Breakfast at Soleado, Mercato Mayfair – A Morning Worth Making Time For
There’s something quietly memorable about starting the day beneath vaulted ceilings, with natural light filtering through stained glass and the soft background hum of a city just waking up. That’s the experience at Soleado, a breakfast spot tucked inside Mercato Mayfair, where heritage, design, and flavour come together in one of central London’s most atmospheric settings.
Once a Grade I-listed Anglican church, St Mark’s on North Audley Street was deconsecrated in 1974 and spent 30 years on England’s Historic Heritage Risk Register. Today, thanks to a £5 million restoration by Grosvenor Estates, it has been transformed into one of London’s most striking food and community spaces. Its rebirth as Mercato Mayfair preserves all the character of the original building, the archways, stone columns, wood-carved details, while introducing a new layer of purpose. Soleado fits into that space beautifully: calm, inviting, and just the right level of refined.
Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 11.30am, and whether you arrive for a quick bite before work or a slower morning meeting, the pace and warmth of service make you want to stay a little longer. Claudia, who looked after us, was as attentive as she was cheerful and a reminder that good hospitality doesn’t need to be formal to make an impression.
The menu is the work of Chef Marcos Morán, a fifth-generation Spanish chef whose family restaurant in Asturias, Casa Gerardo, has held a Michelin star for over 30 years. He brings both depth and clarity to the Soleado breakfast menu, keeping things simple, well-sourced, and seasonal. It’s a confident offering that doesn’t overreach but instead, it focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well.
We began with a mimosa (£12) made with freshly squeezed orange juice and Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia – a crisp and elegant Cava, the kind of drink that quietly lifts a morning without demanding attention.
There’s a definite Spanish lean to the food, but nothing feels heavy. Churros with hot chocolate (£8.50) are beautifully done. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, with a dark, velvety chocolate sauce that leans bitter rather than sweet. It’s a rich start, yes, but not overindulgent – more a moment of comfort.
The Continental breakfast (£15) comes with a well-balanced selection of Spanish cured meats and cheeses, alongside freshly baked bread. There’s a noticeable depth of flavour in the Iberico ham, the kind that suggests proper ageing and traditional curing, likely bellota (acorn)-fed. Our Art Director, Steve, was thoroughly impressed – though he did suggest, with his designer’s eye, that the menu’s font size could be increased slightly. It’s a minor note in an otherwise carefully thought-through experience.
I went for the Soleado Breakfast (£15), which leans more British in composition: scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, grilled tomato and mushroom. The scrambled eggs were soft and buttery, the bacon just crisped, and the sausage had good seasoning. Crucially, the plate was well-balanced and enough to keep you going until lunchtime, but not so much that you’re looking at a siesta before your first meeting.
Other options include the Spanish tortilla (£7.50), Mediterranean toast with grilled vegetables and optional eggs (£7 + £2), and a selection of pastries (croissants, pain au chocolat, and toast with butter and honey, each at £4). There’s also a more health-conscious side to the menu, with granola and yoghurt (£7) and fresh fruit salad (£7), all clearly laid out and reasonably priced for the area.
Coffee and tea are done properly here too. There’s no fanfare, just well-made drinks served at the right temperature. I finished with an Americano (£3.50), which was smooth and creamy with no bitterness, rounding things off nicely.
Before leaving, it’s worth stopping by the small curated shop by the entrance. It offers hand-crafted cards, succulents, and a few considered gifts that feel in keeping with the tone of the place – understated but thoughtful.
What makes Soleado stand out is how naturally it fits into the surroundings. It’s a good place to be and enjoy breakfast with a buddy or business partner. Chef Morán’s menu brings together Spanish quality and Mayfair calm, offering food that quietly reflects the character of the space: elegant without fuss, and full of quiet life.
Whether you’re a local looking for a quality start to the day, or passing through on business, Soleado is worth seeking out. The whole setting is rare and lingers in the mind, long after the last sip of coffee.
For more places where atmosphere, heritage and quality come together over a great plate of food, keep exploring EyeOnLondon. Whether you’re after a quiet morning, a memorable setting or just something genuinely well made, we’ve got you covered. Share your favourite breakfast finds or thoughts on Soleado in the comments – we’d love to know where your mornings begin.
[Image Credit: soleadorestaurants]
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
