Battersea is a complex web of both healthy, nourishing cafes, and pub-deep-fried-breakfast spots. So, if you’re health conscious like me and fall into the former camp, then enjoy a calm walk around Battersea Park, and then treat yourself to a nourishing Açai bowl at Linnaean. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a big greasy brekkie after a morning run, Battersea will also deliver!
Enjoy your Avo Toast and Flat White, or Big Greasy Brekkie, and let me know what your recommendations are in the comments below!
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
LINNAEAN
Linnaean is a wholesome, nourishing and mood boosting paradise at the heart of the Nine Elms development. As well as tropical, calming cafe, they also have a medi-spa offering massages, facials and body treatments. It’s a lovely wellness heaven and place to treat a friend for a revitalising birthday afternoon – have a blow dry, paint your nails, and then enjoy afternoon tea in the cafe!
The exquisite interior is the brainchild of Swedish interior architect Martin Brudnizki, who’s notable works also include Aquavit, Annabel’s and Sexy Fish. Flowers hang from the ceiling, creating a magical atmosphere, complementing the flowered floor tiles. The whole space is bright, fresh and zen – a great place to relax, write blog posts or catch up with friends.
Their food menu features so many vegan & gluten free options and so is a great brunch spot. A must try is their delicate Açai bowl– filled with caramelised banana, and the toppings are a true work of art. Berries, mint, roasted sunflower seeds and coconut create an intricate layer, which is pleasing to the eye. The physalis adds a boost of vibrant colour and is an amazing source of vitamin C.
FARMER’S MISTRESS
Naturally Naughty Food! A paradox? Actually no. The Farmer’s Mistress use fresh, seasonal ingredients which are refined sugar free to create delicious food which is also healthy. Indulge in heavenly dishes which BOTH your taste buds and your waistline will love you for. The Farmer’s Mistress highlights that you CAN have gorgeous food AND be healthy – it’s not just raw veggies. Founder Joanna Gascoigne sums up the Farmer’s Mistress’ mission perfectly: Bringing “a little naughtiness and fun to being healthy!”
“Decadent. Heavenly. Gorgeous.” – the 3 words I would use to describe the Farmer’s Mistress’ Avocado Toast. Smashed Avocado generously rests on perfectly toasted charcoal sourdough, and as soon as you bite into the crusty bread, there really is an Avocado Explosion. The lime juice adds a zingy twist and further oomph to this dish. Top with a perfectly poached egg and you have a real winner.
KAPIHAN
The bad news? Unfortunately now closed, but an ode to this homely cafe! The good news? It’s coming soon to Vauxhall.
Founded by 2 Filipino Brothers, David and Nigel Motley, along with their sister Rosemary, and David’s wife Plams, this quaint, wholesome and zen oasis radiates love and warmth. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted with friendly faces, who love to chat and have a beautiful rapport with locals. Coffee shops should bring locals together, and Kapihan brings the Battersea community together – many customers are regulars, and the Kapihan Team have a lovely connection with each and every customer!
A decadent, malty-esque coffee, to start your weekend day on an indulgent step. Kapihan’s House Blend features beans from Luzon, Mindanao and West Java. Deep malty and chocolate notes are prevalent, and a perfect if you like a slight alcoholic sweet taste in your coffees! (NB- rest assured, there is no alcohol in it though!). Kapihan and Mug Head Coffee are the only two cafes which I’ve tried so far with this deep malty, brandy-esque taste and I Am In Love!
DISTRICT
A perfect place to enjoy a flat white in Nine Elms. Although I haven’t been to this specific location, District’s Parson’s Green and Mayfair locations never fail to deliver on delicious Antipodean coffee. Owner Chelsea dreamt of brining the Aussie brunch culture to the heart of London and in 2017 her dream became a reality – District Coffee was born. Choose their vegan & dairy free Aussie Açai bowl for brunch – topped with homemade granola, toasted coconut & freshly sliced banana & cacao nibs! It’s healthy, it’s aesthetic & you’ll soon be thinking your basking in the Aussie sun.
MEGAN’S
Megan’s mantra is “Work hard, Brunch harder” and it’s definitely a life mantra I’m adopting.
Founded in 2002 as a small antiques shop on King’s Road, Megan created fresh, home-made pastries and cakes for her customers. In 2014, Megan flew back to New Zealand, but frequents here from time to time. With all the intricate trinkets around the High Street Ken and other restaurants, it’s clear that Megan’s has beautifully incorporated the roots and history of the antique shop into the restaurants.
One step inside the High Street Ken location and you’re in a magical paradise – wooden lantern-esque lamp shades cover golden light bulbs and royal blue evil eyes dangle from the ceiling. Twinkly fairy lights are strewn across the restaurant to create a cute and enchanting ambiance. It’s a warm, snug and cosy brunch spot! I can’t wait to visit the Battersea Power Station branch to experience another snug meal!
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
The World’s First Breakfast Pub! All day cocktails? All day beers? All day brekkie food? In a Pub atmosphere. The Breakfast Club has got you covered.
A bustling “caf” (not “cafe”, as the founders hasten to add) located near Clapham, the Breakfast Club Battersea was TBC’s first cafe on the dreaded South side of the river (to my South side friends, I am just joking 🙂 ). The interior takes inspiration from an 80s laundrette, and the place really is an embodiment of the word “QUIRKY”. Fancy a drink? Just say the magic password to be granted to their tequila-filled Dirty Little Secret Bar!
So what’s on my Battersea Brunch Bucket List?
- The Black Cab Coffee Co
- Pear Tree Cafe – inside Battersea Park and so a great companion for a long walk!
- Flour to the People
- The Coffee Works Project
- The Lost Society
