Emma Mykytyn Broadway Cafe Muswell Hill review: a proper London full breakfast
Just around the corner from the main stretch of Muswell Hill Broadway, Broadway Cafe is the sort of traditional London café that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. There are no elaborate brunch dishes, tiny portions or unnecessary decorations here. Instead, expect large plates, mugs of tea, straightforward service and a menu filled with familiar café favourites.
Inside Broadway Cafe
Broadway Cafe has the look and feel of a classic neighbourhood caff. Large front windows make the dining room bright and provide a good spot for watching Muswell Hill go about its day.
Inside, the décor is simple and practical, with plenty of tables and an extensive menu displayed. It attracts a mixed crowd of local residents, workers and visitors looking for something more substantial than coffee and pastries.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, while service is generally quick. Despite its old-school character, the café feels clean and well looked after rather than tired or neglected.
Menu at Broadway Cafe Muswell Hill
We chose Set Breakfast No. 2, one of the largest cooked breakfasts on the menu and shared it, we aren’t that greedy….well sometimes!
The plate comes loaded with two sausages, two eggs, bacon, baked beans, bubble and squeak, black pudding, mushrooms and tomatoes. Tea and toast are also included, making it a seriously substantial breakfast.
This is a proper café fry-up, filling most of the plate and designed to keep you going for several hours.
The inclusion of both black pudding and bubble and squeak helps it stand out from more basic full breakfasts. The bubble adds a welcome crispy, savoury element, while the beans and tomatoes provide enough sauce to stop the plate feeling too dry.
Two eggs also feel generous, particularly alongside the bacon and pair of sausages. Add the toast and a mug of tea, and there is more than enough food for even a determined breakfast eater.
At £16.00 this is no longer an exceptionally cheap fry-up, but the portion is enormous and includes tea and toast. You would struggle to leave hungry, it certainly filled our bellies happily.
For Muswell Hill, where many cafés lean towards the smarter and more expensive end of the brunch market, Broadway Cafe offers a refreshing alternative. It is an honest, unfussy breakfast served without any unnecessary ceremony.
Broadway Cafe Muswell Hill verdict
Broadway Cafe is worth visiting when you want a traditional full English rather than a fashionable brunch.
The huge Set Breakfast No. 2 delivers just about everything you could want on one plate, including bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding and bubble and squeak. Tea and toast complete the experience.
It may not offer the most refined breakfast in North London, but refinement is not really the point. Broadway Cafe succeeds because it feels genuine: a bright, busy neighbourhood caff serving generous portions of uncomplicated food.
Where is Broadway Cafe
Broadway Cafe 520–522 Muswell Hill Broadway London N10 1BT
Getting to Broadway Cafe
Muswell Hill does not have an Underground station, but the area is well served by buses.
Routes 43 and 134 connect Muswell Hill with Highgate station, while the 102 provides a connection with East Finchley. The W7 also runs between Muswell Hill Broadway and Finsbury Park station. Check with the TfL journey planner for up to date information.
The café sits close to the main Muswell Hill bus stops and is only a short walk from the centre of the Broadway.
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