Just a brisk stroll up Regent’s Canal towpath, the Barge House is renowned as one of the capital’s foremost all-day brunch destinations. Their irresistibly Instagrammable signature dish – a whole sourdough loaf, with a full English breakfast (or veg/vegan variation) bursting forth from the centre – is the ultimate reward at the end of your waterside walk.

Of course, Covid has done its best to scupper all such social dining rituals this year, but the bright flipside of this dark time has been the amount of innovation that has had to take place. Nowhere illustrates this better that the Barge House’s pivot to home delivery of their fabled brunch creations.

The Breakfast En Bread service, set up in haste during the first lockdown, now delivers UK-wide, bringing an extensive range of part-cooked sourdough meals to your door, simply to be popped in the oven and ready in 20 mins.

“We’re here to feed, please, and make life just that little bit easier,” says Operations Director Darren Elliott. “Nurture your soul, share the love, and get involved.”
Alongside the original, smoked salmon, cheesy veg and aubergine-topped vegan staples, a range of gift boxes pairs the breads with produce from other independent local suppliers, including Climpson’s coffee, and Sapling Spirits for a brilliant Bloody Mary.

“And from today, your readers will be able to order The Festive Edition, The Baked Cheese, and The Hot Stuff, too” says Darren. “An alternative year lends itself to an alternative Christmas, so we’ve given our signature sourdough some festive love to create the perfect Christmas dinner. Languishing lunches, Friday night treats, Christmas parties made for you with-out the mess and stress – although we say it ourselves, they look and taste amazing, you’re in for a treat.”

Just behold the jaunty legs of whole roast quail emerging from melted cheese nestled upon a bed of roast veg and chestnut apricot stuffing (above) and you’ll instantly understand how Breakfast En Bread is going to revolutionise your stay-at-home Xmas plans. Meanwhile The Barge House can happily provide online entertainment, games and drinks if you want to throw a big fat virtual Christmas party, with everything you and your ‘guests’ need turning up in a box. (Email consierge@breakfastenbread.com with your wishes and requirements).

“This year it has never been more important to tell someone you’re thinking of them, and these all make for incredible gifts to have arrive at your door,” says Darren. “All our breads and boxes are sent with love and laughter, and support our ethos of ‘honest enough for the everyday, delicious enough for a special occasion.’”