Grounded & Exmouth in Aldgate | Brunch in London

Aldgate is a handy spot for brunch, with two neighbouring cafés worth knowing about. Exmouth Coffee Company and Grounded Coffee sit just off the South exit of Brick Lane, close to the East exit of Aldgate East tube station on Whitechapel Road. Stand on Whitechapel Road with your back to Brick Lane and you’ll find Grounded on the left and Exmouth on the right. The two seem to share management, as the same baked goods and staff turn up in both. ## Grounded Coffee Grounded is the newer of the two and offers a full cooked brunch menu. The room has a lovely atmosphere, with booths at the back and pretty green tiled walls. The menu covers eggs in any shape or combination, pancakes, a full veggie English breakfast, French toast and plenty more. The food is simple but looks and tastes gorgeous, and there’s often a small extra touch, such as toasted almonds on the French toast. For drinks, the smoothies, freshly squeezed orange juice and chai latte are all worth trying, and there are four different milk alternatives to choose from. It tends to be busy at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, but the wait is usually only 5–15 minutes and worth it. If you want to take something home, the shelves above the tables are stocked with treats from teapots to peanut butter. ## Exmouth Coffee Company Exmouth is the kind of place where you can settle in for hours with friends, or dash in for a drink and a pastry on the way to work or an early weekend event. If you’re looking to read a book, do some writing or meet a friend, it fits the bill. Standout items include the soy chai latte, the almond and chocolate croissant, the butternut squash and goats cheese tart, and a big square of veggie pizza on the go. There are also lamingtons, brownies, custard tarts, and toasted and filled flatbreads, including vegan and veggie options. It’s hard to go wrong. Next time you’re near Liverpool Street or Brick Lane and after a good breakfast, brunch or coffee, these two are the places to go.