What if your mid-morning treat came with a Michelin-starred twist?
Right in the middle of bustling Regent Street, Cakes & Bubbles at the historic Hotel Café Royal is exactly that, a little escape where world-class dishes meet London glamour.
I got there with a friend just before 11 am, and the restaurant was wonderfully quiet. The staff greeted us with smiles, made us feel instantly welcome, and set the tone for a really lovely brunch.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is taking you inside a truly delightful spot for a brunch feast!
A royal setting for a brunch in Piccadilly
If you’ve ever strolled down Regent Street, chances are you’ve admired the grand facade of the Hotel Café Royal, a jewel of London’s history.
The Hotel Café Royal has been a London icon since 1865, when French wine merchant Daniel Nicols (born Daniel Thévenon) arrived in Britain with his wife and just five pounds in his pocket.
From humble beginnings, he built the café into a hotspot with one of the most impressive wine cellars in the world.
By the 1890s, Café Royal was the place to see and be seen, hosting legends from Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill to Mick Jagger and Diana, Princess of Wales, and more recently, stars like Kanye West, Kate Moss, and Rihanna.
The hotel perfectly blends heritage and glamour, offering that rare mix of history and style that makes you feel part of something timeless the moment you step inside.
Tucked away in this legendary hotel, Cakes & Bubbles is a little gem where tradition meets a playful twist… and where even a simple brunch feels a bit fancy!
Ironically, we skipped both the cakes and the champagne this time!! Clearly, a good excuse to come back! But trust me, what we did have still made our morning feel pretty special…
Cakes & Bubbles: where whimsy meets Michelin magic
Even without the cakes or champagne, Cakes & Bubbles still showcases Albert Adrià’s playful, creative touch.
The world-renowned Spanish chef, famous for his work at elBulli, brings a flair for surprising and beautifully presented dishes, whether sweet or savoury.
Here, every plate feels a little special, and every visit has that signature sparkle that makes brunch feel like a proper treat. Now, let’s talk about the dishes that made our morning!
Our savoury picks of the day
While sweets might steal the spotlight, the savoury menu deserves its own applause.
My friend and I started with Tuna Tacos, perfectly crisp and bursting with fresh flavours. Think soya ponzu, yuzu mayonnaise, and a delightful crunch that kept us smiling bite after bite!
We couldn’t resist the Courgette Fries, light and crispy, paired beautifully with lime mayonnaise.
Then came the Chicken Katsu Sandwich, tender, breadcrumbed chicken with Chinese cabbage slaw and yuzu mayo. My only (tiny!) wish? A wholemeal bread option. It would make this indulgent treat feel a little lighter and, dare I say, even more sophisticated, and perfectly in tune with its surroundings.
Since it was still a bit early for champagne (though we were tempted…), we opted for a refreshing Moroccan mint tea and a comforting creamy cappuccino, the perfect finishing touch to our early afternoon feast.
The desserts here are seriously tempting. One of Albert Adrià’s most famous creations is his “cheesecake”: a clever, deconstructed twist on the classic that’s become a true signature at Cakes & Bubbles.
Word on the street is it’s nothing like the traditional version… though I’ll have to try it myself to see if the hype is real!
Cakes & Bubbles isn’t just about dessert, it’s a little escape from the London rush, full of charm and style. Whether you’re popping in for a savoury bite, a cheeky cappuccino, or (next time!) a slice of cheesecake with some champagne, you’ll leave feeling a bit more special than when you arrived!
I hope this gave you some brunch inspo! If you decide to check out Cakes & Bubbles, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop your thoughts on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON and let’s keep the conversation (and the bubbles) going!
What you need to know for your visit:
Cakes & Bubbles by Albert Adria: Hotel Café Royal, 70 Regent St., London W1B 4DY.
Hotel Café Royal website
Check out my other Cafés recommendations in and around London here.
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