Where to go for brunch in London

“London’s got one of the best food scenes in the world,” enthuses Thérèse Nichols, founder of OnePlate, a charity that partners with restaurants, food lovers and chefs to fund sustainable food projects, and which Knight Frank is proud to support. “Food brings people together. It’s so important to the fabric of our society.” 

The origins of OnePlate 

Ten years ago, Thérèse witnessed the flipside to this. Volunteering with a charitable foundation in Manila, she saw the impact of abandonment and poverty on children first-hand on the city’s streets. “Around 143 million children globally are orphaned,” she explains. But she also witnessed the healing power of food. Every Saturday the foundation set tables, laid plates, arranged flowers and cutlery, and gave 500 children a well-plated, wholesome and nutritious meal. 

Returning to her native Melbourne, she fundraised to create a roof garden where the foundation could grow ingredients. From there, OnePlate came into being and now the charity supports 33 sustainable food projects across the Philippines, Cambodia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. 

Knight Frank sponsors OnePlate 

Brunch in London, the charity’s second cookbook, launched earlier this year and encapsulates OnePlate’s work. A hundred chefs, food lovers and food writers from across the capital contributed recipes, and the profits all go towards not just feeding children, but giving them the joy of food. Inspired by the commitment, passion and creativity of the OnePlate team, Knight Frank was pleased to become a founding sponsor of the project. 

“It’s been incredible to see London open its doors to OnePlate,” says Thérèse. “Not just the hospitality industry, but also the philanthropic side of business in the city. Knight Frank has been brilliant, supporting the project from the beginning.” 

Learn more about OnePlate and order your own copy of Brunch in London  

Philip Khoury, Head Pastry Chef at Harrods heads to Canary Wharf 

“As a Canary Wharf resident, my local favourite is Roe, a restaurant from the founders of Fallow. They serve delicious food with a nice, varied menu, and they do a fabulous brunch especially when their beautiful terrace is open in the summer with its waterfront view. As an Australian, a taste for good coffee runs through my veins, so I couldn’t have been more delighted when WatchHouse coffee opened in my neighbourhood.” 

He adds, “I do think brunch is a bit of a treat, something for extra enjoyment. When I’m making brunch I like to make my five-ingredient banana bread. I toast it so it’s warm and serve it with lashings of almond butter, some more fresh banana and some crushed honeycomb on top.” 

Ollie Dabbous, Head Chef at Hide chooses Holland Park 

“I love Holland Park. There are loads of independent delis and restaurants that put their heart into what they do. Six Portland Road and Belvedere are both great at the weekend for a leisurely bite, and Wild in Notting Hill has a great breakfast menu. When I moved out of the West End, I was a bit apprehensive to move out of Zone One, but now I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” 

He continues, “I never have more than vitamins and a coffee to start the day when I’m working, so breakfast of any kind feels like a treat. On days off, my go-to, make for myself brunch at home is a ricotta pancake with some lemon zest and maple syrup on top, fried in salted butter.” 

Brunch in London, a new charity cookbook from OnePlate, is sponsored by Knight Frank