1. Sunday in Brooklyn

Location: 98 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU

Sunday in Brooklyn, https://www.sundayinbk.co.uk/, tops our list for good reason. This trendy spot brings a taste of New York to London with its chic décor and mouthwatering menu. Known for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional service, Sunday in Brooklyn is a favourite among both locals and tourists.

Highlights:

• Sunday Pancakes: Hazelnut Maple Praline, Brown Butter
• Shakshuka: Stewed Tomatoes and Peppers, Baked Eggs, Feta, Grilled Focaccia
• Avocado Toast: Avocado, Cashew Pesto, Wheat Grass Oil, Nuts & Seeds, Grilled Sourdough

Sunday in Brooklyn also offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails, such as the Honeybear on Holiday or Bathtub Passion.

2. The Breakfast Club

Location: Multiple locations across London

The Breakfast Club is a beloved institution with several locations throughout London, including Soho, Canary Wharf, and Hackney. This retro-inspired café is known for its generous portions and hearty dishes, making it a go-to spot for those who crave a classic breakfast with a twist.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Full Monty: A full English breakfast with bacon, sausages, black pudding, eggs, beans, tomatoes, and toast.
• Huevos Rancheros: A vibrant Mexican-inspired dish with eggs, chorizo, avocado, and salsa on a tortilla.
• Salted Caramel Pancakes: Sweet and salty goodness with layers of caramel sauce and fluffy pancakes.

The quirky décor and lively atmosphere at The Breakfast Club make it a fun and memorable place to kickstart your day.

3. Dishoom

Location: Multiple locations including Covent Garden, Shoreditch, and Kensington

Dishoom, inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, offers a unique and flavorful brunch experience. With its charming ambience and delectable dishes, Dishoom has quickly become a favourite among brunch enthusiasts.

Recommended Dishes:

• Kejriwal: Fried eggs on chilli cheese toast, a perfect blend of spicy and savoury.
• House Chai: A fragrant and warming spiced tea, ideal for sipping on a lazy morning.
• Bacon Naan Roll: A delicious combination of crispy bacon, cream cheese, and chilli jam wrapped in freshly baked naan.

Dishoom’s brunch menu is a delightful fusion of Indian and British flavours, offering a refreshing departure from traditional brunch fare.

4. Granger & Co.

Location: Clerkenwell, Chelsea, King’s Cross, and Notting Hill

Founded by Australian chef Bill Granger, Granger & Co. is synonymous with sunny, vibrant dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. The bright and airy interiors make it a perfect spot for a relaxed brunch with friends or family.

Popular Choices:

• Ricotta Hotcakes: Light and fluffy hotcakes served with banana and honeycomb butter.
• Fresh Aussie: A healthy and delicious plate with avocado, poached eggs, tomatoes, and spinach on sourdough.
• Sweetcorn Fritters: Savory fritters with roasted tomatoes, spinach, and bacon.

Granger & Co.’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every dish is bursting with flavour.

5. Duck & Waffle

Location: 110 Bishopsgate, London

For a brunch with a view, Duck & Waffle is the place to be. Located on the 40th floor of a skyscraper, this iconic restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city along with an innovative menu.

Signature Dishes:

• Duck & Waffle: Crispy duck leg confit on a waffle, topped with a fried egg and mustard maple syrup.
• Full Elvis: A decadent dish with peanut butter and jelly, caramelized banana, and Chantilly cream on brioche.
• Shakshuka: A Middle Eastern-inspired dish with baked eggs, tomatoes, and spices, served with crusty bread.

The combination of stunning views and exceptional food makes Duck & Waffle a must-visit brunch spot in London.

6. Caravan

Location: King’s Cross, Exmouth Market, Bankside, and more

Caravan is known for its relaxed, communal vibe and globally inspired menu. With several locations around London, Caravan is a versatile spot perfect for any brunch occasion.

Menu Highlights:

• Baked Eggs: Served with tomato pepper ragout, Greek yoghurt, and sourdough toast.
• Pumpkin Waffle: A unique dish with miso butter, bacon, and maple syrup.
• Smashed Avo: Classic avocado on toast with labneh, sesame, and chilli.

