The UK’s best brunch spots

Soulshine in Dorset is a delightful little bistro celebrating artisanal producers and serving up a delicious seasonal menu. Expect to see the likes of sourdough toast and eggs, buttermilk pancakes, shakshuka with local halloumi, homemade baked beans and Bellair Haye smoked bacon, as well as plenty of gluten-free and veggies options. Soulshine also roasts their own coffee for the perfect brew to kickstart your day. The interior is charming and cosy, with plenty of sun-soaked tables to enjoy on a summer’s day, as well as a number of al fresco tables to opt into some people-watching on a Sunday morning.

The Albyn is a popular, family-run restaurant and bar in Aberdeen’s attractive West End. The chefs proudly use local produce, with in-house baked bread, Aberdeenshire beef and handmade Scottish ice cream the stars of the show. There’s a Boozy Brunch menu served Friday to Sunday from 10am to noon. You can choose to make it a Prosecco, cocktail or bottled beer brunch, with everyone welcomed with a cocktail and continental plate. When it comes to the main event, the Full Scottish (or Full Vegan) is a must. If that’s too much for you, then consider the Croque Madame or Fried Chicken Waffle. Make sure to save room for pudding…

If you’re looking for a treat in Cardiff, then head to the beautifully renovated new restaurant, Graze. Here there’s an endlessly enjoyable Saturday Bottomless Brunch. To start, you can enjoy a Grazing board to share, followed by a main of your choice with options including Eggs Benedict, Welsh Rarebit and the Graze Brekkie, which boasts locally cured bacon, “Graze” pork sausage, bubble ‘n’ squeak, tomato, field mushroom, cannellini beans and your choice of eggs.

Brightside is on a mission to bring proper hospitality back to roadside dining. Inspired by childhood road trips of days gone by, where the highlight of the journey was a stop at a roadside restaurant, Brightside offers a freshly cooked menu full of classic, comforting dishes, including a tasty brunch menu, brilliant burgers and proper pizzas, with lots for little ones, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Brunch classics on the Rise and Shine menu include Smashed Avo Toast, Brightside Eggs and Mediterranean Baked Eggs.

Set on a rustic working farm in the heart of the Somerset countryside, The Old Dairy Cafe offers homemade street-food, brunch and cakes. The barista coffees are superb, while the homemade cordials are very refreshing; the cocktails are pretty epic too! Using local ingredients, free range eggs and meat, and farm grown produce, the food at this cafe is not to be missed. Brunch is served until 2pm, with a variety of temptations including the ‘Big Breakfast’ if you’re very hungry. Vegan options are also available, too.

Located in the seaside town of Broughty Ferry, next to Dundee, Bruach Bar & Restaurant has been carving a reputation as one of Dundee’s finest venues for food and drink. The menus showcase the finest of local and Scottish produce, and dishes are prepared carefully by an experienced kitchen team. The award-winning bar also serves Dundee’s finest selection of cocktails, including timeless classics and some in-house creations. Brunch is served 10am-12pm, with options including French Toast, Huevos Rancheros and the Arbroath Smoke Open Omelette.

Joxer Bangor is the big sister to the Holywood flagship restaurant. Open for brunch seven days a week, 8am to 4pm, the brunch menu features everything from granola to Smoked Salmon Rosti, Asian Pork Salad and – our favourite – the Cajun Chicken Burger. There are also pancakes and waffles to choose from, as well as the Full Bangor or The Joxer if you’re feeling extra ravenous. Veggies options are available, too.

Voted one of the Top 20 UK Best Bakeries, Crwst in Cardigan, Wales serves award-winning produce. In 2018, the team behind Crwst opened a cafe in their hometown of Aberteifi! With a passion for brunch, artisan bakes and local coffee, Crwst became a foodie destination, welcoming Crwstomers to indulge in fantastic brunch creations, where they could enjoy crafted artisan bakes and experience the delights of locally roasted Bay Roasters coffee. The pancakes here are the best, especially when coated in one of the house-made sauces like the Aber Falls Whiskey Salted Caramel!