Giraffe Does Breakfast

There’s a new reason for to put down your usual instant coffee and burnt toast in the mornings; Giraffe Bar & Grill in Soho is now open for breakfast on weekdays from 8am. Offering a similar menu to other Giraffe stores, but hosted in the much-loved New York style bistro in the heart of Soho, it’s a great start to the day without breaking the bank.

Offering a wide menu, there’s almost too much to choose from, but the Wide Awake Breakfast Deal is probably the best value. This offers a light breakfast and a regular coffee for just £5 – available before 11am. While the choices are  varied, with options ranging from a sweet waffle served with yoghurt, strawberries and honey through to a rather fabulous-looking breakfast burrito with scrambled egg, chorizo, salsa and melted cheese, my one complaint is the lack of flexibility for people with special dietary requirements. As a pescetarian, my choice was limited to the sweet waffle, and when I requested the burrito without chorizo, I was sad to learn that as the filling was pre-prepared, this wasn’t possible. Instead, I settled for the toasted cheese and tomato bloomer, usually served with ham. The presentation was simple, but it was actually the perfect size for breakfast without leaving me feeling hungry. Along with a fresh latte, it was well worth £5 for a nicely balanced breakfast meal.

The main breakfast menu feels more like a brunch offering, and this is reflected in the prices. Offering everything from porridge, brioche and eggs benedict to a full Mexican breakfast, there’s a much wider choice for vegetarians and pescetarians alike. The eggs hemmingway, served with salmon – poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a bed of potato cakes was my choice, and while it seemed a little pricey at first (£7.95), both the presentation and the portion size were actually spot on, so I didn’t feel cheated.

Perhaps my favourite thing about the Bar & Grill concept is the ambiance. The urban chic interior and the comfortable bar area make it a great environment in which to start your day, even when you’re dining alone. The staff are bright, cheerful and happy to chat so I was never made to feel lonely or isolated. It definitely beats the experience of trying to fry an egg at 7am while fighting off last night’s hangover. With a great vibe, and prices starting from £3.65, what have you got to lose?