should know: You may be heading for breakfast but stay for the caviar trolley come lunch or dinner . Serving opulent dining inspired by the season with gloriously attentive but unfussy service, it’s a haven tucked elegantly behind Piccadilly owned by none other than Fortnum and Mason.
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Bar Bruno
101 Wardour St, London W1F 0UG
Head there: to impress someone in the creative industry as they boast the perfect meeting room booths for a greasy spoon.
Not your spot if: you’re trying to charm with a fine-dining experience.
You should know: With superb green leathery seats that have probably seen it all, head to Bar Bruno for a full English breakfast and a proper builder's tea. This is a place where journalists, artists and construction workers all rub shoulders. You’ll walk in, peer up at the menu board and be overwhelmed with the sheer amount on offer. No airs or graces, expect hearty portions served with a welcoming smile.
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The Hoxton
Locations in Shoreditch, Holborn or Southwark
Head there: for meetings that turn into all-day brainstorming.
Not your spot if: you prefer something with local, independent charm.
You should know: Cool and contemporary, The Hoxton can host you at one of their three London locations; Shoreditch, Holborn or Southwark. Our favourite is the all-day restaurant, Albie, in Southwark which has everything from simple eggs on toast to a sweet potato rosti with goat cheese, kale, pine nuts, dill yoghurt.
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Granger and Co.
Locations in Notting Hill, Kings Cross, Chelsea and Clerkenwell
Head there: for great food and a relaxed atmosphere that will still impress.
Not your spot if: you don’t like queuing as breakfast and lunch are still walk-ins only.
You should know: Known as the ‘egg master of Sydney’, Bill Granger’s Australian eateries have successfully infiltrated themselves in London, racking up legions of fans. With locations in Notting Hill, Kings Cross, Chelsea and Clerkenwell, head to whichever side of town is most convenient for your guest. Opt for their beautifully folded scrambled eggs and a flat white.
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Claridges
Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Head there for: the ultimate charm offensive where your prospective investor will be treated like royalty.
Not your spot if: you’re on a budget.
You should know: Expect a majestic Breakfast experience from one of the world’s finest five-star hotels. Claridges is swish, swanky and pretty damn fancy. With an extensive menu that will delight even the fussiest of eaters and no request deemed too much of ask, it’s the perfect place to ask those angels for a cash injection for your next big project.
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Dean Street Townhouse
69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE
Head there: for quintessential British classics and reliable service.
Not your spot if: you crave somewhere with an atmosphere.
You should know: An ideal central location to start the day’s business, with plenty of secluded spaces and areas for important meetings. If you’re hosting colleagues from outside of London, they can also book a room at the hotel.
The Short Stack
Swap the boardroom for breakfast service in one of London's best restaurants.
By Rhea Cartwright
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