Address: 202 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2RH
Nearest Tube: Ladbrook Grove, Westbourne Park, Notting Hill Gate
Fresh from Heathrow Terminal 1 and buoyed up with resolutions made on our trip to California, my good friend Fiona and I roped in our plus 1’s and friend Melissa to join us at 202, one of Fiona’s picks for top breakfast spots in London.
Having been spoiled with amazing food experiences for two weeks of road tripping up the Californian Coast, it was inevitably going to be tricky to find a good inaugural spot to launch my Ode to Breakfast blog.
Fiona, being something of a Londonphile came up trumps. I always find Notting Hill a treat and 202 is a little gem right in the heart of it. The brain child of Nicole Fahri, 202 is her lifestyle concept store with a twin store in Chelsea, New York. It is a warm, lively place to spend a Sunday morning browsing at her clothes and home wear collections or simply to enjoy a delicious brunch with friends. Whilst I visited it on a blistery cold autumn day, it would be as inviting on a rare blue sky day too.
We arrived in the nick of time for the Breakfast menu, which ends at 12 - one of my requisites for a good breakfast spot being the lazy bastard I am. The good news is that some of the nicest Breakfast dishes get carried through onto the Brunch menu starting at 12. Genius.
After a brief scan of the menu it was clear that this would make the Keeper list including a good range of breakfast staples (Buttermilk Pancakes, Maple Syrup baked granola with seasonal fruit, Eggs Florentine, French Toast, Bagels, Porridge and more) as well as a few unique twists and a daily specials board. The Prosciutto and Manchego Omlette and Sweet Potato, Pepper and Pancetta Hash with Egg Sunny Side up caught my eye. I also loved the various side options available for those blessed with a need to add crazy savouries to their pancakes or vice verse.
Since Fiona and I share an obsession with Eggs Benedict and it is one of my fundamental ABC’s of a fine Breakfast establishment, we were naturally disappointed not to see it included. Nothing ventured nothing gained is our motto and so we asked our Server. I pause on this point as I am not sure what is more awkward – using a potentially gender demeaning word like waitress or sounding like a pretentious knob. Answers on a post card please.
Anyway back to the challenge at hand. She and the chef were happy to oblige and custom made it for us. Big tick from me at that point. She also helpfully tolerated my freakish coffee preference for essentially a vanillery, coffee flavoured hot milkshake. Not only that, but she also managed to out Boss Fiona in a very charming Spanish way that had us all smiling.
As Eggs Benedict’s go, it wasn’t the most inventive, but the eggs were perfectly cooked and the sauce was delicious.
The men were more adventurous trying the Sweet Potato and Pancetta Hash (scrumptious – I demanded a try in the name of the Blog) and Pancakes with a side of sausage served with a yummy chutney. Other sides on offer include delicious breads and pastries, bacon, baked beans and intriguingly fried green tomatoes with chilli and mozzarella.
Prices are on the upper end of reasonable, but as I figure that Brunch is two meals for the price of one, they didn’t bother me. Cheapest options weigh in at £2.50 and most expensive dish is £9.95
So, overall, this one goes in store under R for Return list. Treat yourself if you happen to be in Notting Hill enjoying Portabello Road Market or make it your destination on a Sunday.
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