Is there anything more inviting than the prospect of weekend brunch? Naturally, over time, I’ve narrowed down on the best of it in my neighbourhood! From an Italian spin to this Sunday tradition, to hedonistic highlights featuring all the black truffles – this edit curates the best brunches in Mayfair, consonant with their grand surrounds!
Theo Randall’s, InterContinental Park Lane
The Festa en Familia weekend lunch at Theo Randall at at the InterContinental, is the epitome of a Sunday contentedly well spent feasting with family! Aperol (Negronis or Prosecco) set a breezy start to a convivial afternoon, as we make our way around counters piled high with Italian-inspired salads and antipasti, featuring everything from fabulously-fresh burrata and bruschetta to prosciutto.
Next. The concept of convivial-sharing manifests in Theo’s handmade ravioli appearing on the table, luxuriating in butter and sage; before we have a chance to choose from an indulgent selection of brunchy-dishes, including the fluffiest of frittatas speckled with caprino fresco!
And to finish? Crepes made to order and a platter of Theo’s finest pastries, including that lemon tart bringing home sun-kissed memories of summers in Amalfi… (find the recipe, here).
InterContinental, 1 Hamilton Pl, London W1J 7QY | https://www.theorandall.com/
Four Seasons, Park Lane
Meanwhile, just across the street, Ruinart is flowing, as the airy environs of Amaranto at Four Seasons Park Lane are soundtracked by the mellow medley of a live guitarist. Brunch here is a suitably yet subtly decadent affair, constellating on a field-to-fork feast and carefully-crafted, prettily-plated dishes dabbling in weekend favourites. There’s even a seafood platter in the offing, heaving with the freshest catch of the day.
We mainline with a shakshouka (for me) and tuna carpaccio (for him), before its onto lemon and ricotta pancakes, not to mention all those unabashed helpings of the desserts dramatically on display!
Hamilton Pl, Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1J 7DR | https://www.fourseasons.com/london/dining/brunch/
Monck’s, Dover Street
While nothing could truly take the place of Automat on Dover Street (if you know, you know), its recent replacement – Monck’s – strives to be a worthy weekend contender. While its stylised Art Deco-inspired interiors are swathed in details evocative of the grand mittel cafes of Europe, brunch is decidedly for the modern ages (at times confusingly so, with a menu that’s quite frankly all over the place).
If you’re really looking for a reason to visit, you’ll find it in the insanely-Instagrammable form of a Mac n Cheese, enveloped by a rush of the meatiest Perigod black truffles!
Moncks, 33 Dover Street, London W1S 4NF | https://moncksbrasserie.com/
34, South Audley Street
Primarily known for its organic steaks, seasonal game and fish, the handsome restaurant from Caprice Holdings also has a less carnivorous side with lighter dishes and a dedicated veggie menu on request. Their weekend brunch is an all-too-dreamy affair, featuring the likes of charcoal lobster tacos, huevos rancheros and banoffee waffles, alongside complimentary baskets of their highly-craveable banana bread!
Grosvenor Square (entrance on South Audley Street), London W1K 2HDX | https://34-restaurant.co.uk/
Coya, Green Park
Rather removed from brunch as you know it, is the party Brunch at Coya Mayfair.
Bottomless pisco sours and canapés kick things off on a spirited tone pulsating to the high-octane beats of Coya’s DJ; before you help yourself to Coya’s characteristic take on Peruvian staples in the main restaurant. At some point, the afternoon erupts into a full-blown party so don’t be too surprised if you discover yourself dancing with your neighbouring diners before moving on to dessert! Full review, here.
118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NW | https://www.coyarestaurant.com/london-mayfair-brunch/
NAC, North Audley Street
Still as terrifically-trendy as the day it first opened, North Audley Cantine caters brunch right after a millennial’s heart. Think acai and poke bowls; sliders and truffle burgers; eggs any way you like ’em, including scrambled and sandwiched between brioche buns with a dollop of jalapeño mayo; and of course, *those* crushed milk chocolate cookies heaped with Frosties soft serve!
41 North Audley Street – W1K6ZP | https://www.naclondon.co.uk/
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