Our Review Of The Brush East London Grand Café: Classy Weekend Brunches Done Right

I’d had my eye on The Brush East London Grand Café since last Christmas, where their spectacular winter installation captured the season's magic with fairy lights, furry blankets and twinkling trees. But in summer? The space is equally delightful, as we found out when we dropped by on a sunny August bank holiday weekend...

My herby pasta was a great match with a lip-smacking cocktail.

DesignMyNight Review Of The Brush East London Grand Café

Having opened in 2024, The Brush Shoreditch is part of the towering art'otel London Hoxton, a striking, jet black cylindrical skyscraper that stands out in all the best ways. Location-wise, it’s right near Old Street roundabout, so you won’t have any trouble getting here as it’s pretty well connected with King’s Cross and Liverpool Street stations close by. If in doubt, just look for the sixteen-feet-tall bronze paintbrush sculpture outside the entrance, created by contemporary artist Dean Stockton (aka D*Face). 

Inside, the art continues with bold statement pieces that you can’t help but gawp at (you might even spot an original Banksy). The half-moon-shaped bar is a stunner as well, fronting floor-to-ceiling windows and onyx notes throughout. But behind the sleekness, there’s an homage to the timeless elegance of Vienna or Paris’ café culture – bringing people together for good times aplenty. Executive chef Ryan Matheson has curated The Brush London menu with this in mind; all-day dining with a sophisticated but cosy edge.  

The Brush East London Grand Café photos show how great the courtyard space is, with stylish garden furniture and leafy plants.

As it was a gorgeous day outside, we decided to sit on their alfresco suntrap terrace that’s open all year round. Even though we were by a busy junction, the area was remarkably calm; a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle. The manicured hedges offered a sense of seclusion and privacy, plus additional foliage contrasted beautifully with the modern surrounds. Similarly, our mustard-toned seats provided pops of colour alongside blue patterned cushions which added to the playful feel.

We kicked off our afternoon at The Brush London restaurant with two cocktails that were part of the 8 until 8 offer, where you can pick from a selection of classic sips for a bargain price (spoiler, it’s £8). Channeling her inner Carrie Bradshaw, my dinner date chose a cosmopolitan (£8) and she loved this famous drink so much, we ordered it twice. Well-balanced, not too sweet and refreshing, things were off to a flying start with this zippy pink number. Personally speaking, when a tommy’s margarita (£8) is part of the offering, I literally can’t not order it, and this one didn’t disappoint. Heady with tequila with a lovely limey, zingy aftertaste, I can only wish they poured it by the bucketload.

In case you’re wondering, brunch is served between midday and 4pm, but for those wanting to keep the fun vibes flowing, the bar closes at 2am. At the weekend, you can also expect to hear DJs playing upbeat, buzzing tunes too. The Brush at art'otel London Hoxton menu is extensive, but I eventually landed on the orecchiette (£18). These cute cup-shaped pasta mouthfuls, cooked al dente, were the ideal vessel for holding the delicious pesto and garlic oil, plus I loved the juicy tomatoes that burst with every bite. Creamy pine nuts and crispy fried basil added texture, while a dusting of cheesy parmesan finished the dish excellently.

After browsing The Brush London reviews, we just had to order a breakfast staple - eggs and salmon - while on the sunny terrace.

Although not a usual pairing, my side of halloumi (£5.50) was a fine choice, with smoky, charred notes and splashes of sweet honey. Meanwhile, my friend picked Goldstein smoked salmon (£14); a generously portioned breakfast fave. Prepare for fluffy yet buttery scrambled eggs on a bed of grilled sourdough drizzled in olive oil. But the main event? Her thinly sliced, delicate fish that melted in the mouth. Swoon.

To close our The Brush hotel London brunch, an Aperol spritz (£8) seemed very apt for a long weekend. Bubbly, bitter and with an unmistakable orange glow, this cocktail instantly transported me to sunnier shores, without ever leaving London.  

The Brush East London Grand Café Review: Overall

This new hotspot fits right in around Shoreditch, due to its striking look, focus on culture and, of course, a glossy restaurant that’ll take you from breakfast right until the early hours. Not only did we have a warm welcome at Hoxton’s neighbourhood gem, but The Brush London prices are actually very reasonable too, and when matched with delicious brunch fare, makes it a sure-fire hit on your agendas.   

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