WatchHouse
Tower Bridge
by PlanetBrunch Published 2 years ago
A Local Favourite with Big Flavour
Tucked away in one of London's most relaxed and historic neighbourhoods, WatchHouse Tower Bridge has become one of our go-to brunch spots in the city. Just steps from the River Thames, this location blends modern café culture with a strong sense of place – and we love it for that.
The walk to the café is part of the experience. Shad Thames feels calm and safe, with old cobblestone streets and warehouse-style buildings lining the way. It's one of those areas that invites you to slow down. As you get close to number 37, the WatchHouse building stands out. Industrial, clean, and stylish – it fits the area perfectly.
At the door, the scent of fresh pastries hits you right away. The entrance doubles as a bakery counter, and it’s stacked with tempting tarts, sandwiches, and cakes. You’ll probably pause here longer than you mean to.
Inside, it’s easy to see why this is their flagship location. The café is full of light, with high ceilings and original structural columns that nod to the area's maritime roots. The interior is a careful mix of soft touches and raw materials – wooden panels, stone counters, and industrial finishes. It feels open and warm at the same time. There's a quiet buzz from people chatting and tapping away on laptops, but the vibe stays relaxed.
The menu offers a fresh take on brunch classics. We tried:
Avocado on sourdough with lemon oil, sesame, chili, and poached eggs. Bright, spicy, and perfectly cooked.
The Full House – their version of a full English. Bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, sourdough, and their house relish. Comforting and rich without feeling too heavy.
Two desserts: a fig frangipane tart and a plum tart. Both were beautifully made, just the right amount of sweet, and paired perfectly with a creamy hot chocolate.
We also ordered a fresh orange juice, an oat cappuccino, and a latte – each made with care and served quickly, despite how packed the place was. Service was friendly and fast, which we really appreciated.
One thing we’d flag: there was a wait. We stood in line outside for about 20 minutes. That's fine if you’re not in a rush, but it’s worth noting. Once inside, everything ran smoothly.
We also wouldn’t mind seeing a bit more variety or seasonal creativity on the menu – but what’s offered is solid and done very well.
The values behind the brand add to the appeal. WatchHouse works with organic producers and award-winning farms, and that shows up in the quality of the food.
Prices are mid-range, and we think the quality matches the cost. It's a great spot for a casual weekend brunch or a weekday lunch break if you're nearby.
We've been here more than once, and we'll keep coming back. Between the design, the food, and the location, WatchHouse Tower Bridge checks a lot of boxes for us.
If you're in the area, this place is definitely worth a visit – just try to beat the queue if you can.
