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The Brush East London Grand Cafe

restaurants•
London
London

The Brush East London Grand Cafe

1-3 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DT, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Nestled in the Arto Hotel on Rivington Street, The Brush East London Grand Café pulls off something most hotel restaurants can't - genuine local appeal. This versatile spot seamlessly morphs from laptop-friendly brunch haven to cocktail-fueled evening destination with DJ sets, serving up European classics with a distinctly East London twist.

The Brush: Hoxton's Shape-Shifting Grand Café That Actually Delivers

A hotel restaurant that transcends its origins with proper European classics and East London edge

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The Brush strikes that sweet spot between cozy and energetic, with a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe that scores a solid 6.5 for refinement without being stuffy. The space genuinely caters to multiple moods - morning sees remote workers settling in with quality wifi and comfortable seating, while evenings transform into a more social scene with DJs spinning and energy levels ramping up to 7.5 out of 10. It's the kind of place that feels equally appropriate for a solo work session or a proper date night, though be warned that the music can become overwhelming during evening hours, making conversation a bit challenging. The flexibility factor is impressive at 8.0, allowing the venue to accommodate everything from lazy brunches to late-night cocktail sessions without feeling forced or inauthentic.

Food & Drink

The menu showcases European classics with genuine flair - think French onion soup, Wiener schnitzel, and moules-frites, all given that promised East London twist with bold flavours. The standout appears to be their signature mushroom truffle flatbread, which has earned proper recognition among regulars. Seasonal dishes complement the core offerings, alongside their popular Sunday roast and Basque cheesecake for dessert. The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients shows, with reviews consistently praising both food quality and presentation. It's contemporary European cooking that doesn't try too hard to reinvent the wheel, instead delivering familiar dishes with confident execution and thoughtful touches that justify the mid-range London pricing.

Service & Experience

The service maintains professional standards with attentive staff who understand the venue's multiple personalities throughout the day. The team seems well-versed in accommodating the diverse crowd, from remote workers needing minimal interruption to evening diners seeking more engagement. However, there are noted issues with the booking system that can cause frustration, suggesting some operational hiccups that detract from an otherwise solid service experience. The staff appears to handle the venue's transitions well, adapting their approach as the space shifts from café to restaurant to cocktail bar.

Value for Money

At a 2 out of 4 price level, The Brush positions itself in that competitive mid-range London territory where expectations run high. The pricing reflects its hotel location and quality ingredients, falling into what locals recognize as 'date-night pricing' and 'brunch-splurge' territory. Given the versatility of the space, quality of ingredients, and the all-day dining concept, the value proposition feels fair rather than exceptional. You're paying for the convenience of a space that works from morning coffee through evening cocktails, plus the quality execution of European classics with local flair.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit The Brush during brunch hours for the best experience - you'll catch their signature dishes at their peak and avoid the evening music volume issues. The venue operates daily from 7am to 10pm, making it ideal for morning work sessions or lazy weekend brunches. Evening visits work well for cocktails and the DJ atmosphere, but expect higher energy levels and potential conversation challenges.

What to Focus On

The mushroom truffle flatbread is the clear must-try signature dish. For mains, the Wiener schnitzel and moules-frites represent their European classics approach well, while the Sunday roast has earned local recognition. Don't skip the Basque cheesecake if you're ending on a sweet note.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The wifi quality and comfortable seating make this a genuine remote work option during quieter daytime hours. Book directly rather than relying on their booking system, which has known issues that can cause headaches. The venue's energy completely transforms from day to night, so choose your timing based on whether you want productivity or party vibes.

The Final Verdict

The Brush succeeds where many hotel restaurants fail by creating genuine local appeal beyond its tourist location. The European classics with East London flair concept works well, supported by quality ingredients and professional service. While the evening music volume and booking system issues present drawbacks, the venue's flexibility and all-day appeal make it a solid choice for multiple occasions. It's not groundbreaking, but it's consistently good with enough character to feel authentic rather than corporate.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Remote workers seeking a professional café environment with proper foodDate night diners wanting European classics without stuffinessBrunch enthusiasts willing to splurge for quality ingredients and signature dishes

Quick Details

1

The Brush East London Grand Cafe

⭐️ European classics
⭐️ All day dining
⭐️ Dj nights
⭐️ Remote work friendly

This versatile Hoxton hotel restaurant masters the art of transformation, seamlessly shifting from European brunch classics to late-night cocktails with DJ entertainment as the day progresses. The mushroom truffle flatbread has achieved signature status among locals who appreciate how European classics get bold East London twists without losing their authentic souls. French onion soup, Wiener schnitzel, and moules-frites anchor a menu that respects tradition while embracing contemporary energy. What makes this special is the cozy atmosphere that welcomes remote workers with quality wifi during quieter hours, then transitions into lively evening entertainment without missing a beat. The Basque cheesecake provides the perfect sweet ending to meals that span from lazy lunches to proper dinner experiences. Professional service maintains consistency whether you're grabbing quick coffee or settling in for the full European dining experience with wine pairings.

What's Great

✓ Versatile concept transitions seamlessly from brunch to late-night cocktails with DJ entertainment

✓ European classics like Wiener schnitzel get bold East London twists

Keep in Mind

× Music volume can become overwhelming during evening hours making conversation difficult

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit up their mushroom truffle flatbread during brunch hours - it's their signature dish that actually slaps tbh.

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 7am-10pm"
📍1-3 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DT, United Kingdom
💷£££
🌐Website

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The Brush East London Grand Cafe has been featured in 2 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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