So does Tab x Tab live up to the brunch buzz?

One Saturday morning we find ourselves suddenly free, our toddler having been picked up by grandparents for a day out. We make our way to Tab x Tab in Notting Hill, sure that we’ll be in for a good brunch.

Tab x Tab comes up in plenty of posts about where to eat brunch in Notting Hill. It’s had rave reviews, and today we’re here to see what all the fuss is about. Is brunch at Tab x Tab worth the hype? Let’s find out together.

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Quick info on Tab x Tab, Notting Hill

• Restaurant: Tab x Tab
• Location: Notting Hill, London
• Cuisine: modern brunch cafe
• Best dish we tried: French toast with poached pear and vanilla cream
• Coffee: Solid flat whites, good dairy-free options
• Drinks: matcha available, though not the strongest option
• Best for: coffee stops, light brunches
• Overall verdict: promising ideas, uneven execution

What’s on the Tab x Tab menu?

The Tab x Tab menu in Notting Hill focuses on breakfast staples with a modern twist. Expect French toast, sandos, eggs, and specialty drinks like matcha and alternative milks for coffee. On paper, it’s the kind of menu that should work well in Notting Hill. It’s approachable, trend-aware, and not overly complicated.

As we come to find out, the issue isn’t the ideas. It’s how they’re executed.

French toast with poached pear, raspberry and vanilla cream

We start our brunch at Tab x Tab with the French toast, which is easily the better of the two dishes we try. The plate arrives looking generous and inviting. There are thick batons of toast, well browned, alongside poached pear, raspberry compote, gingerbread crumble, and a generous dollop of vanilla cream.

The French toast itself is very good. Crisp on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and cooked properly. The raspberry compote brings acidity and sweetness, cutting through the richness nicely. The gingerbread crumble adds warmth and an oomph of spice, which works particularly well on a cold morning.

The vanilla cream is another highlight. Soft, smooth, and easy to spread, it adds richness without being cloying.

The only issue here is the pear. It’s poached, but still too firm. Instead of melting easily into the dish, it requires a bit of effort with the spoon. It’s a small detail, but it interrupts the flow of an otherwise enjoyable plate.

Still, from what we tried at Tab x Tab, this is the better dish for brunch. As far as French toast in Notting Hill goes, this is a solid option.

Chicken katsu sando with coronation slaw

Unfortunately, the chicken katsu sando at Tab x Tab is where things start to unravel.

At first glance, it looks good. The layers of sandwich are nicely stacked with neat, white bread and crisp, golden chicken. On the side is a dollop of coronation slaw. However, once you start eating, the issues become obvious.

The bread is properly stale at the edges, which strongly suggests the crusts were removed well in advance and left uncovered. That alone is hard to overlook in a brunch dish that relies heavily on bread.

The chicken itself is fine. It’s cooked well enough, decent crunch, nothing offensive. But the sandwich is overwhelmed by mayonnaise. There’s far too much of it, and it lacks brightness or dimension. We’re talking no acidity, no lift, no complexity. A squeeze of lime, a sharper pickle, or even better seasoning would have gone a long way here.

As it stands, the flavours are muted and heavy. It’s the kind of dish that looks right but eats poorly. In an area where you can get truly excellent sandos, this one just doesn’t compete.

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Coffee and matcha at Tab x Tab

The flat white with coconut milk is smooth and well made. No complaints here. It’s balanced, not overly sweet, and the coffee itself tastes decent.

We also try the Velvet Green matcha. The quality of the matcha is fine, but the drink itself is thin and not particularly hot. It lacks depth and comfort. This is not something we’d order again. A matcha latte, cushioned with milk, would likely work better here.

Overall thoughts on brunch at Tab x Tab, Notting Hill

Brunch at Tab x Tab lands in a frustrating middle ground. There’s clear intention, some good ideas, and moments where things almost come together. But overall, the execution isn’t consistent enough.

The French toast shows what the kitchen is capable of – but even that is marred by a poorly done poached pear. The sando really shows where it falls short. When brunch competition in Notting Hill is this strong, being nearly good isn’t enough.

We wouldn’t actively recommend coming here for brunch when there are so many more reliable and exciting options nearby. That might sound harsh, but it’s also honest. Tab x Tab seems to be heading in the right direction – it just hasn’t quite arrived yet.

If you’re in the area and want a coffee and something sweet, it’s fine. If you’re choosing a brunch destination specifically for great food, there are better places to put at the top of your list.

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Tab x Tab, Notting Hill
Address – Westbourne House, 14-16 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RH
Nearest Tube – Sloane Square