If it’s Sunday and you’re not out there brunching then you need to take a good long look at yourself. All around the capital restaurants are falling over themselves to follow in the footsteps of NYC-style brunches, pouring all you can drink prosecco and fancy pants eggs down our necks under the misapprehension that we won’t hit it too hard because: Sunday.
Sorry guys, we’re made of sterner stuff and we’ll mainline that free (not free, but kind of feels it) fizz for our allotted two hours before crying into our keyboards on Monday morning. Here’s where you need to try before they start seeing sense.
Percy & Founders
This stylish, bright Fitzrovia dining room has definite Sunday vibes. And for good reason. For the non-princely sum of £16 you can drink yourself silly with unlimited prosecco or Bloody Marys to accompany your choice of brunch dishes.
The menu is seasonal and varied and you’re in good hands as exec chef Diego Cardoso used to be at Angela Hartnett’s Murano, among others. We’d go for the Fontina waffles with chicken, poached egg, maple and bacon, although the vanilla French toast is a close second.
Percy & Founders, 1 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF
Pizza Buzz
Sunday morning pizza is always a good thing, and no need to chow down on last night’s congealing slice either, for between 11am – 9pm East London newcomers Pizza Buzz will serve you up a two-hour slot of pizza, free flowing bubbles and music for £25.
Watch as their talented pizzaiolas hand stretch, top and woodfire your choice of 12in pizza using an endless variety of toppings including pulled pork, merguez sausage, kale, ‘nduja and smoked salmon. Can’t choose? Try their amazing house combos like veal meatballs with sage, prosciutto and caramelised onions. Oh, and the prosecco is on tap, so basically we’re never leaving.
Pizza Buzz, Alphabeta Building, 2 Worship St, London EC2A 2AH
Asia de Cuba
If you’re celebrating or just keen to really swank it up, then run don’t walk to the Latin/Asian fusion delight that is Asia de Cuba. Situated within the lovely St Martins Lane Hotel, get started by customising your own Bloody Mary at the designated station before settling in for some phenomenal shrimp churros, ceviche, Cuban sandwiches and oh so much more in the appetiser platter before selecting a main.
Our black pepper vodka Bloody Mary with pickles and actual crispy bacon was immense and the bellinis are pretty darn special too. Finish off with chocolate chilli and caramel doughnuts to share and leave £48 poorer and drunker.
Asia De Cuba, 45 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4HX
Smith & Wollensky
More of a traditionalist? Then this is the brunch for you. You can’t ever go wrong with a Sunday roast, and this little lot from London’s newest steakhouse is a thing of beauty. Enjoy a two or three courser with a welcome Bloody Mary or Breakfast Martini – two words we’d like to see together more often, quite frankly – together with unlimited fine wines in sumptuous ’20s style surroundings.
Starters include yellowfin tuna tartare, chicken and duck liver parfait and we’re drooling over the signature prime USDA roast rib of beef. Piles of duck fat roast potatoes mean you’ll roll home, but do try to squeeze in New York style cheesecake to top things off. £50 two courses, £60 for three.
Smith & Wollensky, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam St, London WC2N 6HT
Union Street Café
Gordon Ramsay Group’s Southwark-based Union Street Cafe is another excellent choice for all your Sunday brunching needs. Their ‘Prosecco Pranzo’ comes in at between £19-£29, depending on how many courses you go for, and an extra £12 gets you free-flowing fizz for the duration.
The Northern Italian menu changes daily to reflect the seasons, but typically includes artisanally produced treats like bresaola with figs, Italian eggs with girolles and parmesan and some phenomenal pasta. The chocolate tart sounds like a bit of alright too…
Union Street Cafe, 47-51 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BS
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.