Bottomless Brunch Add-Ons: Shots, Desserts and Upgrades in London

London’s bottomless brunch scene isn’t just about mimosas and eggs benedict anymore. If you’re showing up for the free-flowing prosecco and calling it a day, you’re missing half the fun. The real game-changers? The add-ons. Shots that kickstart your afternoon, desserts that make you forget you’re still in your pajamas, and upgrades that turn a good meal into a memory. This isn’t just brunch. It’s an experience-and the right add-ons make all the difference.

Why Add-Ons Matter More Than the Base Brunch

Most places in London offer the same standard: two hours of unlimited bubbles, a selection of pastries, smoked salmon, avocado toast, and maybe a few scrambled eggs. Sounds nice? It is. But here’s the truth: the average bottomless brunch costs between £35 and £55. That’s a lot to pay for food you could make at home. What you’re really paying for is the vibe, the time, and the extras that make it feel like a celebration. The add-ons aren’t optional-they’re the reason you came.

Take The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden. Their base brunch is solid. But when you add the £10 espresso martini shot, it transforms. Suddenly, you’re not just sipping bubbles-you’re clinking glasses with a kick. Or try The Breakfast Club in Shoreditch. Their £8 salted caramel doughnut with bourbon caramel drizzle isn’t just dessert. It’s Instagram gold. And it’s the reason people come back.

Shots: The Secret Weapon of London Brunch Culture

Forget the standard mimosa. The real energy boost in London’s brunch scene comes from shots. And they’re not just for the hungover. They’re for the celebratory, the curious, the ones who want to turn a lazy Sunday into a full-blown party.

• Espresso Martini Shots - The most popular. At places like The Wolseley and The Ivy, these come in 30ml pours, packed with vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. One shot wakes you up. Two? You’re ready to dance.
• Bourbon Caramel Shots - Found at The Breakfast Club and The Lock Tavern. Sweet, smoky, and served chilled. Perfect if you’re skipping the mimosa and want something warmer.
• Prosecco Shots - Yes, they exist. At The Ivy and The Ivy Market Grill, you can get a 20ml pour of chilled Prosecco with a candied orange peel. It’s not a replacement for the unlimited bottle-it’s a punctuation mark.
• Spiced Rum Shots - Popular at rooftop spots like The Rooftop at The Standard. Spiced with cinnamon and clove, served with a lime wedge. Great if you’re into the tropical vibe.

Pro tip: Most places let you order shots individually. Don’t feel pressured to get the full set. One or two are enough. Too many, and you’ll be nodding off by 4 p.m. instead of laughing with friends.

Desserts: Where Brunch Becomes a Sweet Escape

Brunch desserts in London have evolved from a single slice of cheesecake to full-blown dessert experiences. The best places don’t just serve cake-they serve moments.

At Brunch at The Wolseley, the sticky toffee pudding comes with a warm butterscotch sauce and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s not just dessert. It’s a warm hug after a long week. At The Breakfast Club, the chocolate chip cookie dough tart is served with a side of sea salt caramel dip. You don’t eat it-you savor it, slowly, while the last of the bubbles fizz out.

Here’s what’s trending in 2026:

• Mini dessert towers - Three mini treats on a stand: a macaron, a chocolate truffle, and a mini cheesecake. Usually £8-£12. Worth it if you’re with a group and want to share.
• Brunch cocktails as dessert - Places like The Ivy and The Wolseley now offer dessert cocktails: Baileys affogato, white wine sangria with berries, or a champagne float with vanilla gelato.
• Seasonal specials - In January 2026, expect gingerbread bread pudding, cranberry-orange tartlets, and dark chocolate mousse with pomegranate seeds. These aren’t just menu items-they’re limited-time events.

Don’t skip dessert just because you’re on a budget. A £10 upgrade that makes you smile for 20 minutes? That’s better value than a £15 second bottle of Prosecco you’ll barely taste.

Upgrades: Turning Brunch Into an Experience

Not all upgrades are about food. Some are about the space, the service, the little things that make you feel like you’re not just another table.

Private booth upgrades - At The Ivy and The Wolseley, you can pay an extra £15-£25 to move from a shared table to a velvet-lined booth with a dedicated server. It’s not just about privacy-it’s about feeling like you’ve stepped into a private party.

Priority seating - Many places now offer a £10 upgrade to skip the 45-minute wait on weekends. Sounds like a rip-off? Until you’ve stood in line at The Breakfast Club at 11:30 a.m. on a Sunday. Then you realize: £10 buys you back your Sunday.

Brunch with a view - Rooftop spots like The Rooftop at The Standard or The Sky Garden’s Brasserie offer panoramic views of the city. Add £20 to your brunch, and you’re not just eating-you’re watching London wake up. The light hits the Thames just right around 1 p.m. It’s worth every penny.

And don’t overlook the brunch playlist upgrade. Some places now let you choose the music for your table. Want 90s R&B? Jazz? Indie pop? Ask. It’s free. And it changes the whole mood.

What Not to Do

There are a few rookie mistakes that turn a great brunch into a regretful one.

• Don’t order five shots. You’ll crash. Hard. And you’ll miss the last hour of the bottomless deal.
• Don’t skip the dessert because you’re "saving room." You’re not saving room. You’re saving regret.
• Don’t assume all add-ons are worth it. The £12 "artisanal toast" with truffle oil and edible flowers? Often not. Stick to the classics: chocolate, caramel, espresso, and butter.
• Don’t forget to tip. Even if service is included, leave £2-£5 for the server who kept your drinks full and your plates cleared. They’re working hard.

Where to Find the Best Add-Ons in London (2026)

Not all brunch spots are created equal when it comes to upgrades. Here’s where the real gems are in early 2026:

Book ahead. These spots fill up fast. And if you’re going for the upgrade, mention it when you reserve. Some places hold the best booths or views for those who plan ahead.

Final Tip: It’s Not About How Much You Spend-It’s About How You Feel

Bottomless brunch isn’t a competition. It’s not about who ordered the most shots or who paid the most for dessert. It’s about the laughter, the slow afternoons, the way the sunlight hits your table at 2 p.m. when the city is quiet and you’re still full of bubbles and chocolate.

Choose the add-ons that match your mood. Want to relax? Go for the dessert. Want to celebrate? Go for the shot. Want to feel special? Go for the booth or the view.

London’s brunch scene isn’t just feeding people anymore. It’s creating moments. And the right add-ons? They’re the spark.