My partner and I were in Covent Garden, so we decided to visit Drury 188–189, London WC2, for brunch. On their website, they claim to be recognised as the best café in London and Covent Garden on TripAdvisor, mainly for their brunch menu. We were intrigued, so we joined the queue and waited for over ten minutes with our little Jack Tzu dog. Once inside, we found it to be a laid-back, relaxed café, a bit scruffy, but the food was excellent. If you’re looking for the best places for brunch in Covent Garden, Drury 188-189 is worth a try, if you don’t mind queuing, that is!
“You’ll love this relaxed hangout with fluffy pancakes, fabulous French toast and excellent egg dishes,” Homegirl London.
Drury 188-189 Brunch Menu
We shared the Eggs Florentine, which featured poached organic eggs, sautéed spinach, and their homemade hollandaise sauce topped with a scattering of chives. Unfortunately, they had run out of sourdough, but the eggs were cooked to perfection, and the sauce was smooth and creamy. Other hollandaise egg options include Benedict, Royale, Pastrami, or the Drury House special with streaky bacon.
They also serve scrambled turmeric tofu on sourdough, or you can have eggs cooked your way on sourdough (if they haven’t run out). Egg dishes range in price from £8.50 to £14.90. If you want to create a larger breakfast plate, you can select individual items from a long list, including eggs, halloumi, salmon, and sautéed spinach.
For something sweet, their signature dish is the Baklava Pancake. It features a tall stack layered with whipped pistachio cream, filo flakes, pistachio kernels, and maple butter sauce. It’s indulgent, decadent, and perfect for sharing. We tried it and loved the nutty cream paired with the buttery maple drizzle. Other sweet options include French Toast with seasonal fruit, which looked amazing; Drury’s Sweet Pancakes; or Berry Pancakes. You could also opt for something healthier with homemade granola and yoghurt. Sweet dishes are priced from £8.40 to £14.90.
The drinks menu is broad, offering Allpress coffee, teas, juices, smoothies, and cocktails. I enjoyed the house-brewed iced lemon tea, which was both invigorating and tart. My partner ordered an iced matcha latte, which he said was fantastic.
Helpful Information About Drury 188-189
Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed, with a slightly scruffy décor featuring worn wooden tables and walls adorned with Polaroid photos of customers and their napkin art. One wall features a striking Frida Kahlo mural, adding colour and personality to the space. You’ll see busy chefs preparing your brunch in an open kitchen at the back of the restaurant. There’s a large counter selling takeaway food, including heaped bowls of salads, roasted chicken, deli-style sandwiches and attractive-looking cakes and pastries. It reminded me of a neighbourhood spot you’d find in New York. You can’t book a table; it’s a walk-in only establishment and is likely to have a queue.
Drury 188–189 is situated at 188–189 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QD (hence the name!), which is a short walk from Covent Garden or Tottenham Court Road station. The café is open Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 5 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. It is popular among locals, tourists, and anyone seeking a lively brunch in the Covent Garden area. To find out more, visit the Drury188-189 website. There is also another branch in Manor House called Drury N4.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Covent Garden London WC2
Best Shopping Streets In Covent Garden London WC2
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend that you conduct further research, as standards and opinions are subject to fluctuation. Please verify that the establishment is still in operation and confirm its opening hours before visiting.