Tag Archives: brunch

Weekend Brunch at Theo’s Simple Italian

Posted on by

At the weekend I had the opportunity to visit Hotel Indigo Kensington for a taste of the new Theo’s Simple Italian weekend brunch menu. This stylish, contemporary hotel is conveniently tucked away minutes away from Earl’s Court station, but feels sheltered from the tourist trail.

Theo's Simple ItalianTheo's Simple Italian

The restaurant, Theo’s Simple Italian, is bright and modern with patterned floors and colourful furniture, an Instagrammer’s dream. The group of bloggers wandered round, with Bellini’s in hand, taking photos of every detail.

Theo's Simple Italian

Before the feast began we had the chance to watch the master chef at work, as he demonstrated how to make the best homemade pasta. I few tips I took away from the lesson: smaller eggs tend to have brighter better yolks, buy a pasta machine from Imperia (£40 on Amazon), cook the pasta al dente and finish cooking in with the sauce. As a pasta lover myself I volunteered to help with the ravioli making, I vowed to myself to spend more time mastering the techniques at home.

Theo's Simple ItalianTheo's Simple Italian

The new brunch menu is designed for sharing. Priced at £35 per person it includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, an anti-pasti platter, a dish of fresh pasta or risotto, a seasonal meat or fish dish and dessert.

Highlights for me included the creamy burrata with proscuitto di Parma, Pappardelle con ragu di manzo (slow cooked beef in Chianti and San Marzano tomatoes) and Theo’s famous, vibrant yellow, Amalfi lemon tart, which lasted barely a minute on our table! The whole meal was paired with delicious Italian wines, carefully chosen by the sommelier.

Good, relaxed Italian food is not easy to find in London, but Theo Randall ticks every box with this generous and flavoursome brunch. Book a room at Hotel Indigo so you can enjoy a European siesta after gorging on the wonderful Italian cuisine.

More information and book a table here.

Notch Rooftop Brunch, Marble Arch

Posted on by

In the warmer months I often get asked, ‘where is the best rooftop bar in London?’ As a Peckham resident, Franks is my go to venue, but many Londoners want something more central to satisfy their summer drinking needs. Notch is located at the top of Marriott Park Lane hotel, next door to Marble Arch tube station, though the entrance is less glamorous than you might imagine.

notch brunch

With swings, salvaged vintage tables and canned cocktails, Notch has already become an Instagram addicts haven. I visited to try the brunch favourites: Nikkei inspired food by chef Mark Morrans and strong cocktails.

notch brunchNotch brunch

I tried the #CannedClassics Adonis (Cinzano Rosso, sherry and bitters) priced £8 a can. It is a fun concept that just needs a glass of ice and slice of lemon to add a refreshing twist to the drink. The homemade nachos were topped with avocado, red onion, bacon, spicy salsa and a gooey poached egg… an exciting and unusual brunch dish.

notch brunch

#NotchLDN is open 7 days a week from 10am until 10pm, come rain or shine. No reservations.

More information on Notch here.

Weekday breakfast at Village East, Bermondsey

Posted on by

Bermondsey Street is my favourite road in South London for eating out, with Jose’s two Spainish eateries and comfort French food at Casse Croute. Nearby to Borough Market, and close enough to roll home to my flat, it ticks every box! Village East will undoubtably become my new weekday meeting spot now that they are serving breakfast from Monday to Friday.

Village East Breakfast

This neighbourhood restaurant is based in the former textile factory, so the decor is stylishly industrial. I joined a crowd of foodie influencers at the back of the restaurant to try out the new morning menu.

Coffees and juices were ordered all round. The coffee is roasted by Allpress Espresso in Shoreditch and had a lovely nutty taste. I was interested to see the creative choices for smoothies juices, I opted for the ‘In the pink’ made from apple, pink grapefruit juice and agave syrup, a deliciously girly drink and a great way to kick start your metabolism for the day. The ‘Cooler’ was popular amongst my colleagues a refreshing mix of coconut water, apple juice and lime.

Village East Breakfast

The menu is not as varied as the weekend brunch at Village East, and I was a little disappointed to notice some of the sweet recipes have been omitted (Malted waffles with caramelised banana and Buttermilk Pancakes). However, there is a good mix of savoury dishes, from simple Toast with homemade butter and conserves to the full Campfire breakfast with barbecue beans, fried eggs, and slow-roasted pork shoulder. Aware that I was also eating lunch out I asked for the classic Avocado on toast with chilli and coriander. It was light and tasty, though I must admit I was jealous of some of the other food round the table!

More information on Village East breakfast bookings and menu here.