The Breakfast Club Takes The Greasy Spoon Test

When enjoying a leisurely morning in an upmarket breakfast or ‘brunch’ type establishment of the kind typified by The Breakfast Club on Camden Passage (with a couple of other branches around London) I tend to ask myself this question: what does this place give me that a greasy spoon caff does not? This is a perfectly reasonable question to ask when paying around a tenner for a fry-up. The most obvious advantage is choice on the menu, with more foodie-type options such as huevos rancheros, and breakfast dishes with avocado in them. My problem is that I have usually been propelled to these places by a hangover, so I never get to sample the avocado-toast type items and go for the standard plate of eggs, pork products and sugary beans. However, it feels harsh to penalise a place in estimation due to my own self-inflicted fragile state, so I would have to say that The Breakfast Club passes the test on choice. You can get eggs benedict and the like as well (obvs). The other big advantage is an attractive setting. Nice decor inside, nice light, pleasant oustide area with good views in any direction. This all adds to the soothing quality we are looking for. So more points there. A minor gripe, common in such a place, is the speed of service, which is usually a symptom of under-staffing or the hiring of attractive but out-to-lunch young trendies. You can wait a long time for a cup of tea here, and I have at times longed for the no-nonsense approach of a greasy-spoon where they thrust a cup of tea into your hand the minute you walk in the door.

So to the food. The number one thing I look for when paying more for a fry-up, the thing that really makes it worth paying more, is quality ingredients. Its also fair to expect good cooking, and scrambled eggs are a fair way of testing this. So how does the Breakfast Club fry-up stack up?

Scrambed Eggs – Passed, just (not too overdone, not quite perfect but I understand they have to account for wimps who don’t like them runny).

Bacon – Passed, better than a greasy spoon, well cooked.

Sausage – Passed, very nice and meaty.

Toast/Bread – Passed, excellent quality.

Tea – Passed, nice quality tea  with good flavour.

Juice – Passed, but so it should for £3.

Beans are beans, no test necessary.

Overall, a resounding Pass for the Breakfast Club – double the price of a greasy spoon, but you will see, feel and taste where that extra money went. If I ever get to try the other stuff I will blog again.

The Breakfast Club
31 Camden Passage
London N1 8EA