The Best Aussie Cafes in London | Fair Dinkum Flat Whites and Lamingtons
Having recently rounded up the best Kiwi cafes in London, I thought it only fair to share the best Aussie cafes in London as well. For trans-Tasman balance you understand, and nothing at all to do with the banana bread research required… no…
For when you’re desperate for brunch & all the Kiwi cafes are booked *wink*. I only kid – our Aussie cousins do a pretty damn good brunch, and I’m so glad that us antipodeans are taking over the London brunch scene…!
All of these cafes/restaurants serve up classic flat whites (noun /Austral. flaat whyette / NZ. flet wyte/ 1: An antipodean style coffee which is served as a strong shot of espresso served in a small cup with textured milk; a damn good strong coffee) and a variety of delicious brunch dishes.
DAISY GREEN COLLECTION – PADDINGTON (INCLUDING TWO CANAL BOATS), MARYLEBONE, REGENT STREET, LIVERPOOL STREET, BARBICAN, VICTORIA
The Beany Green banana bread is rather infamous, and needs a sonnet written to it. They are SO good. The tower of heaven is homemade, grilled, drizzled with honey, topped with fresh berries and sandwiched with pillows of Marscapone. And that’s just one delicious dish at the Beany Green branches… Did I mention the Radio Lamingtons? They have classic, Dulce de leche, Gaytime, rainbow and all kinds of seasonal flavours!
GRANGER & CO – CHELSEA, NOTTINGHILL, CLERKENWELL, KINGS CROSS
Every Bill Granger restaurant reflects the spirit we all like to think of as ‘Australian’: sunny, easy-going and generous. Bill opened his first restaurant in Sydney’s Darlinghurst in 1993. Fast forward to now, and a special mention goes to the Ricotta pancakes (booking ahead strongly recommended especially for the Chelsea branch.)
ANTIPODEA – KEW, RICHMOND AND RADNOR GARDENS
With a few branches throughout London, I always return to Antipodea for the Sweetcorn fritters which are a very traditional Kiwi brunch item; and these ones served with bacon, avocado, bacon jam and an intriguing lime aioli absolutely hit the spot. For me the lime aioli made the dish, giving it a hint of piquancy that, dare I say it, reminded me of the inventive Kiwi brunches at home.
ANTIPODE – FULHAM
Artisan coffees, smoothies and sandwiches in compact, easygoing cafe, plus evening cocktails and natural wines.
MILK – BALHAM
The Milk team do amazing coffee and often-changing brunch dishes like ‘Braised curly kale on wood fired sourdough, celeriac purée, pear and onion marmalade, vegan pistachio mayo, preserved pear, celeriac remoulade and pumpkin seed salt’, and ‘buckwheat pancakes w/ roasted fig, tamarind and dark chocolate crémeux, black pepper crème brûlée, milk’s ferrero rocher, hazelnut and garam masala crumb, dulce chocolate cumin tuile & date syrup’. Be warned, it’s walk-in only.
BRICKWOOD – CLAPHAM COMMON, TOOTING & STREATHAM
Cute, quirky, and serving TimTam Muffins. That’s all I needed to hear to venture out to Clapham, and I wasn’t disappointed. With cute interiors, delectable banana bread and a lovely back terrace, I can see why it gets so busy.
FARM GIRL – NOTTINGHILL, FITZROVIA, SOHO
Founded in Notting Hill in 2015, Farm Girl is a diverse group of health-focused cafes & restaurants in London. They serve holistic, fresh food & damn good coffee, Australian style – and are achingly deliciously Instagrammable.
FLAT WHITE – SOHO
Whilst spinning delicious coffees, Flat White is a champion of the all-day-breakfast and perfect for brunch. as well as tasty lunch-time offers of sandwiches, baguettes, toasties and our famous bagels & “one of the best SMASHED AVO’S on toast this side of the equator.” Quote marks because I haven’t roadtested them so can’t conclusively confirm this as a fact, yet.
LANTANA – FITZROVIA, LONDON BRIDGE, SHOREDITCH
The name ‘Lantana’ comes from a beautiful flowering plant that was transported from South America to Australia by immigrants where, because of its hardy, tenacious nature, it took hold, becoming an iconic Australian plant. Open all day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between – they welcome everyone in to enjoy our a little bit of Australia in the heart of London. Special shoutout for their banoffee banana bread, toasted with salted caramel sauce & grilled banana. (Booking ahead recommended!)
KAFFEINE – 2X FITZROVIA LOCATIONS
Inspired by the amazing coffee culture in Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine is an independently owned cafe and espresso bar with two locations in London’s Fitzrovia, just 5 minutes walk from Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road. Discover them for yourself…
KISS THE KOALA – MUSWELL HILL
Looking for an Australian inspired brunch in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere? Kiss the Koala are fully licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer, or indulge in one of their bottomless brunches! As well as the very Instagram friendly interior, there is some covered outdoor seating with outdoor heaters for when it’s cold and a separate uncovered seating area. [I’ve heard mixed reviews on their lamingtons. I need to revisit…]
THE PEAR TREE – BERMONDSEY
This Australian-inspired vibrant neighbourhood restaurant that aims to bring people together with great food and artisan drinks. Join them on Thursdays to Saturdays for dinner, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, or a roast on Sundays.
BRUNSWICK EAST – DALSTON & HACKNEY DOWNS
Brunswick East opened in Dalston in 2015 by sisters, Shaunae and Natasha. Their goal to bring the very best of Australian cafe culture to east London. Encompassing all things brunch, artisan baking and speciality coffee, you can find them serving it large in Dalston and Hackney Downs 7 days a week.
Have I missed any of your favourite Aussie cafes in London? Feel free to let me know more and I’ll add them. We are so lucky these days – when I arrived in London, there weren’t this many Aussie or Kiwi cafes. Please support them with your wallets!