Caravan’s extensive coffee menu is also worth noting, featuring beans roasted in-house for the perfect cup.

7. Farm Girl Café

Location: Notting Hill, Chelsea, and Soho

For those who prioritize health and wellness, Farm Girl Café is a fantastic choice. This café focuses on nutritious, wholesome dishes without sacrificing taste.

Healthy Options:

• Acai Bowl: A refreshing blend of acai, granola, and fresh fruit.
• Rose Latte: A beautifully crafted latte with rose water and beetroot powder.
• Coconut BLT: A plant-based twist on the classic BLT, with coconut bacon, lettuce, and tomato on sourdough.

Farm Girl Café’s commitment to organic and sustainable ingredients makes it a favourite among health-conscious brunch-goers.

Tips for Enjoying Brunch in London

Plan Ahead

Many popular brunch spots in London can get quite busy, especially on weekends. To avoid long waits, consider making a reservation in advance or arriving early.

Explore Different Neighborhoods

Each neighbourhood in London has its own unique charm and culinary offerings. Don’t hesitate to venture out of your comfort zone and explore new areas to discover hidden gems.

Try Something New

London’s brunch scene is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of cuisines and flavours. Step out of your usual brunch routine and try something new – you might just find your new favourite dish.

Enjoy the Atmosphere

Brunch isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the experience. Take the time to relax, enjoy the ambience, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of London’s brunch spots.

Conclusion

London’s brunch scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From the trendy vibes of Sunday in Brooklyn to the healthy delights of Farm Girl Café, there’s something for every brunch lover in London. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food, innovative dishes, or simply a great place to relax and enjoy a meal, London’s top brunch spots have you covered. So grab your friends, make a reservation, and embark on a culinary adventure through the best brunch spots in London.

The post The Ultimate Brunch Guide: Top Spots in London appeared first on InstantELLA.

The teen years can be a challenge, from the physical & personality changes, to the onset of the know-it-all attitude, to the outright age of rebellion. I can’t say I’m prepared for it all or if my teen’s going to go through it all. What I am prepared for is celebrating these years & what better way to start than a few fun Birthday Celebration ideas to ring in the Teenage years!

Video-Game Party or Arcade night

5 Reasons Why Parents Should Share Their Gaming Passion With Their Kids

Like it or not, exposure to the advances in technology & the competitiveness of gaming industry, has somewhat ensured that by age 13, most kids these days are into gaming. While I myself am not particularly comfortable with the idea of encouraging videogaming among teens, I can let down my guard for a day if it means contributing to a memorable birthday experience for my child. The best part is that you can’t really go wrong with this idea because most kids will welcome it.

My husband is a web developer, designer & gamer. My kids, have obviously taken after if with their gaming addiction. He owns most gaming systems from the traditional Atari & NES to the Dreamcast & N64 to the most recent  X-box & PlayStation and we have them at home with all the hook ups, controls & a library of physical and digital games – the perfect set up to have a Video-Game Party right at home. But if you can’t host your own party at home, an outdoor Gaming Arcade or Gaming Museum could be an alternative, albeit more costly.

Going to a Sports Event

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My boys play soccer and last year, they participated in an all-day Futsal tournament hosted locally by the YMCA in our town. That happened to be on the day of my son’s birthday. We made it up to him later by celebrating in the week, but he surprised us by saying he didn’t feel like he missed out on his birthday because he had so much fun, with his team & friends at the tournament.

Family sports entertainment is trending these days. So, if you’re running out of traditional party ideas, maybe try this one. Buy tickets and plan your party at a sports event – a basketball, volleyball or football game – locally or out of town. The possibilities are endless. If you go with the out of town idea, you get to enjoy a road trip too. Plus think of all the down time you get having to do nothing at the game except cheer on your kid and his favorite team at the game

