Nestled in the heart of London’s iconic Borough Market, Bedales boasts three floors of dining space, featuring a wine cellar as well as a terrace overlooking the bustling marketplace. At this time of year, Bedales and the market are decorated with twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands, providing the perfect location to take in the festive atmosphere at any time of day.
On our recent visit, we enjoyed some of the tasty options on the new brunch menu. At our server Rui’s recommendation, we started the day with a glass of the house champagne, a delicious, crisp synthesis of fruit, berry, and citrus flavours.
Our first dish was the crab cakes with citrus aioli. These were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, excellently tangy, and a little spicy. They made for a wonderful brunch starter to share and are a great option for seafood fans- we loved them!
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For mains, we opted for two savoury plates, the Croque Monsieur and the Eggs Benedict. For us, the Croque Monsieur was the winner. It was everything this classic dish should be crispy, buttery, cheesy, and with just the right amount of mustard. We recommend ordering the egg on top for extra indulgence. The Eggs Benedict, prepared with Iberico ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise atop two buttery, toasted English muffins, was also tasty and will hit the spot for anyone on the hunt for this brunch classic.
In addition to the regular menu and the new brunch menu, Bedales also offer seasonal specials, including a variety of snacks perfect for sharing like an Oven Baked Camembert or a Smoked Salmon Platter. Rui recommended that we try the Jamon de Bellota 100% Iberico special. Aged 48 months, the iberico ham was sweet and nutty, flavours which can be attributed to the acorn diet that the pigs are fed. It was absolutely delicious and completely unique, and we can see why Rui suggested it! It was a lovely complement to our brunch and would be equally delicious with a glass of wine in the evening- definitely a must-order no matter the occasion or time of day.
To satisfy our sweet cravings, we went back to the brunch menu to try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Stacked high with fig and blueberry compote, zingy lemon curd, and fresh blueberries, these fluffy, American-style pancakes are sure to be an absolute delight for anyone who loves lemony flavours.
To accompany our pancakes, Rui suggested we try the house Espresso Martini. Made to order with fresh espresso (and with no sweeteners, pre-made coffee, or syrups in sight) Bedales’ espresso martini can only be described as the perfect cocktail- we will absolutely be back for more.
To end the day and to get us in the festive spirit, we warmed up with a glass of homemade mulled wine and the warm mini mince pies from the specials menu while taking in the sights of the market. The mulled wine was absolutely delicious- boozy, citrusy, sweet, and delicately spiced. It served as a perfect accompaniment to the mince pies, which were drizzled with a warm, smooth, brandy butter sauce. Having previously visited Bedales in the late afternoon and evening, it was lovely to enjoy the iconic venue during the day and to try their new menu! I can’t think of a better location for a drink and some tasty bites after wandering the market stalls. We recommend ordering multiple plates tapas-style during your brunch visit to ensure that you have the chance to try a little of all that Bedales has to offer!