Beam is a little ray of light.
That’s science.
But it’s also true in the case of this family-run café on Westbourne Grove.
Open seven days a week, Beam serves breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes inspired by the family’s Middle Eastern heritage; although there’s lots of mediterranean style food on the menu too, with decent vegan and veggie options available. It’s the third to open up in London and this Notting Hill location has been quite the hit. Warm and cosy with a cool mid-century vibe, the cafe makes brilliant use of what is quite a narrow space so there’s plenty of room to get comfortable. And the bubble lighting is not only funky but flattering, just in case there’s some tired eyes of a morning.
But you came for the food and drink, and you’ll be glad you did. The cafe takes its lead from a Middle Eastern custom called ‘Kahvalti’ which literally translates to “before coffee”. The tradition dates back to the Ottoman Empire, and today friends and family gather in their local kahvalti houses to have breakfast together. So think of Beam as your local, and get ready to tuck in…
Highlights on the lengthy menu include the shakshuka; organic free-range eggs cooked slowly in a fiery tomato sauce with peppers, spices and cheese and a crunchy bread dipper. Add chorizo for some extra zing. For those who just want a fry up there’s a beautifully sourced Full English on offer, but the real treats are the Mediterranean Breakfast or the Breakfast Burrito. The portions are extremely generous, and everything – from the eggs to the avocados, bread and meat – is of fantastic quality.
And it doesn’t stop at the food. There’s a massive assortment of teas, coffees, smoothies and juices to be had, as well as breakfast cocktails for lunchtime and later in the day.
NOTE: Beam is open daily from 8am-6pm. It’s walk-in only – you can find out more here.
Beam Notting Hill | 103 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W2 4UW
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