London Diaries: Brunch at Opso & Other Highlights from the Long Weekend

In keeping up with my recent winning streak of weekend brunching, this past Sunday saw me head to Opso – the modern Greek eatery just off Marylebone High Street.

I was joining a friend who had been here just the day before. But, infatuated with their brunch offering, she was in-fact the one who suggested this venue again.

Needless to say, expectations were quite high as I walked in…

Airy and well-lit by a flood of a natural light, the restaurant certainly had an inviting air to it that sunny afternoon – its contemporary look and feel, softened by potted plants and fresh flowers.

With our visit coinciding with Greek Easter, it was no surprise that this popular weekend haunt was as busy as ever! A table proved impossible to secure at the last minute, while the long communal table couldn’t afford the privacy we needed for an overdue chinwag… seats by the marble-topped bar counter would have to do.

The big fat Greek brunch commenced with slow-cooked poached eggs, blanketed by a punchy dill, lemon and Greek yogurt-based hollandaise on Opso’s signature “koulouri milk bread.”

Toasted to a crisp perfection, the sesame-coated bagel-like bread was simply perfect for scooping up all the last remnants of our deliciously runny eggs!

We proceeded to enjoy more of the Greek yogurt with Opso’s homemade granola – a sprightly mix of versatile flavours, it arrived festooned with toasted oats and hazelnut crumble, fresh pomegranate and chilled blueberries… A dash of thyme honey imparted some more sweetness, hitting a herby and aromatic note.

My unavoidable #PorridgePassion also had us try the rice porridge… it turned out to be a bit like the Greek version of kheer (an Indian rice and milk-based dessert), albeit one involving less milk and more yogurt, an Earl Grey infusion and toppings of cinnamon-hazelnut crumble and orange jelly!

Unfortunately though, we found it a touch too sweet, the delicate Earl Grey flavours overwhelmed by the rich and creamy texture of the yogurt-heavy porridge…

All told however, it was a beautiful brunch and one that would definitely have me coming back two days in a row too – especially now that I’ve made it my mission to make my way through their bucket-list of a menu! Cream cheese pancakes anyone?

Opso, 10 Paddington St, London W1U 5QL

In other weekend news – I’ve actually ended up spending heaps of time in cosy Marylebone over the past few days revisiting old favourites, starting with bubbles & bar bites with college mates at Social Wine and Tapas – the elegant tapas, restaurant and wine bar from Jason Atherton…

… It was then on to Busaba Eathai nearby, for the Thai comfort food I’ve been recently craving. Followed by cocktails and cookies at Chez Chow – the vintage, speakeasy-esque basement bar below North Audley Cantine in Mayfair.

I know, I know.

I do seem to be gravitating towards NAC a lot recently, having been there for brunch just last week.

In my defence though – these melt-in-your-mouth, crushed milk chocolate cookies with Frosties ice cream couldn’t have spelled a sweeter start to the long May Day weekend!

Meanwhile, Saturday night was spent indulging in sushi scenes at Ohisama – a hidden gem in Marylebone, that does plentiful right by us vegetarians with fresh and creative dishes bursting with flavour…

Significantly side-tracked by ordering seconds and thirds of the mysterious Dr. Watson rolls, we *almost* missed our movie, Captain America: Civil War.

Luckily the cinema, Everyman on Baker Street, was right around the corner and we slid into our comfy seats just in time to see the cinema manager personally greet the audience – such a lovely touch!

I highly recommend the movie by way, if you’re even the slightest fan of Marvel’s superhero universe.

As for the bank holiday Monday – I escaped grey London for the sunniest of afternoons in Harrods, previewing their Floral Afternoon Tea, which celebrates the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show…