There’s a reason brunch lovers keep finding their way to Brother Marcus in Covent Garden — since opening in 2020, this East Mediterranean spot has built a following for its mezze plates and weekend brunch that runs until 16:00, according to the official Brother Marcus website (restaurant’s own pages). Here’s what you need to know before you go — from walk-in policies to what’s actually on the menu.
Brunch hours: Sat–Sun, 9 am–4 pm ·
Breakfast (weekday): Mon–Fri until 12 pm ·
Pre-theatre menu: Daily 12:00–18:00
Quick snapshot
- Located at 23 Slingsby Place, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9AB (official Brother Marcus location page)
- Cuisine: East Mediterranean with Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, and Israeli influences (SquareMeal restaurant guide)
- Open Mon–Sat 08:00–23:00, Sun 08:30–21:00 (official Brother Marcus location page)
- Free Wi‑Fi available at all locations (official Brother Marcus FAQ) (official Brother Marcus location page)
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options available (First Table restaurant listing)
- The exact identity of the founding team (not publicly disclosed) — the official site does not name individuals
- Whether any celebrity (Kim Kardashian, Kate Middleton) has ever dined at Brother Marcus — no confirmed reports (the official site)
- Exact number of staff or annual customer volume — not published (the official site)
- Free Wi‑Fi availability (only confirmed by official site, no independent verification) (the official site)
- Venue spans two floors with a roof terrace and outdoor seating overlooking The Yard, per Chatting Food Magazine (food blog)
- Interior can be noisy; outside or upstairs seating recommended for a quieter experience, per TheFork reviewer feedback
- Pre‑theatre menu available daily 12:00–18:00 (official FAQ) (Chatting Food Magazine (food blog))
- Continued expansion into other London neighbourhoods appears likely given the four‑location growth pattern since 2016
- Potential for celebrity‑driven buzz as the brand gains national recognition
- Menu innovation — seasonal small plates and brunch specials are typical for East Med restaurants
Nine key data points, one picture: Brother Marcus Covent Garden is a well‑run all‑day restaurant with clear policies and verified hours.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Brother Marcus |
| Cuisine type | East Mediterranean |
| London locations | 4 (Covent Garden, Soho, Spitalfields, Victoria) |
| Founder | Team of friends (not a single named individual) |
| Year opened (first location) | 2016 (Spitalfields pop‑up) |
| Known for | Weekend brunch, mezze sharing plates, vibrant atmosphere |
| Walk‑ins policy | Yes, all locations |
| Price range | £10–£25 per person for brunch |
| Dietary options | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free available |
Who owns Brother Marcus?
Founder background and restaurant group structure
Brother Marcus was founded by a team of friends who started as a pop‑up in Spitalfields Market in 2016, according to the official Brother Marcus website. The ownership remains with the founding group — there has been no major corporate acquisition reported. The name references brotherhood and a shared passion for food, but no single person named Marcus exists; the name is metaphorical.
Number of locations and ownership model
As of early 2025, Brother Marcus operates four London locations: Covent Garden, Soho, Spitalfields, and Victoria. Each is company‑owned; no franchise or licensing deals have been announced. This growth from a single pop‑up to four outlets in nine years signals a tightly run independent group.
Independent ownership means the team can adapt menus and policies quickly without corporate red tape, but it also means limited funding for rapid expansion compared to chain rivals.
The implication for diners: consistent quality across branches, since the same founding team oversees all operations.
Why is Brother Marcus called that?
Meaning behind the name
The name “Brother Marcus” draws on the founders’ own bond. In interviews and on the restaurant’s official site (brand story), the team describes it as representing brotherhood and a shared passion for East Mediterranean cuisine. There is no individual named Marcus — the name is abstract, meant to evoke a sense of family and hospitality rather than a specific person.
Connection to the founders
The pop‑up roots in Spitalfields are a recurring theme: the founders wanted a name that felt personal and welcoming. “Brother” signals warmth, and “Marcus” gives it a Mediterranean‑sounding ring that aligns with the food. According to The Infatuation (London restaurant guide), the name has become synonymous with brunch in the city, though no single founder claims the title.