A day at the Spa

This would be a good mother-daughter activity to ring in her 13^th Birthday. Invite her girlfriends & cousins over & make it a day of pampering & relaxation. Include Nail painting, face scrubs & relaxing baths for starters and then let you imagination & creativity run wild. If you’re the DIY kind & would like to host this at home, the advantage is you’ll have more flexibility & privacy. But if you’re feeling generous or want to take it up a notch, book a Weekend Getaway Spa experience instead. The upside is you won’t have to lift a finger and it’ll be a stress-free experience. Whatever you decide though, your 13-year-old will appreciate you for it and it may end up being the beginning of several mother – daughter mani-pedi dates

Craft Party Workshop

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If your child is the creative sort that loves to get their hands dirty, a craft party may be your solution to creating a distinctive and exciting experience for their birthday. You can plan this at home if you have the time & arrange for supplies but there are also professional & dedicated vendor services that offer craft workshops who will take care of the whole shebang for you.  From decorating cupcakes , paper art & fabric fun, this is an opportunity to watch your child get creative. As a child and well into my adult years, I’ve always had fun with art & this would create a cherished memory for your teen too!

Weekend Road-Trip – Camping & Sightseeing Adventure

10 Best Family Friendly Road Trip Routes in the U.S.

Who doesn’t love this one? A road-trip is fun at all ages It’s an excellent opportunity for the whole family to get involved. To avoid disappointment, start panning ahead – take suggestions from all family members, giving extra weightage to the birthday boy or gal’s suggestion.  While the road trip itself will be the main experience, It’s not all about the destination; it’s about the journey. Get creative by including sight visits along the way, stopping by your favorite out of the way restaurant & even including a hike or camping trip. The sky’s the limit, just load you travel gear, pack some snacks, hop in the car, prepare a great playlist, and hit the open road.

Celebrate at a Theme Restaurant

Geek Restaurants: Go Forth And Prosper

Dinner out with kids can be a nightmare – they can never get their orders straight, neither can they sit still, asking to be excused to use the restrooms just as dinner’s being served, there’s always a problem with the meal, someone throw’s a fit even at the mention of ‘veggies’ and before you know it you’re asking for the check and haven’t even got through your meal.

Themed Restaurants and Family-Friendly Interactive Dining will assuredly solve most of these problems, by keeping the kids entertained well past dessert and have you feeling like a kid again. While Chuck E. Cheese & Funquest have been traditional options,  there are multiple locations all over the country , especially in New York & Chicago, offering breakfast at an amusement park on a Ferris wheel, miniature golf, watching medieval knights jousting & building your own LEGO figures. The Lemon Tree Kids & Family Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA has mini-train, face painting, and ball pit – he makings of the best party ever!

Every kid should experience this at least once – a birthday celebration is a great opportunity! Such Restaurants have varied themes to choose from- Robots, Medieval Times, Aquariums & jungles, Outer-space & Sci-fi & Old Western Salons & Taverns – but all offering a crazy fun good time while you eat your meal & celebrate your birthday!

Movie Night, Snack Contest & Pajama Party

9 Fun Sleepover Party Food Ideas

I read that aloud to myself & almost want to be a kid again – it sounds like pure fun & literally personifies the phrase ‘going to have fun till the sun goes down’. Lol

My younger son went to his first sleepover at a friend’s recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. They watched movies, ate pizza, played basketball & helped make breakfast the next morning.

Since this a birthday, you can make it exciting by having a movie marathon. Ask the kids in advance if they have any preferences or look up some fun movie ideas for kids yourself. When the kids start getting hungry, introduce a snack contest. Most kids – boys and girls alike – just love getting their hands dirty in the kitchen. The snacks don’t have to be elaborate. There are several fun, easy & healthy snacks that teens can make on their own with minimal supervision.

If the party is going to be indoors, then crafts, board-games, reading time & hide-n-seek are great indoor entertainment options to fill up the evening.  Finally end it all with a pajama party and pancake breakfast the next day!

To sum up….

It should be noted that you may have the best intentions when it comes to celebrating your teen’s birthday but it may be wise to give a thought to the planning process as well. My advice is to brainstorm some of these ideas with friends & certainly run them by your immediate family. Decide if you are going to party at home or elsewhere. Finally, pick a theme or activity, choose a date & make a few calls to check on availability.

If you’re reading this and researching ideas, you’re already doing an awesome job as a parent & on your way to having the best 13th Birthday party ever!

