Hally’s & Little H, Parsons Green

This has long been on my list of go to Brunch places.  I’ve been before for a quick coffee, but had yet to try their brunch menu.  So on sunny Sunday Rob and I ambled down the Munster road for a late lunch.

Bloggers seem to love this place too – from travel bloggers like Petite Passport (who voted it best place visited in 2013) to fashion bloggers like The London Chatter (who was raving about it on Instagram recently).  It also photographs well; the California-style design is perfect for a laid back cafe & brunch place.  With scuffed white painted walls, pastel coloured chairs and stools, wooden tables & bar, it’s a warm and homely place.  It makes you feel comfortable enough to want to spend a lazy Sunday here, leafing through the weekend newspapers and sipping Cappuccinos.

Their glass doors open up completely, which is perfect for a warm sunny day. So while there isn’t much outside seating, it feels airy and bright if you do sit inside.

 

The first thing you see when you walk in are their cakes, set out on the bar and welcoming you in.  They also have a number of glutenfree options, which is a bright move considering the surge in gluten free popularity and awareness.  Next time I go back I will be trying one of those, but yesterday I really came for a savoury treat.

I love all the small, quirky details of the place.

The Weekend Brunch menu offers all the classics – numerous eggs options; the Benedicts and Florentines, the Full English and, slightly less full on, scrambled eggs on sourdough bread.  For those more healthy of you out there, there is porridge, smoked salmon on rye (ask without the cream cheese!) and avocado and rocket on sourdough bread.  Having had a very glutinous weekend I opted for the latter, but craving something more salty also went for a chorizo side (which was a winner).

Rob wanted the BBQ pulled pork baguette (one of the Specials), especially when we saw it be served at the table next to us. But sadly since it was 3:30 it had just run out.  So he went for the Hally’s Burger.  We had been advised against the burger before we came, a friend having had it and found it dry and the fries soggy.  But Rob was pleasantly surprised – the beef was cooked to perfection, juicy without being greasy, the toppings fresh and the fries crispy.

I enjoyed my avocado dish, because it was exactly what I needed. But next time I will try something a bit more adventurous, as you can’t really go wrong with avocado & toast.  I do really like the fact they offer sourdough bread and rye, a change from the usual stodgy white bread accompanying breakfast/brunch. Oh, and aside from great coffees, they do a slightly watery but deliciously spicy Virgin Mary (next time I’ll have a Bloody Mary).

The staff are really friendly, and while the food took a while to come, I could understand as the place was nearly full.  In short, this is a brunch place not to be missed, not just for its food but also for its ambience.  And when you leave, be sure to pop into neighbour Emilia Delicatessen for some Italian treats (the Panna cotta looks divine) on your way home.

 

They have now opened a sister property across the road called ‘Little H’ – a smaller cafe, with a Californian healthy emphasis.  Grab your healthy juices and snacks here.

Hally’s Parsons Green

60 New King’s Road

London SW6 4LS