Brunch has firmly become one of the UK’s favourite ways to enjoy good food and catch up with friends. It sits right between breakfast and lunch, making it ideal whether you’re after something hearty or light. Recently, brunch menus have started to move beyond the usual eggs and toast. With fresh ideas, new flavours, and thoughtful twists on old favourites, it’s worth knowing what’s new so you can make the most of your next visit.
Whether you’re popping into an affordable brunch cafe for a relaxed weekend treat or looking for something filling at a top lunch cafe, this guide covers all the new additions and trends that are shaping the way we brunch today.
We’ll take a proper look at the dishes, ingredients, and ideas behind today’s best brunch menus — so you know exactly what to try next time you order.
Why Is Brunch So Popular?
Before we get into what’s new, let’s remind ourselves why brunch has caught on so strongly in the UK. Brunch gives flexibility. You don’t need to wake up early, and you’re not tied to typical lunch times. It allows for both sweet and savoury dishes, and it’s as much about socialising as it is about eating.
Many people head to their local affordable brunch cafe or top lunch cafe to enjoy time with family or friends, making it a relaxed part of the week. Add good coffee, fresh juices, and the chance to try new flavours, and it’s easy to see why brunch is here to stay.
What’s New on Our Brunch Menu?
Menus across the country are changing to reflect how tastes are shifting. Here’s what’s standing out on modern brunch tables right now.
1. Savoury Waffles
We’re used to waffles being served with syrup and fruit. But savoury waffles are quickly becoming a brunch favourite. Made with ingredients like cheddar, herbs or even sweet potato, they’re topped with choices like smoked salmon, avocado, poached eggs or grilled mushrooms.
They bring a good mix of crunch and flavour, and they work well whether you want something light or more filling.
2. Shakshuka
This Middle Eastern dish has made its way onto many British brunch menus. Shakshuka is a warm, comforting dish made of poached eggs cooked in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Served with warm flatbread or sourdough on the side, it’s great for dipping and sharing.
You’ll often spot it featured in the menus of a top lunch cafe because it bridges brunch and lunch nicely, especially on colder mornings.
3. Plant-Based Options
With more people looking to cut down on meat or try plant-based meals, brunch menus are now offering more vegan and vegetarian-friendly choices. You’ll see dishes like scrambled tofu, avocado toast with chickpeas, and vegan pancakes topped with berries and maple syrup.
Even affordable brunch cafes have started adding plant-based sausages and dairy-free milk options to give more choice.
4. Breakfast Burritos
A breakfast burrito is packed with scrambled eggs, beans, cheese, and sometimes chorizo or grilled vegetables, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s easy to eat on the go or as a sit-down meal.
It’s a dish that fills you up without being heavy, making it a good pick if you’re visiting a top lunch cafe and need something that will last until dinner.
5. Sourdough Toast with Toppings
Sourdough toast has become a popular base for all sorts of toppings. Beyond the classic avocado, you’ll now find sourdough served with feta and honey, smoked mackerel pâté, or even mushrooms with herby ricotta.
It’s simple but satisfying, and it’s no surprise that both affordable brunch cafes and more upmarket spots have embraced it.
6. Pancake Stacks with a Twist
Pancakes have always been a brunch staple, but now they come with more variety. You’ll see buttermilk pancakes with spiced apples, lemon and poppy seed pancakes, or even savoury pancake stacks with bacon and eggs.
These new takes on pancakes make brunch feel fresh and exciting.
Drinks to Match the New Dishes
It’s not just the food that’s been updated — drinks menus have had a refresh too.
- Cold Brew Coffee: A smoother, chilled version of coffee that works well in warmer months.
- Fresh Juices and Smoothies: Many cafes now make their own blends with ingredients like ginger, beetroot, and spinach.
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile, mint, and rooibos have become popular choices to pair with lighter brunch dishes.
- Mocktails: Fresh, non-alcoholic drinks like cucumber coolers and fruit spritzers are popping up on brunch menus, especially in top lunch cafes where longer meals are common.
How to Choose the Right Dish for You
With so much on offer, it can be tricky to know what to pick. Here are a few tips:
- If you’re after something light: Go for sourdough toast with toppings or a fruit-topped pancake stack.
- If you need something filling: Breakfast burritos, shakshuka or savoury waffles are solid choices.
- If you want plant-based: Look out for tofu scramble, vegan pancakes, or avocado toast.
- If you’re in a group: Shakshuka or a mix of small plates is great for sharing.
What Makes a Great Brunch Menu?
When we asked regulars at local affordable brunch cafes and chefs at some top lunch cafes, here’s what they said makes a brunch menu stand out:
- Variety: A mix of sweet, savoury, light and filling dishes.
- Fresh ingredients: Seasonal veg, good-quality eggs and homemade breads.
- Balance: Options for different diets — veggie, vegan, gluten-free — without losing flavour.
- Good coffee and drinks: Brunch is about relaxing, so the drink should be as enjoyable as the food.
Final Thoughts
Brunch is no longer just about fry-ups or eggs on toast. Menus have grown to include exciting new dishes from around the world, fresh plant-based options, and clever twists on classics. Whether you’re popping into a top lunch cafe for a bigger plate or a local affordable brunch cafe for something simple, there’s plenty to explore.
Next time you’re ordering, try one of these new dishes — you might just discover a new favourite.
