Beam — Restaurant in London

The Great British Breakfast | A Love Letter to Brunch and Beam

There’s something about a full English, isn’t there? The more I think about it, the more I realise it really does sum up this country. Not in a flag-waving, Land of Hope and Glory way, no, in that beautifully muddled, comforting, slightly chaotic, deeply grounding way only the UK can manage.

It’s got everything. The plump, juicy sausages, strong, reliable, a meaty hug in cylindrical form. The eggs, all gooey and golden, like a warm smile from someone you thought had forgotten you. Then there’s the toast, ideally a thick, stubborn slab of sourdough, solid, honest, dependable. A crunch that says, you’re home now. And of course, the mushrooms, earthy, humble little reminders that beneath all the noise, were still creatures of the soil.

And the beans. Ah, the beans. The unsung glue of the plate. Ancient, noble, bean-y little fellows, quietly holding it all together, like a good-natured uncle at a chaotic family reunion. Then there’s the streaky bacon, smoky, salty, a bit mad, a perfect representation of British eccentricity. Slap a bit of Daddy’s Sauce or ketchup on the side, and you’ve got yourself not just a breakfast, but a national institution. And to top it all off, a proper cup of builder’s. English breakfast tea. Milky. Strong enough to get up and walk away on its own.

And that, strangely, is exactly how I felt walking into Beam.

Now, I’ll be honest, I’m not really a London boy anymore. I’m especially not a North London brunch kind of boy. All that sleek minimalism, gleaming cutlery, and avocado-based confidence… it’s never quite been my scene. But I’ll admit, I’m partial to a posh pastry. A painfully trendy boulangerie. A surprise charity shop bargain. So maybe North London is up my alley. London itself though? I think we’ve grown apart.

So when I do find myself back here, I make it count. I treat myself. Not in a discreet, oat-flat-white-and-an-almond-croissant way, I mean properly. Greedily. Gleefully. With no shame. And that’s exactly what I did at Beam. It wasn’t just a brunch. It was a feast. A celebration. A glorious, slightly overindulgent hug on a plate.

Now, usually when I brunch, something goes wrong. Always does. The tea arrives before the food, and by the time your breakfast rocks up, your cuppa’s gone tepid and your soul has sunk. Or worse, the food arrives, and the tea? Nowhere to be seen. And then you’re eating eggs, dry-mouthed, silently grieving the beverage that never came.

But not this time.

This time, it was spot-on. Hot tea. Hot food. No faff. Any tweaks, any changes, sorted. And for that, I have to say a massive thank you to Kiara, who was not only charming and helpful, but quick to sort out the tiny human errors that happen when things get busy. And that’s what makes a brunch go from decent to bloody brilliant.

I sat opposite a dear friend, talking about life, sipping tea, sharing laughter over streaky bacon and runny yolks. It wasn’t just food, it was connection. Comfort. A reminder that sometimes, all you really need is a big plate of breakfast, someone to talk to, and a cup of tea that arrives exactly when it should.

So thank you, Beam. Thank you, Kiara. And Happy Bloody Easter to...

Beam, nestled in the heart of Crouch End, North London, stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence and warm hospitality. With several locations across North London, Beam has carved out a niche for itself, especially among those who cherish a stylish dining ambiance coupled with exceptional food and service.

The moment you step into Beam's Crouch End location, you're greeted by an interior that masterfully blends modern chic with comforting warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere that's both stylish and relaxed. This sense of style extends beyond the decor to every aspect of your dining experience.

Service at Beam is nothing short of remarkable. The staff exude friendliness and helpfulness, managing to maintain a high level of attentiveness even during peak times when the restaurant buzzes with the energy of a full house. It's a testament to their efficiency that, regardless of the crowd, service remains swift and seamless, ensuring every patron feels both valued and well-cared for.

The food at Beam can only be described as divine. A standout dish, and a personal favorite, is their gluten-free pancakes served with bacon. This dish, in particular, exemplifies Beam's commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor or creativity. It's a delightful ensemble of textures and tastes that leaves a lasting impression and has you planning your next visit before the current one ends.

For coffee enthusiasts and families alike, Beam ticks all the boxes. Their coffee is expertly brewed, providing the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a comforting standalone treat. Its child-friendly approach makes it an ideal for family outings, ensuring everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, enjoys...

I stumbled on this place after attempting to go to a different brunch spot which was closed. I immediately went to social media to get more of an insight of Beam and was impressed by what I saw.

I went to the front desk to speak to the women behind it. I was asked by one member of staff TWICE if I was "taking away." This was odd, as I've never walked into an establishment and the have excitedly asked me multiple times if I'll be going away to eat my food. I said "I'd like to eat in if that's okay" because it felt like it wasn't okay.

I ordered the vegetarian breakfast, specifically asking for the dairy components to be removed. My breakfast arrived with feta cheese on the tomato. I politely addressed this with the server who said "yes, but you never said you didn't want cheese" with a smirk on her face. Um, since when was feta cheese not dairy? I was already distrusting this establishment so when she reluctantly offered to have the food made again, I declined and said I'd just scrape the blocks of feta off.

Whilst I enjoyed my food, that same server kept coming over to peek at me. I felt like I was under surveillance. Also, where I was sat was by the corner; there was nobody else in that area so I was aware she was watching me.

Once I finished my food, and the server had peered at me multiple times, I had to get up to pay. She saw me at the front and insisted that she hadn't realised I'd finished my food and was coming over with the card machine. Yeah...okay.

As much as I enjoyed the food here, I doubt I'll be dining here again. The staff were unnecessarily hostile and I don't expect to be treated in such a way as a...