Stylish Hyde Park brunch spot with creative dishes, lovely service, and striking architecture; expect moderate-to-high park pricing and occasional service speed hiccups.
Friends Of Ours delivers solid brunch execution anchored by strong food quality and exceptional setting appeal within the Serpentine Gallery's bright, spacious environment. However, inconsistent execution on dishes like cilbir and occasional service delays on busy days prevent grade A territory. Worth visiting for creative brunch and warm hospitality, though expect occasional operational hiccups.
Set inside the Serpentine North Gallery, this spot feels bright and spacious with park views and a relaxed hum. Service is often called warm and attentive, with staff guiding choices and chatting with kids. One diner put it simply: "We lingered for hours and never felt rushed." The cooking leans modern and playful, more creative brunch than traditional fry-up. Think cilbir with a silky kick, XO-laced crab cakes, and sweet plates like a brûlée banana bread. Most plates delight, though a few report the odd miss on texture or seasoning, so come for the ideas as much as the comfort. Families do well here. Staff engage little ones, and there are kid-friendly standbys like eggs on toast, hash browns, bacon, and simple breads. While the menu skews inventive, you can steer kids toward familiar sides and lighter plates without fuss.
Area vibe: Iconic park setting drawing walkers, museum-goers, and leisure crowds; sleek gallery-adjacent space suits relaxed daytime dining.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during daylight with steady foot traffic; well-maintained public realm around galleries.
What's nearby: Adjacent to Serpentine North Gallery and near Serpentine lake; lawns, paths, and cultural sites drive consistent daytime flow.