Nestled in the heart of Spitalfields, surrounded by various stalls selling nick-nacks and vintage clothes, you'll find Brother Marcus, an all-day eatery shaking up London's brunch game. Trading in the usual eggs Benny and smashed avo for a menu of award-winning Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired plates, the restaurant also boasts dreamy interiors. The brunch-lover that I am, I couldn't resist checking it out for myself and felt it only fitting to take my brother (unfortunately not named Marcus) along for the ride.
Fauna reigns supreme within this gorgeous glass building.
It’s a Sunday morning and both the market and restaurant are brimming with people seeking solace from Storm Dennis. Brother Marcus is a popular choice and it’s not hard to see why. The spot oozes old-school LA chic with pastel hues and natural stone flooring transporting guesting to sunnier climates. A welcome change to the biblical weather outside. Grabbing a seat on their plush banquet, my eyes are immediately drawn upwards to a ceiling of hanging plants, wicker lights and fairy lights.
The first port of call: coffee. As a black Americano fan, I’ve had my fair share of burnt and bitter brews but their filter coffee (£3) - with free refills - is smooth and delicious. Before I know it I find myself three cups deep with a caffeine buzz that’s only growing by the minute… A creamy, Ferrero Rocher-esque avocado and pistachio smoothie (£5) offers a much-needed break from my coffee rampage.
The In-Law comes up trumps in both the looks and taste department.
Cooking up refreshing takes on traditional breakfast fare, the In-Law (£10.20) has me tucking into two perfectly poached eggs with the orangest yolks. Happy eggs. They come accompanied by smoked chilli jam, burnt aubergine and - perhaps a slightly excessive amount of - greek yoghurt on a wonderfully fluffy homemade pita.
Sides have also received the Brother Marcus treatment, with tenderstem broccoli (£4.80) chargrilled in a honey and sesame glaze. Flavoursome and crunchy, it wasn’t altogether necessary - the mains are more than filling enough on their own - but, hey, who am I to say no? Adding the final flourish to our meal, grilled aubergine with chilli beetroot hummus (£4.80) is both a visually and culinarily appealing plate and makes a great accompaniment if you’ve got any extra bread going spare.
The DesignMyNight Digest
If you’re looking for something a little different from your next brunch outing, then Brother Marcus is the place for you. Dishing up both style and substance, the kitchen masterfully mixes traditional elements with a few unconventional flavours. Don't worry, they're still serving up all the classics - Full English, French toast and porridge - but with an Eastern kick. And seriously good coffee.
Brother Marcus is located at 2 Crispin Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6DW and is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-11pm, Saturday 9:30am-11pm and Sunday 8:30am-5pm. It also has sister sites in Angel and Balham. On the hunt for more places to eat around Spitalfields? Check out our pick of the best restaurants here.
