Shoreditch just got a fresh cultural hangout. Say hello to The Brush East London Grand Café—where brunch beats, croissant cocktails, and art collide.
East London never settles. And thankfully, neither does its café culture. The Brush East London Grand Café has officially landed inside art’otel London Hoxton, bringing all the timeless drama of Europe’s grand cafés—minus the snobbery and with extra sass. This all-day dining destination is here to serve up more than just flat whites and avocado toast. It’s here to shake up Hoxton’s social scene with bold interiors, bigger brunches, and cocktails that taste like dessert.
Because why just work remotely when you can work romantically?
Hoxton’s Answer to Vienna and Milan (With More Bratwurst and Beats)
Inside The Brush, 70 seats await your next life-changing lunch or lazy espresso moment. Helmed by Executive Chef Ryan Matheson, the menu nods to both classic European dining and the chaotic glory of East London. Think Parisian flair meets Brick Lane spice, with a dollop of Shoreditch irony on top.
Dishes like Salt Beef Scotch Egg with truffle parmesan and Butternut Squash Curry honour local food heroes—yes, we’re talking bagel shops and curry houses. And the Atlantic Halibut and Frites throws back to Bow’s OG fish and chip shop from the 1860s. That’s right—history never tasted so stylish.
And for the traditionalists? Dive into Moules-Frites with chilli, lemon, thyme, or a Weiner Schnitzel that doesn’t skimp on the cucumber and dill salad. From the Josper charcoal grill comes Charolais Rib-Eye, a Brush Burger with bone marrow relish, and Wood-Fired Flatbreads that could rival Naples—topped with anchovies, asparagus, bottarga, or mushrooms.
Brunch Like You Mean It: DJs, Dishes & a Sunday Roast to Remember
If your Saturdays are crying out for a bit of substance with your spritz, The Brush’s DJ Brunch has got your back. Starting at noon, DJs spin smooth beats while you feast on Coconut & Berry Pancakes, Goldstein Salmon with Scrambled Eggs, and an unapologetically hefty Bratwurst with mustard, pickle, chilli jam, and fried egg.
For £25, you can grab the Brunch Set Menu—two courses and a cocktail that’ll put some real strut in your Shoreditch stroll.
And Sundays? Oh, they’re sacred. Get into Roast Striploin of Beef or Half Roast Corn-Fed Chicken, both dished up with Yorkshire puds, cauliflower cheese, roasties and all the good stuff. Don’t skip the Bloody Mary menu—it’s basically church, but tastier.
The Cocktail Bar That Wants You There from Noon Till Night
Head upstairs and you’ll discover The Brush Lounge and Cocktail Bar, where bar manager Alessandro Mannello is clearly on a mission to out-shake everyone in the postcode.
Signature drinks include the floral and zesty A Sour, Please with Plymouth Gin and Assam tea, and the E2 Punch, featuring Macerated Hoxton Banana Rum (yes, it’s real), toasted oat and orgeat. And if you’re the type to order dessert in a glass, the Bourbon & Croissant (yes again) has Bulleit Bourbon, cocoa, croissant and bitters. It shouldn’t work. But it really does.
Not drinking? No problem. Their non-alcoholic menu is a masterpiece. Try the Dirty D with pink peppercorn and lemon verbena, or the tangy Citrus Touch, topped with lemon sorbet foam. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where even the mocktails have more personality than your last three Bumble dates combined.
Art, Murals and a Banksy or Two—Because Why Not?
The Brush isn’t just a café or a bar—it’s a living, breathing gallery. The restaurant’s walls feature two 40-metre murals by legendary street artist D*Face, plus two Banksy pieces that greet you as you enter via the art’otel. No big deal.
Bathed in natural light and overlooking Old Street, the space is every bit as much a creative hub as it is a dining destination. Whether you’re sipping a negroni or snapping a selfie with the art, the vibe screams: “I came for brunch, but I stayed for the culture.”
Hidden Theatre, Rotating Gallery & Shoreditch’s New Favourite Hangout
Oh, and if you thought they were done, think again. The Brush also houses a 60-seat private auditorium, which plays host to film screenings, artist talks, and immersive dining experiences. It’s perfect for a stylish date, creative event, or solo cultural deep-dive.
Add in a rotating art gallery right next door, and you’ve got a space where there’s always something new to discover—whether on your plate, in your glass, or on the walls.
The Verdict? The Brush Is the Grand Café Shoreditch Didn’t Know It Needed
The Brush East London Grand Café might be new, but it already feels like a classic. With a menu that mixes East End history with continental charm, cocktails that taste like dreams, and interiors that double as an art exhibition, this is the kind of spot that makes you want to cancel your plans and stay all day.
Whether you’re popping in for a £13 working lunch combo, dancing through brunch, or enjoying a nightcap under a mural, one thing’s for sure: Hoxton just got a whole lot grander.
The Brush East London Grand Café
84-86 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3JL
www.thebrushhoxton.co.uk
@brushhoxton
