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Friends of Ours

restaurants•
London
London

Friends of Ours

61 Pitfield St, Hoxton, London, United Kingdom

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Pitfield Street, Friends of Ours has carved out a reputation as Hoxton's answer to Melbourne's legendary brunch culture. This independent neighborhood gem serves up Antipodean-inspired dishes that have food bloggers consistently raving, though you'll need patience for their walk-ins only policy.

Friends of Ours: Melbourne Meets Hoxton in This Antipodean Brunch Haven

Where Japanese Benedict and Dark Arts coffee create Instagram gold

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Friends of Ours strikes that perfect balance between casual cool and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, scoring a solid 8.0 on the trendy factor scale. The space embraces unpretentious wooden furnishings that give it that authentic Melbourne cafe feel, while rotating local artwork keeps the visual landscape fresh and engaging. Indoor window seating provides prime people-watching real estate, but the real draw is the ample outdoor terrace - perfect for those dog-friendly brunches that have become the venue's calling card. With a flexibility score of 7.0, the space adapts beautifully from mid-week working lunches complete with WiFi to lazy weekend gatherings. The energy level sits at a comfortable 6.5, creating an environment that's lively enough for conversation (scoring 7.5 for conversation-friendliness) without overwhelming those seeking a more relaxed dining experience. The sophistication level remains refreshingly accessible at 4.5, ensuring this neighborhood gem maintains its welcoming community feel rather than veering into pretentious territory.

Food & Drink

The menu showcases creative globally-influenced dishes built on seasonal, local, and organic ingredients, with the Japanese Benedict featuring sirloin, XO hollandaise, and bonito (£14.50) serving as the undisputed star. This signature dish has earned consistent praise from food bloggers and represents the venue's claim to fame. The indulgent French Toast (£14.75), Eggs Royale (£12), Bacon Focaccia, Hash Browns with manchego, and Turkish Çılbır round out a menu that successfully marries Antipodean brunch culture with international influences. Dark Arts specialty coffee provides the caffeinated backbone, complemented by fresh juices, creative cocktails, and house-made pastries. The kitchen demonstrates impressive inclusivity with extensive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, ensuring all dietary needs are met. Every dish benefits from Instagram-worthy presentation that makes them genuinely photo-ready, though this visual appeal never comes at the expense of flavor or substance.

Service & Experience

Operating on a walk-ins only policy, Friends of Ours prioritizes spontaneity and community feel over convenience, though this approach comes with trade-offs. The policy creates an authentically welcoming atmosphere that encourages discovery (scoring 6.0 on the discovery scale), but weekend queues can stretch beyond 30 minutes during peak brunch hours. Staff maintain the relaxed, neighborhood-focused approach that defines the venue's character, though specific details about service quality aren't extensively documented. The venue's dog-friendly policy and accommodation of various dietary requirements suggest a customer-focused approach that extends beyond just taking orders.

Value for Money

With a price level of 2 out of 4, Friends of Ours positions itself firmly in the moderate range while delivering genuine value for money. Signature dishes like the Japanese Benedict at £14.50 and French Toast at £14.75 reflect fair pricing for the quality of ingredients and creative preparation involved. The venue earns tags for 'brunch-value,' 'shoreditch-affordable,' and 'quality-for-money,' indicating that despite Hoxton's generally expensive dining landscape, this spot manages to deliver substance without breaking the bank. The combination of specialty Dark Arts coffee, house-made pastries, and Instagram-worthy presentation creates a complete experience that justifies the moderate pricing structure.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays from 8am offer the best chance to avoid queues, with the venue operating Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and weekends 9am-4pm. Weekend peak times can result in 30+ minute waits, so plan accordingly or embrace the wait as part of the experience.

What to Focus On

The Japanese Benedict with sirloin, XO hollandaise, and bonito (£14.50) is non-negotiable - it's the signature dish that food bloggers consistently rave about. Pair it with Dark Arts specialty coffee for the full experience, and don't overlook the Hash Browns with manchego for sharing.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Arrive at 8:15am on weekdays to secure the Japanese Benedict before the lunch rush hitsThe outdoor terrace is dog-friendly, making it perfect for pet owners seeking a quality brunch spotNo reservations means flexibility - perfect for spontaneous dining, but weekend warriors should prepare for queues

The Final Verdict

Friends of Ours successfully transplants Melbourne's renowned brunch culture to Hoxton's creative quarter, delivering on both flavor and atmosphere. While the walk-ins only policy can test patience during peak times, the quality of dishes like the Japanese Benedict and the genuine neighborhood charm make the wait worthwhile. The venue's impressive uniqueness score of 7.5 reflects its ability to stand out in London's crowded brunch scene, while maintaining the accessibility and community feel that prevents it from becoming another overpriced Shoreditch cliché. It's a mid-range gem that delivers quality for money without sacrificing the creative, Instagram-worthy presentation that defines modern brunch culture.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Melbourne cafe culture enthusiasts seeking authentic Antipodean vibesInstagram food photographers hunting for genuinely photogenic dishesDog owners wanting a quality brunch spot that welcomes four-legged companions

Quick Details

1

Friends of Ours

⭐️ Melbourne vibes
🇯🇵 Japanese benedict
⭐️ Walk ins only
🐕 Dog friendly

This Melbourne-inspired neighborhood gem serves creative globally-influenced brunch dishes that food bloggers consistently rave about. The Japanese Benedict with sirloin, XO hollandaise, and bonito represents the kitchen's fusion expertise, while Dark Arts coffee ensures every cup meets specialty standards. The walk-ins-only policy creates genuine community atmosphere, though weekend queues are the price of authenticity. Rotating local artwork and dog-friendly outdoor terrace make it feel like a true neighborhood living room.

What's Great

✓ Japanese Benedict with XO hollandaise

✓ Dark Arts specialty coffee partnership

Keep in Mind

× Walk-ins only policy means 30+ minute weekend queues during peak hours

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 8:15am on weekdays to skip queues and secure the Japanese Benedict before lunch rush

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm\nSaturday - Sunday: 9am - 4pm"
📍61 Pitfield St, Hoxton, London, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7253 0005
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Friends of Ours has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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