Insider's Pick
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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Orpington
★ 5.0(1 review)Café
cozymusic-loverfriendly
About the Vibe
Tucked away on Orpington High Street, The Orpington is your go-to spot for a proper brunch with a side of vinyl. Owner Scott Buckle has nailed the formula: think runny poached eggs on English muffins with wholegrain mustard hollandaise, washed down with a fresh fruit punch smoothie, all while browsing LPs from Fleetwood Mac to ELO. Yes, it’s pricier than your average café (£19.80 for eggs royale and a drink), but the quality and that laid-back, music-lover’s dream vibe make it worth every penny.
Known For
- •Eggs Royale with smoked salmon
- •House-made fruit punch smoothies
- •Vinyl record store
- •Travellers' Choice Award 2025
Best For
brunchsolo coffeerecord browsing
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 8, 2026
A music-lover’s brunch dream
The Orpington is the kind of place that makes you want to linger over your coffee and flip through the record collection for hours. The atmosphere is genuinely warm and welcoming—staff clearly know their regulars by name, and the music selection (think Fleetwood Mac, ELO) sets the perfect mood. The food is where it really shines: the eggs royale is a standout, with perfectly runny yolks and a hollandaise that’s got a real kick from the wholegrain mustard. Pair it with their fruit punch smoothie (orange, cranberry, banana, apple) and you’ve got a brunch that feels like a treat rather than just a meal.
It’s not cheap—expect to drop nearly £20 for a main and drink—but you’re paying for quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and an experience you won’t find at a chain café. The Travellers’ Choice Award for 2025 is well-earned; this place consistently delivers on food, service, and that unique café-record-store hybrid vibe. If you’re in Orpington and want somewhere that feels local without being pretentious, this is it.