29
Dec,2025
London’s bottomless brunch scene isn’t just about eggs and toast anymore. It’s a full-day ritual - clinking glasses, live music, endless prosecco, and a table full of avocado toast that somehow never gets cold. But if you’re planning to join the crowd, you need to know what you’re actually paying for. Prices have jumped over the last two years, and not every spot delivers what it promises. Here’s what you’ll really spend in 2025.
What’s included in a bottomless brunch?
At its core, a bottomless brunch gives you two hours of unlimited drinks - usually prosecco, mimosa, or sometimes cocktails - paired with a set menu of food. But not all are created equal. Some places throw in a single main dish. Others give you two courses, a dessert, and even a free cocktail to start. The best ones add live jazz, outdoor seating, or a view of the Thames. The cheapest? Just a plate of pancakes and a glass of bubbly you can refill three times.
Don’t assume unlimited means unlimited quality. A 2024 survey by Time Out London found that 42% of diners felt the drink quality dropped after the first 30 minutes. Some venues refill with cheaper sparkling wine. Others limit pours to 125ml. Always ask: Is it prosecco? Champagne? Or just sparkling wine? And how many glasses per person do they actually allow?
Price ranges by area in 2025
Where you sit changes the cost more than the food does. Here’s what you’ll pay across London’s top brunch zones:
- Shoreditch and Hackney: £32-£45. Trendy, loud, packed on weekends. You’ll get decent prosecco and a solid brunch plate - think ricotta pancakes or smoked salmon benedict. The vibe is Instagram-ready, but the service can be slow.
- Soho and Covent Garden: £40-£55. Higher-end spots here often include a cocktail starter and a dessert. Think bottomless rosé with lobster rolls or truffle scrambled eggs. Great for dates, but expect a 90-minute wait on Saturday.
- South Bank and Bankside: £38-£50. Many of these spots have river views and outdoor terraces. The drinks are usually better quality here - Prosecco DOCG, not just sparkling wine. Food is solid, but portions are smaller to keep costs down.
- West London (Kensington, Fulham): £35-£48. Quieter, more family-friendly. Good for groups. You’ll often get a free mimosa and a choice of two mains. Less buzz, more comfort.
- Prime locations (Mayfair, Belgravia): £55-£85. These aren’t just brunches - they’re events. Think Dom Pérignon, caviar toppings, and private booths. You’re paying for exclusivity, not just bubbles.
What you’re really paying for
It’s easy to think you’re getting value when you see ‘unlimited drinks.’ But look closer. At £45, you’re paying £22.50 per hour for drinks and food. If you only have two glasses of prosecco and one plate of eggs, you’re losing money. The real value comes when you’re with a group, stay the full two hours, and actually enjoy the atmosphere.
Some places charge extra for premium drinks - champagne, vodka-based cocktails, or even non-alcoholic sparkling options. Others include service automatically. Always check the fine print. A £50 brunch with a 12.5% service charge tacked on is really £56.25. That’s a big difference when you’re splitting the bill.
And here’s the thing: most bottomless brunches require a minimum spend or pre-booking. Walk-ins are rare on weekends. You’ll often need to pay upfront - and it’s non-refundable if you’re late. One person in our group missed the 11:30 slot by 12 minutes and lost £120. No exceptions.
Top 3 places for value in 2025
Not every expensive spot is worth it. These three deliver real bang for your buck:
- The Breakfast Club (Shoreditch): £36. Two hours of unlimited Prosecco, choice of two mains (try the chicken and waffles), and a free cocktail to start. No service charge. Loud, fun, and fast service. Best for groups of four or more.
- Brunch & Bubbles (South Bank): £42. Real Prosecco DOCG, not just sparkling wine. River views, outdoor heaters, and a dessert bar included. They let you stay an extra 20 minutes if you’re still eating. No booking fee.
- Little Bird (Fulham): £38. Quiet, cozy, and surprisingly good food. Their smoked salmon bagel is legendary. Unlimited mimosas with fresh orange juice. They don’t push you out - you can linger until 2pm without pressure.