Because the founders stay anonymous, attempts to verify the precise name story rely on the restaurant’s own marketing — no third‑party confirmation exists.
The pattern: the name is a deliberate branding choice, not a biography entry.
What kind of food is Brother Marcus?
East Mediterranean mezze and small plates
The cuisine draws from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel, with plenty of olive oil, fresh herbs, and grilled vegetables. SquareMeal highlights breakfast pitas with feta and spinach and a smoky shakshuka as menu examples at Covent Garden. The focus is on sharing plates, so diners can mix and match several dishes.
Signature brunch menu items
Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 9 am–4 pm) is the main event. The Infatuation notes tomato stacks, koftas, and mezze plates are staples. The official FAQ confirms breakfast is available weekdays until noon, and the pre‑theatre menu runs daily from 12:00 to 18:00.
Vegan and dietary options
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free dishes are marked on the menu. First Table lists the venue as suitable for families and groups, with plenty of plant‑based options. A typical meal for one with a main and a drink runs £10–£25, according to The Mayfair Foodie (food review site).
For plant‑based eaters, the East Med menu offers naturally vegan‑friendly dishes like hummus, falafel, and grilled vegetables — no need to ask for substitutions.
The trade‑off: the no‑reservation policy for walk‑ins means weekend brunch queues can be long (see next section).
Does Brother Marcus take walk-ins?
Walk-in availability by location
Yes — walk‑ins are accepted at all four Brother Marcus locations, subject to availability. The official Covent Garden page confirms that while reservations are recommended for weekend brunch, tables are released for walk‑ins throughout the day.
Peak time recommendations
Weekend brunch hours (9 am–4 pm) are busiest, especially between 10:30 am and 1 pm. Weekday walk‑ins are generally easier, and the pre‑theatre menu slot (12:00–18:00) tends to be quieter. Chatting Food Magazine notes that weekday service starts with breakfast before shifting to all‑day mezze, giving walk‑ins a continuous option.
Booking platform used
Reservations can be made directly on the official website or by phone. Third‑party platforms like TheFork and First Table also list availability. For large groups (6+), a phone call is advisable because online booking may cap party sizes.
If you arrive as a walk‑in during peak brunch, be prepared for a 15‑ to 30‑minute wait, especially at the smaller Soho location.
The implication: Brother Marcus is considerably more accessible than trendier spots like The Ivy Asia Leeds, where reservations are notoriously tight.
What is the hardest restaurant to get into in London?
Current most exclusive London restaurants
As of 2025, the toughest tables belong to Core by Clare Smyth (3 Michelin stars), The Fat Duck in Berkshire, and Gymkhana (Mayfair Indian). These spots can require bookings weeks or months in advance. The Infatuation ranks Brother Marcus as a solid mid‑range option with same‑week availability, putting it in a different league from the ultra‑exclusive tier. For more restaurant options outside London, see our guide to Places to Eat in Glasgow.
How Brother Marcus compares in accessibility
Brother Marcus Covent Garden generally has reservations available online up to a few days ahead. The Mayfair Foodie calls it “one of the best brunch spots in Covent Garden” precisely because it balances quality with approachability. For a spontaneous dinner, walk‑ins are possible at any of the four locations.
The pattern: if you can get a table at Gymkhana, you’re a bookings ninja. If you want brunch this weekend without the stress, Brother Marcus is the smarter choice.
Can I wear jeans to dinner in London?
Dress code at Brother Marcus
There is no formal dress code at Brother Marcus. Smart casual is the norm — jeans, trainers, and jumpers are fine. The restaurant’s own style, as shown on its official website, is relaxed and contemporary. Even during dinner, you’ll see diners in denim.
General London dining etiquette
For mid‑range restaurants like Brother Marcus, jeans are widely acceptable across London. High‑end establishments (e.g., Core by Clare Smyth, The Ritz) require jackets or at least “smart” attire, but the vast majority of London’s 20,000+ restaurants welcome jeans. TheFork feedback on Brother Marcus mentions “casual vibe” as a plus.
For travellers worried about over‑ or under‑dressing, Brother Marcus is a safe bet — no wardrobe anxiety.
The catch: if you’re heading to a Michelin‑star place after, you’ll need to change, but for a one‑stop evening, jeans are fine.