The post 13 going on 30: Fun Birthday Celebration Ideas to Ring in the Teenage Years! appeared first on InstantELLA.

Witches in Britches – Melbourne, Australia

If walking through a tunnel of terror, while chowing down your 3-course dinner to the cackling of a 2 hour live stage musical comedy show & dance in a cage of death till the wee hours of the morning is your idea of fun, then the 40-year old  Witches in Britches theater restaurant might just be the thing for you. Located in the Wicked Castle, this horror themed restaurant – owing its resurgence to the public’s latest obsession with movies and serials like Teen Wolf, Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and vampires, witches, werewolves and the supernatural in general –  offers a kitschy interactive show rooted in contemporary pop culture.

The Ninja Restaurant – Manhattan New York

Welcome to Feudal Japan where traditional Japanese food, sushi or steak teriyaki is served by waiters in Ninja Garb. If you are not a fan of surprises and sneak attacks, beware because anything can happen in this warrior-themed restaurant with its dark alley ways and maze of passages lit by lanterns. Friendly Ninja magicians may approach your dinner party with a few tricks, but if you aren’t so lucky the dangerous ones may creep up on you or pop up out of nowhere to catch you unawares. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The Black Pearl – Bangalore India

If you are fascinated by the lifestyle of Pirates and Captain Jack Sparrow from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ don’t be surprised if the next word out of your mouth is “Arrr…!!!” India’s largest Pirate and best themed restaurant- The Black Pearl – is here! Diners be prepared to board a pirate ship and enter a world of fantasy. The restaurant’s wooden floors resemble the deck of a ship, the chairs draped with ropes, the sight of skulls and mannequins of pirates with eye patches, is designed to make you believe you are on a pirate ship and for a minute possibly even being held captive in one. But the Barbecue on the table and the live Pirate Grill will keep you ever nourished! Diners get to Sing along with a live band, make merry, eat, drink and have a jolly good “Shiver me timbers” time!

The Museum H. R. Giger Bar – Gruyères, Switzerland

Space travelers and alien lovers, unite! Finally, we have a space themed restaurant worth mentioning. The Museum H. R. Giger Bar is one of several bars themed and modeled by the Swiss artist H. R. Giger. The interior of the bar – it’s roof, walls, fittings and chairs – is modeled along the lines of H. R. Giger’s biomechanical style as shown in the Alien films. Just the decor alone sells the experience!

Hajime Robot Restaurant – Bangkok, Thailand

This is the first ever Japanese restaurant, where all the serving waiters are ….robots (!!!). Diners order their food on a touchscreen display in order to activate the robots. Not only are these fascinating robots programmed to serve up more than 100 dishes and bus tables, they also entertain diners with a dance or two while they work. The owner of the restaurant, Lapassarad Thanaphant, said she spent 30 million baht ($927,600) on the restaurant including the purchase of four robots from Japan. Talk about hi-tech dining!

Drac Restaurant – Castell d’Emporda, Spain

If you are a fan of The Game Of Thrones and all things Dragon, you will love this one. Situated in the Empordà region, halfway between Barcelona and the French border, the Drac Restaurant in the Castell d’Emporda, Spain offers all the allure of a medieval style Game of Thrones restaurant. This medieval stone castle in the countryside is filled with exotic relics from around the globe. This place is so ‘Game of Thrones’ it even has miniature models of the siege of Castell d’Emporda in medieval times! The restaurant received a score 9/10 and is quoted a destination in itself

Mars 2112 – New York, NY

Transport your little ones to the Red Planet at this intergalactic Times Square favorite.  Now defunct, Mars 2112, an elaborate underground theme restaurant, was one of many tourist-targeted restaurants in the Times Square district of New York City. Based on future space travel and spanning 33,000 sq. ft., it was the largest such themed restaurant when it opened in November 1998. In its hay days, patrons were issued passports and escorted by restaurant staff, dressed as Spaceport personnel, to a full-sized flying saucer, where they were subjected to a bumpy 5-minute motion ride through a “Translunar Wormhole”, through a Martian Colony to the star bar and main dining area where giant video screen and smaller TV monitors display 1990s computer landscapes accompanied by robotic, noodling music.  The bar’s “Mars-tinis” and “Cosmos-politans” were some of the best drink specials in Midtown.