What to avoid
Not all bottomless brunches are worth your cash. Skip these red flags:
- Brunches that say ‘unlimited’ but only allow three refills - that’s not unlimited.
- Places that charge extra for dietary needs - gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free options shouldn’t cost extra.
- Spots where the food looks like it came from a microwave - if the eggs are rubbery and the bacon is thin as paper, you’re paying for the view, not the meal.
- Brunches with no clear drink policy. If they don’t say what’s included, assume it’s low-quality sparkling wine.
- Locations that don’t take reservations. You’ll waste hours waiting, and if you’re hungry, you’ll end up buying overpriced snacks just to survive.
How to save money without sacrificing the experience
You don’t need to drop £60 to enjoy a great bottomless brunch. Here’s how to stretch your budget:
- Go on a weekday. Sunday brunches are 20-30% cheaper than Saturday. Some places even offer weekday deals like ‘Brunch & Book’ - bring a book, get 15% off.
- Book early. The first slot (10:30am-12:30pm) often has better availability and sometimes lower prices.
- Use cashback apps. Apps like TopCashback and Quidco often have deals for popular brunch spots - you can get 5-10% back on your spend.
- Go with a group. Most places offer discounts for 6+ people. You’ll also split the cost of extra drinks and desserts.
- Ask about the drink quality. If they use prosecco from Veneto, you’re getting good value. If it’s just ‘sparkling wine,’ you’re better off going somewhere else.
Is it worth it?
Bottomless brunch isn’t a meal. It’s an experience. If you’re looking for a quiet, healthy start to your day, skip it. But if you want to celebrate, catch up with friends, or treat yourself after a long week - then yes, it’s worth it.
The key is knowing what you’re paying for. A £40 brunch with real Prosecco, good food, and no hidden fees is a steal. A £60 brunch with watery drinks and a sad egg dish? That’s just expensive regret.
London’s bottomless brunch scene is competitive. That means places are fighting to keep you coming back. Use that to your advantage. Ask questions. Compare. And don’t be afraid to walk away if the vibe feels off.
How long does a bottomless brunch last in London?
Most bottomless brunches in London last exactly two hours. This is standard across nearly all venues, from casual spots in Shoreditch to high-end places in Mayfair. Some places let you stay an extra 15-20 minutes if you’re still eating, but you won’t be served more drinks after the two-hour mark. Always check the booking confirmation - it usually says the exact end time.
Is bottomless brunch worth the price?
It depends on how much you drink and eat. If you’re with a group and stay for the full two hours, having four or five drinks and two courses, you’re getting value. But if you only have one mimosa and one plate of eggs, you’re overpaying. The real value is in the atmosphere - live music, good company, and a relaxed vibe you can’t get at a regular café.
What’s the cheapest bottomless brunch in London?
The cheapest reliable option is around £32, found in Shoreditch and Hackney. The Breakfast Club offers this for £36 with a free cocktail starter and no service charge. Avoid places under £30 - they often cut corners on drink quality or food portions. You’ll end up spending more on extras.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Most popular bottomless brunch spots in London require bookings, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are rare, and if you show up without a reservation, you’ll likely wait over an hour - if you get in at all. Many places also require prepayment, so make sure you understand their cancellation policy before booking.
Are there vegan or gluten-free bottomless brunch options?
Yes, but not everywhere. Top spots like Brunch & Bubbles and Little Bird offer dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus at no extra cost. However, some cheaper venues charge £5-£10 extra for dietary alternatives. Always call ahead or check the website before booking. If they don’t list options clearly, assume they don’t take dietary needs seriously.
What drinks are usually included?
Prosecco is the most common - it’s cheap and bubbly. Some places include mimosa, rosé, or a signature cocktail. Premium spots might offer champagne or gin-based drinks. Always ask what’s included. If they say ‘sparkling wine’ without naming the type, it’s likely low-grade. Prosecco DOC or DOCG means better quality. Non-alcoholic options are usually available but often cost extra.
