Around London in 50 Breakfasts: Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, Clerkenwell

I’m back! I know, I know it’s been a while but I have been super busy working on the wedding planning, which I can’t wait to share with you guys, so haven’t had time for reviews. #BloggerProblems.... yeah it’s just excuses but I am delighted to be back and have a lovely review for you guys today. As part of my Around London in 50 Breakfasts, I visited the Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings for a cosy birthday brunch with my Mum. Hope you enjoy the review, and let me know on Twitter if you visit Bourne & Hollingsworth soon!

Where

Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, EC1

When

Saturday, 11am

What we ate

• 1x cappuccino
• 1x English breakfast tea
• 1x hash browns with poached eggs, avocado and home-made baked beans
• 1x English breakfast
• 1x fruit salad with yogurt

Highlights

• The Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings location is really quite intriguing; in fact I discovered a whole part of London that I have never seen before whilst heading to the restaurant. The building itself reminds me of an old pub, whilst the interior sings of Colonial palaces and beach-side eateries.

• The service is quick, friendly and attentive without being overwhelming. Food also arrives quickly and just at the right temperature.
• My coffee was lovely and strong and my Mum’s tea was fine – it’s tea, what do you want me to say!!
• The combination of avocado, egg and baked beans was actually very tasty – a tiny bit Mexican but mostly delicious. It was a great mix of healthy fats and proteins which kept me full all day.
• Though my Mum’s sausages were a touch anaemic, the rest of her full English was really delicious.
• With both breakfasts the eggs were poached perfectly with lovely runny yolks. 
• I found having the avocado and beans served in separate ramekins quite useful as warm avocado is not very tasty! 

Lowlights

• The hash browns were really disappointing; though they had a great flavour they were very soft and slippery, not crunchy as I would have expected.
• Non-alcoholic versions of the bottomless cocktails are not available – you have to pay by the glass which seems a bit unfair.

Overall

For the price, B&H makes a really lovely location for a lazy weekend brunch. The clientele were mostly mid-20s, well dressed and groomed women and the atmosphere was very relaxed. The food is tasty and the mix-and-match option is a great USP for the Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings. I would definitely head back soon!

Tweet to @elliemathews1