Miracle of Science Bar and Grill – Cambridge, Massachusetts

This interesting eatery could not get any geekier after displaying its menu inside a chalkboard periodic table, forcing you to recall a bit of your science classes while deciding your order. It was one of the first restaurants to employ the open floor concept. According to it’s website, this bar & grill is “always packed with artists, musicians, geo physicists and computer gurus who know they don’t have to go anywhere else looking for a good time”. Miracle of Science truly stands out as the leader in geek-chic.

The Hobbit Pub – Southampton, England

Calling all J.R.R. Tolkien fans, we’ve found the one ring to bring you all and in the darkness, bind you and it goes by the name of  The Hobbit Pub. The colorful cocktails and shooters served by the bar are fitting for the dwarves, elves, hobbits, and wizards that lend them their names. Fellowship quests, live music, real ales, hobbit cocktails, massive garden and atmosphere combined with the Middle Earth style in which the menus are presented make this a must-visit spot for geeks. Come see for yourself, you’ll love it!

Insert Coin(s) Barcade – Las Vegas

“It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this” (Legend of Zelda). Video Lounge, Game bar and Las Vegas Night Club rolled into one?! Nothing can get better. Armed with a unique combination of classic cabinet arcade games (like Mario Bros, Tetris, Street Fighter, and Atari Classic Pac Man), modern video-game systems like the Xbox and ps3 playable on high-def screens at the bar or in VIP booths, diverse musical programming and a geek-chic vibe, Insert Coin(s) opened in April 2011 at 512 Fremont Street. The nerdy atmosphere of the bar had a fittingly geeky menu to match, including specialty cocktails inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, and more. Insert Coin(s), a mecca for gamers, has closed after a four-year run “due to a rapidly changing DTLV business environment,” according to owner Christopher LaPorte.

Storm Crow Alehouse – Canada

the Storm Crow Alehouse, is best described as a fantasy tavern….  in real life. If you like simple British style food while catching up on geek culture, you’ll love this. You can roll a burger there just like a character, play board games all day, even join in a game with strangers. Roll the dice game for shots is the best part when the Alehouse’s craft beer draught list features 20 taps of BC microbrews, a host of amazingly geeky cocktails, and great pub food… including the exclusive “Dungeon Burger.”

World of Warcraft themed restaurant – Beijing, China

“Let’s get Ooking party started!” World of Warcraft (WoW) has finally made its way from virtual to real world, with the opening of a Beijing restaurant named and themed after the famous video game. The entrance of this WoW inspired restaurant is designed to look like the Dark Portal (The Burning Crusade‘s intro screen) .The interior walls are lined with artwork and murals from the game and shots of characters in epic gear. TV screens throughout the restaurant play footage of the game, and the menu is crafted on the latter as well.

Brick Burger Restaurant – Philippines

Owner, Jergs Correa’s love of all things LEGO inspired the menu and décor of the Brick Burger Restaurant in Pasig City, Philippines. The restaurant is Lego-inspired in every way. Here, burger-buns are shaped like toy Lego blocks in three primary colors: red, yellow, and black. Giant LEGO bricks double as ceiling lights. Diners can play with Lego sets while they wait for their order and free sets are given out to those who can finish their super-sized meal in record time. Even the bill tray will be made from LEGO bricks.

EXP Restaurant + Bar – Vancouver, Canada

You would probably have to be a gamer or at least have an interest in video games to really enjoy and understand this bar. This video game-themed restaurant allows you to watch gameplay on giant screens, there are live twitch streams, arcade machines, game decor and references are all over this restaurant and bar. The food menu is game-worthy as well. Visitors can order a Master Chief Burger with some Super Smash Nachos and wash it all down with a Red Dead Lemonade. If you thought you’d “shoot my way out, mix things up a little” the EXP restaurant and bar has a full list of mixed drinks for you. From 1-UP shooters to Hadouken martinis, EXP has no shortage of interesting drinks to choose from.

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