Before I strolled into The Troubadour one morning a couple of months ago, I'd only really ever heard of it as a live music venue. Initially, I assumed that this reflected only on my general ignorance as it turned out to be one of the most fabulous, quirky and welcoming brunch venues I've ever been to in London. However, I've been back many times since on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and it has always been fairly quiet, which makes me think that perhaps people simply aren't aware how perfect the secret garden out back can be on a sunny morning, or how the amaretto french toast tastes like the best breakfast and the best dessert you've ever had, all rolled into one... In fact, The Troubadour has become my 'go to' place for brunch, particularly when entertaining friends who've come from outside London.
The brunch menu is actually one of the most extensive I've come across - many of my non-meat eating friends have enjoyed the vegetarian full house, while dishes like the 'Fisherman's Breakfast' and 'Anti-Heart Attack' provide a bit of a change from eggs and bacon, should you want it! The drinks are also very good, and the iced coffee in particular is one of the best I've had in central London. Why not check out the menu here, I'm 99% sure there'll be something you like!
One of the benefits of the lack of early morning crowds is that you can always get a seat (in my experience so far, anyway) and there is never a sense that you have to rush off as soon as you've finished your food. I sat with a group of seven friends last Sunday for over two hours and, although we all ordered decent sized breakfasts, we felt very welcome to stay and chat for a while once they were finished. It's also a nice privilege in London to sit in such a peaceful place surrounded by people reading and working away - it's incredible that somewhere so vibrant when you pass it post-7pm can be so tranquil and relaxing in the day.
If you've ever seen The Troubadour from the outside, you'll know that it is quirky, beautiful and full of totally random objects. Violins, lutes and tubas hang from the ceiling alongside an impressive collection of pots and pans, and wonderful vintage signs and prints cover the walls. The whole place is full of charm - I really can't think of anywhere like it in London!
Only 15 minutes away from South Kensington station, the prices are far more reasonable than those just a short walk away down the Brompton Road, and the staff have always been extremely friendly and helpful. I have always suspected that I would be perfectly content living a life where the two main meals were not lunch and dinner but brunch and afternoon tea, and having discovered this lovely spot in West London I am more convinced than ever of just how blissful such a life might be.
No comments:
Post a Comment