Great Places for Breakfast Meetings

Business Breakfast. Image Copyright iStockphoto.com

"Lunch is for wimps" snarled Gordon Gekko in the 1980s film, Wall Street. Utter rubbish of course, but Gekko wasn't just talking about eating; he was talking about taking time off. While we can't agree with that sentiment, it's true that sometimes the most conducive time to communicate and build relationships is over a meal. And why confine this to lunch? What about a power breakfast?

The Wolseley

A consistent winner on the London restaurant scene, The Wolseley continues to attract diners from all over the world with its amazing décor, immaculate service and superb food. Operating all day, we think the best time to visit is breakfast. It's a smart, faultless way to begin the day.

Hoxton Grille

Based in the funky Hoxton Hotel in the fashionable East End, The Hoxton Grille is a slick all-day dinning operation combining smart service in comfortable, professional surroundings. Exposed bricks and pipes dominate the airy space and the menu delivers no-nonsense, interesting international cooking.

Simpson's-in-the-Strand

If it's tradition and grand, old-fashioned surroundings you want, then go to Simpson's-in-the-Strand. Breakfast is served in the lofty, dark-panelled Grand Divan dinning room, where from 7:15-10.30am diners can start the day on classics including lamb's kidneys, bubble and squeak, black pudding and smoked haddock kedgeree.

Royal Exchange Grand Café and Bar

We think this is the city's most beautiful restaurant. For breakfast, take a table downstairs and let the Royal Exchange's Grade I grandeur take your breath away. Surrounded by designer shops, imposing columns and arches, and colossal 19th-century-style paintings, the quiet and confident brasserie menu is as stylish as its surroundings.

1 Lombard Street Brasserie

Coming a close 2nd to the Royal Exchange, the former banqueting hall at 1 Lombard Street also delivers fine food in superb surroundings. The excellent breakfast menu is served in the brasserie beneath gorgeous domed skylights by Pietro Agostini. We recommend the pouched eggs Benedictine, smoked haddock Monte Carlo, and toast and butter with Gentlemen's Relish.