It used to be a New York thing, but in recent years, the London brunch has become a thing of wonder in its own right. With cafes popping up here, there and everywhere, a growing national obsession with artisan coffees and a clear foodie influence from across the pond, we thought it high time we share with you our favourite places to go for breakfast in the city.

1. Duke’s Brew and Que, Haggerston

We absolutely love this joint – a welcome addition to Haggerston and not only good for ribs, burgers and beers but also an awesome breakfast stop. An American friend was so excited about the American bacon on the menu (apparently it’s crispier), she spilled her coffee; the free refills on the admittedly so-so filter coffee is a nice, authentic USA touch. Eggs Benedict are huge and delicious (though could be hotter), the Bloody Marys are pretty good and the pancakes are fluffy and served with a buttery syrup that sweet-toothed punters will love. The service is a little dicey, but the décor is what really does it for us; loads of outdoor space, a Brooklyn-style interior and a cute little bar which serves Brooklyn Lager on tap.

2. Acoustic Cafe, Newington Green

This small and unassuming corner cafe in Newington Green is popular with locals for a reason; its huge breakfast menu and its sweet little sunny terrace to name but a few. All the breakfast favourite are here, with Eggs Royale a particular favourite, or try something Mediterranean from the lunch menu. Great coffee, service with a smile, and just ten minutes’ walk from the glorious Clissold Park.

3. Tina We Salute You, Dalston

If you like nursing a sore head with a browse through the Sunday papers, coffee in hand, having wedged yourself into a cosy, retro leather chair, then Tina We Salute You is probably a place you should know more about. Nestled onto the Islington side of Dalston’s Kingsland Road and run by the super-cool coffee brewing duo, Steve and Danny, Tina We Salute You is your local café in every sense of the word; whether it’s a punchy cappuccino or a Russian vodka-tasting evening, this place is ticking all hours of the day. With the vision of creating somewhere they themselves would ‘love to have as our local’, Steve and Danny have managed to channel their passion for great coffee and ‘breakfasty’, ‘brunchy’ food into a space that now more than warrants its coveted 5 star rating by the big guns, Time Out. Breakfast at Tina’s could easily be breakfast at yours; the relaxed atmosphere, cosy confines and friendly staff all make for a delightful breakfast experience. Chorizo, spinach, salmon, eggs; their bagels are divine. Fruit yoghurt, pots of tea – there’s something for everyone. Just get their early – Tina’s is rather tiny and always bustling, inside and out onto the pavement.

4. Long White Cloud, Shoreditch

A favourite with coffee aficionados, this tiny cafe on Hackney Road has something of a cult following – in fact, we interviewed them ourselves a few months ago. A gallery and cafe in one, we breakfasted here last week and were pleasantly surprised by the delicious veggie breakfast; eggs, fresh roasted vegetables and a generous topping of salty halloumi. The lattes were fresh and sweet, the service smiley and unpretentious and the tables squeaky clean.

5. The Breakfast Club, various London locations

A staple part of any Londoner’s life is a trip to The Breakfast Club every once in a while. If you’ve not yet sampled their menu, then get yourself down to either their Soho, Hoxton, Angel or Spitalfields establishments nice and early (it opens at 8am, but by 8.15 most of the tables are taken). The laid-back interior makes it feel like you’re chilling at a friend’s house in East London; the perfect venue for nursing a hangover or for an informal breakfast meeting. We recommend the bacon and banana French toast and the life-changing Eggs Benedict. The portions are generous and great value for money. If you’re looking for a cool start to the day and want to impress your friends, colleagues, clients or mum, then definitely check this place out.

Now, because we’re really nice people, we’re giving away two £30 vouchers to The Breakfast Club.

How do you get your hands on them? Easy – just head to our twitter page.