‘I visited the cheap brunch spot and cocktail bar hidden under one of London’s busiest bookshops’

Londoners love a good brunch - what is a weekend without having an avocado on toast or a stack of pancakes? I’ve found a secret brunch spot in the heart of London with amazing prices - and it’s hidden in a bookshop.

If you head downstairs from Waterstones Tottenham Court Road, you’ll find Lucky Jim’s - a cosy space perfect for working, reading, or catching up with friends. You can spend the whole day there if you want, as they’ve got breakfast deals, brunch, and two-for-one cocktails in the evenings.

I went there for brunch and was amazed by the prices - brunch dishes start at just £5! I tried the avocado on toast, which is a fiver, and it was deliciously topped and served on sourdough. Because it was so cheap, I added halloumi for an extra £2.

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You can get full at this Waterstones for under £10
You can get full at this Waterstones for under £10 -Credit:MyLondon

They also have tasty toasties served with veggie crisps, and I got the mozzarella, rocket, and pesto, once again for £5! Other brunch options include pancakes and eggs benedict, all priced at £5.

To accompany it, their coffee is excellent and affordable for central London, with lattes and cappuccinos at £3.20. Specialty drinks like matcha and chai lattes are £3.30, and alternative milks are included at no extra charge.

And here’s the best part: buy one of Waterstones’ Books of the Month, you get a free hot drink - any hot drink! I got their non-fiction pick, The Story of Art Without Men , and started reading it while enjoying a free cappuccino.

The Story of Art Without Men is a paean to many artists as well as various art forms often overlooked or dismissed, according to Waterstones
The Story of Art Without Men is a paean to many artists as well as various art forms often overlooked or dismissed, according to Waterstones -Credit:MyLondon

Don’t skip their sweet treats - most of them are locally sourced and absolutely delicious. I fell in love with their lemon and passionfruit cake! They also have pastries sourced from Gail’s, and since I am also a fan, I could not resist getting the almond croissant.

I really loved the peaceful atmosphere of this place - you are surrounded by books and quiet conversations, making it easy to relax and enjoy your meal. Some tables can be a bit wobbly, so you might need to try a few before settling in.

You can get avocado toast for a fiver, and a free hot drink, at this bookshop in the heart of London
You can get avocado toast for a fiver, and a free hot drink, at this bookshop in the heart of London -Credit:MyLondon

In the evenings, Lucky Jim’s also offers a cocktail Happy Hour with a two-for-one deal. Cocktails, usually priced at £9.50, are half-price from 5 to 7 pm.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read, a budget-friendly brunch, or a post-work hangout, this hidden gem is worth a visit. Don’t miss out on Lucky Jim’s!

Lucky Jim’s is located inside Waterstones Tottenham Court Road, at 19-21 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 1BJ. It is open from 9 am to 8 pm.

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