Cafe Laville

453 Edgware Road, Little Venice Parade, Maida Vale, London, W2 1TH
Phone: 020 7706 2620
Website: www.restaurant-laville.co.uk
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Set right above the beautiful Regents Canal, at the Maida Vale end of Edgware Road, Laville would have to be one of my favourite places to brunch. Whilst it doesn't look much from the road, when you go inside you'll discover why - its picturesque setting affords you views right down the tree-lined canal.

In the Summertime they open the cafe's glass doors right up and put tables out on the little balcony overlooking the water. As you sip one of their freshly squeezed juices you can watch the canal boats glide across the water and underneath the cafe itself. In Autumn the scene is even more beautiful, with the leaves turning a riot of oranges and yellows, which is then reflected in the water below.

The breakfast menu is fantastic with a choice of reasonably priced special deals. These include my favourite, the 'Early Italy' where $5.50 will get you scrambled eggs with cherry tomato and basil on fresh roasted ciabatta bread, washed down with a freshly squeezed orange juice.

They also do the more traditional 'English Breakfast' along with other hot breakfast options such as Eggs Benedict; scrambled, poached or fried eggs; and omelette. You can also choose from a wide array of reasonably priced breakfast sides such as bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes or even salmon.

If you are looking for something a bit healthier they offer yoghurt with fresh fruit, mueslie or almonds & honey. Then, as you are being so good, you can afford to treat yourself to a slice of one of their amazing cakes, including the traditional English favourite, Banoffee pie. Their hot chocolate with cream is also a speciality and is sure to hit the spot on a cold Winter's morning.

Aubaine Boulangerie & Patisserie, South Kensington

262 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2AS
Ph: (020 7052 062
www.aubaine.co.uk
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Three words sum up this fabulous brunch place - charming French waiters. They are so friendly and efficient, you feel like you are somewhere other than London... like Provence perhaps? Well, not quite, but it is a very nice change to have amazingly polished service.

The service is also very prompt, particularly when you are an hour late for your reserved hour and a half time slot. (England happened to switch onto daylight saving that day, and some of us kind of forgot.) Aubaine is so popular with the locals, you are given time slots.

The breakfast menu consists of a great selection of croissants, fresh crusty baguettes and delightful pastries as well as light and fluffy omelettes where you can choose your own combination of toppings.

Great coffee and a relaxed, true café ambience make this a lovely place to go for Sunday Brunch. You can also pick up some delectable macaroons at the pastries counter on the way out!

This London Brunch Review was by the Brunch Book Club London. We like to visit great breakfast cafés and brunch restaurants around London and provide independent brunch reviews. We only make recommendations for good brunch places in London such as Aubaine Restaurant, Boulangerie & Patisserie, South Kensington.

The Wallace Restaurant, Marylebone

The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN
Ph: 020 7563 9500
www.wallacecollection.org
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Set in the massive glass conservatory at The Wallace Collection museum, this newly opened restaurant is the perfect place to brunch on a sunny Winter's day. Whilst the service is nothing to write home about (our meals all came out at different times and we had all finished our first course before patient Sally was served hers) the food is really great. Karen & I started off with the Sugar Crepes which were mouth-wateringly good. The others all had omelettes. Then because we all had food-envy, Karen & I had to share an omelette and the others had to share some crepes. Michelle blissed out with the Tarte au citron (lemon tart) whilst Mon looked equally enthralled with her Tarte Tatin (puff pastry with caramelised apple) After our magnificant brunch, we all headed to the nearby Regent's Park to run 50 laps around Queen Mary's Rose Garden. Ok, not really, but after all of these fantastic brunches we really need to introduce a strict exercise regime into the routine!

This London Brunch Review was by the Brunch Book Club London. We like to visit great breakfast cafés and brunch restaurants around London and provide independent brunch reviews. We only make recommendations for good brunch places in London such as The Wallace Collection Restaurant, Marylebone.