I'll start by saying that the service at Bramley's is always exceptional. I'd also like to say the same about the food but alas, after my most recent visit I cannot.
I've been going to Bramley's on and off for about ten years now, though significantly more off than on since moving to that London. Despite what Yelp/other reviewers say, the food prices aren't really that reasonable, which brings me on to my £9 full English ("The Whole Hog").
I swapped my bacon out for extra sausage, so I ended up getting six horribly salty cheapo chipolatas, which was generous at least. The plum tomato was, erm, slightly warmed tinned plum tomatoes, which I'm pretty sure are only ever bought in error by people wanting the chopped variety. The beans were sub-Heinz in quality and the mushrooms were rubbery and bland. To be fair, the fried eggs were done to a T and a lovely piece of rosemary-scented black pudding made my day as only good black pudding can. The whole thing smacked of sourcing for profit margin alone, which is a damn shame considering that the chef is clearly talented.
My partner had a cheese and ham toastie, which was a cheese and ham toastie. To me the coleslaw accompanying said sarnie tasted like I would imagine PVA glue would, but perhaps I just don't like coleslaw. I did think it was a bit of a rip off, but she enjoyed it so there you go.
The herb potatoes were fantastic as always.
I have a lot emotionally invested in the place, and so I'm adding an extra star just in case this was a one off, but I've had higher quality breakfasts in Peckham's greasy spoons for £3.50. I work in a grotty little shithole of a pub in the docklands and our £8 full English is truly delicious and knocks Bramley's into a cocked hat.
I must reiterate that the service and atmosphere here is unfailingly brilliant, and the place is worth a visit for that alone. Oh, and the cakes. The moral of this story is avoid the cooked breakfasts. read more