I first heard about Brother Marcus a few years ago, drawn in by its reputation for serving a proper Eastern Mediterranean brunch (and its highly Instagrammable dishes). Fast forward to today, and this London hotspot is still going strong, with diners raving about its East-Mediterranean fusion and vibrant atmosphere.
Founded in 2016 by school friends turned hospitality pros, Tas Gaitanos and Alex Large, Brother Marcus was named after Alex’s little brother, Marcus – apparently a guy who makes friends with just about anyone. And honestly, that vibe carries through the whole experience. The moment you step inside any Brother Marcus restaurant, it feels warm, buzzy, and effortlessly welcoming, like you’ve just walked into a big, lively family gathering (where the food is amazing).
With locations popping up all over London, Brother Marcus has built its reputation on all-day dining and a seriously good weekend brunch. The menu is a love letter to the Eastern Mediterranean, packed with flavours and recipes inspired by Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Lebanon. Think fluffy pita fresh from the oven, perfectly charred halloumi, slow-cooked meats that fall apart at the touch of a fork, and dips so good you’ll be scraping the plate with your finger when the bread runs out.
First Impressions
I checked out Brother Marcus’ newest spot in Covent Garden on a buzzy Thursday night (because Thursdays are the new Fridays). The place was packed with young, trendy diners filling every corner, the hum of chatter and clinking glasses setting the perfect scene. I’d only ever heard great things about Brother Marcus, so I was more than ready to see what all the hype was about.
We were whisked upstairs by the friendly team and seated straight away. A quick glance at the menu had me intrigued, but our server, a bubbly, charismatic lady, offered to choose our dishes for us. We love a surprise, and since we’re not fussy eaters, we happily put ourselves in her hands.
A Mediterranean Twist on Classics
To kick things off, we dived into their signature cocktail menu, and wow what a start. I went for the Aleppo Margarita, a smoky, citrusy blend of Quiquiriqui Mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and a hint of Ouzo, while my dining partner had the Greek Paloma, a gorgeous mix of Rooster Rojo Tequila, Roots Mastiha, grapefruit liqueur, pink peppercorn syrup, and Three Cents pink grapefruit soda. Both were refreshing, beautifully balanced, and dangerously easy to sip. The kind of cocktails that instantly set the mood for a great night ahead.
And with that, we were officially in celebration mode, ready to see what Brother Marcus had in store for us next.
The Ultimate Sharing Platter
We kicked things off with the Rips & Dips Platter, a dream of a sharing starter. Warm, pillowy pitta, perfectly toasted and dusted with za’atar, arrived alongside a selection of marinated olives, infused with preserved lemon, chilli, and rosemary – the ideal balance of briny, citrusy, and just a hint of heat. But the real stars? The dips.
We scooped up spoonfuls of roasted beetroot hummus, velvety and earthy, lifted with fragrant herb oil and a kick of Urfa chilli. The fennel tzatziki was creamy yet refreshing, the Aleppo chilli adding a subtle warmth that lingered on the palate. And then there was the smoked aubergine baba ganoush, rich, silky, and beautifully balanced with a drizzle of harissa oil. Every bite was a layering of flavours – smoky, tangy, spicy, and fresh all at once. I could easily picture myself tucking into this on their outdoor terrace on a hot summer’s day, cocktail in hand. It’s that kind of dish – unpretentious, moreish, and made for sharing.
Small Plates with Big Impact
Next came a selection of Mezze dishes, each one as vibrant and beautifully plated as the last. The baked beetroot was a standout, its natural sweetness intensified in the oven, paired with creamy Galomizithra cheese, a sprinkle of pistachio dukkah, and a drizzle of herb oil and Urfa chilli. We used our leftover pita to soak up every drop of the oil and juices pooling on the plate – too good to waste.
Then came the charred celeriac, slow-cooked with turmeric until it was melt-in-the-mouth soft, served with a tangy lemon and dill aioli, sweet confit garlic, and a scattering of almond dukkah and pine nuts. It was rich, nutty, and wonderfully aromatic, each mouthful bursting with warmth from the turmeric.
The crispy aubergine skewer was another triumph – golden and crunchy on the outside, buttery soft inside, its natural smokiness elevated by a punchy shatta herb sauce, cooling labneh, and a drizzle of grape molasses for a touch of sweetness.
Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering the crispy calamari – because when is that ever a bad idea? These light, golden rings of perfection had just the right amount of crunch, paired with a zingy zhoug aioli, a squeeze of burnt lime, and a final dusting of Aleppo chilli for that extra little kick.
Greek Wine at its Best
All of this was washed down with a bottle of Three Hills, Agiorgitiko – Kokotos, a red wine from Attiki, Greece 2023. Light, fruity, with supple tannins, it was easy-drinking and the perfect pairing for the bold flavours of the mezze. The portion sizes were spot on – enough to feel indulgent, but not overwhelming.
A Dessert to Remember
Just when we thought we couldn’t fit another bite, out came dessert – a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie, served with raspberry and sumac labneh and a glossy berry compote. The sumac added an unexpected, slightly tangy twist, cutting through the sweetness and making it feel almost grown-up and sophisticated.
Other desserts on the menu tempted us such as the Tahini cheesecake and the Peach & olive oil cake both sounded like the kind of desserts I’d return for. And honestly, I might just come back for coffee and dessert alone – they’ve nailed that perfect balance of sweet with a subtle savoury edge, which, for someone like me (who leans more savoury than sweet), is exactly how I like to end a meal.
Final Thoughts
Brother Marcus lives up to the hype. It’s easy to see why this brand has been growing since 2016. The flavours transport you straight to the Eastern Mediterranean, a buzzy yet laid-back atmosphere, and a team that makes you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re here for a long, lazy brunch, a post-work cocktail, or an indulgent mezze feast with friends, this is a spot you’ll want to revisit.
As for me? I’ll be back. Maybe next time, for a sun-soaked afternoon on their terrace, pitta in one hand, a Greek Paloma in the other. Sounds like perfection to me.
For more, visit brothermarcus.co.uk
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All images courtesy of Brother Marcus London.