Where does Kate Middleton eat in London?
Kate Middleton’s known London restaurant visits
British media have reported that Kate Middleton’s favourite London dining spots include Nopi (Yotam Ottolenghi’s Soho restaurant) and several Green Michelin‑starred venues. There is no specific evidence that she has ever dined at Brother Marcus. The rumour occasionally surfaces on social media but lacks credible sources.
Brother Marcus connection (if any)
Brother Marcus has not been mentioned in any royal‑adjacent media. A search of TripAdvisor reviews shows no staff reports of royal visits. The celebrity angle remains unconfirmed, and for now it’s best to treat it as a friendly myth.
The takeaway for curious diners: you’re more likely to spot a food blogger than a princess at Brother Marcus.
From pop‑up to four London locations
- 2016: Brother Marcus begins as a pop‑up in Spitalfields Market, serving mezze and brunch.
- 2018: First permanent site opens in Spitalfields.
- 2020: Covent Garden branch opens, introducing the brand to the West End.
- 2022: Soho location launches, adding a smaller, more intimate venue.
- 2024: Victoria branch opens — the largest capacity location, near Vauxhall station.
- 2025: Recognised as a top London brunch spot by food blogs and user reviews.
These milestones come from the restaurant’s own growth narrative, as reported on its official website and corroborated by The Mayfair Foodie (food review site).
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Four London locations: Covent Garden, Soho, Spitalfields, Victoria. (The Mayfair Foodie)
- Cuisine is East Mediterranean (Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Israeli influences). (SquareMeal)
- Walk‑ins accepted at all locations. (Chatting Food Magazine)
- Weekend brunch served 9 am–4 pm. (official FAQ)
- Reservations can be made via the restaurant website. (official contact page)
What’s unclear
- The exact identity of the individual founders — not publicly disclosed.
- Whether any celebrity (Kim Kardashian, Kate Middleton) has ever dined at Brother Marcus.
- Exact number of staff or annual customer volume.
- Free Wi‑Fi details — only confirmed by official site, no independent verification.
What the food writers say
“Our story, from the East Med to London – we started as a tiny pop‑up in Spitalfields and grew because people loved the sharing plates and the relaxed vibe.”
— Founding team, as quoted on the Brother Marcus website (restaurant’s own pages)
“The Covent Garden branch would have a similar menu to other locations, with a big focus on brunch, tomato stacks, koftas, and mezze plates.”
“The venue is set over two floors and has a roof terrace plus two terraces overlooking The Yard – a great spot for a sunny weekend brunch.”
— Chatting Food Magazine (food blog)
For anyone planning a brunch outing or casual dinner in central London, Brother Marcus Covent Garden delivers a reliable, well‑sourced East Med experience without the booking nightmare. For the fashion‑conscious diner wondering about dress codes, the message is clear: wear your favourite jeans, order the shakshuka, and don’t worry about the royals.
For the latest offerings and walk-in availability, check our up-to-date Brother Marcus menu guide before heading over.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Brother Marcus Covent Garden?
Monday to Saturday 08:00–23:00, Sunday 08:30–21:00, per the official location page.
Does Brother Marcus offer a set menu?
Yes, a pre‑theatre menu is available daily from 12:00 to 18:00 at Covent Garden, as confirmed by the official FAQ.
Is there vegetarian or vegan food at Brother Marcus?
Yes — vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options are marked on the menu. First Table lists the venue as vegan‑friendly.
Can I book a table for a large group at Brother Marcus?
Reservations for large groups (6+) are best made by phone. Online booking may cap party sizes. The official contact page provides the phone number.
What is the best time to visit Brother Marcus to avoid queues?
Weekday lunchtimes (12:00–14:00) and early dinner (17:00–18:00) are quietest. Weekend brunch between 10:30 am and 1 pm sees the longest wait, according to Chatting Food Magazine.
Does Brother Marcus have a loyalty program or discount?
No public loyalty program exists. Discounts are occasionally offered through booking platforms like First Table.
What is the nearest tube station to Brother Marcus Covent Garden?
Both Leicester Square and Covent Garden Underground stations are within a 5‑minute walk, as noted on the official location page.
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.