With 197,000 followers, award-winning Instagram foodie Clerkenwell Boy is one man who knows his chorizo from his churros. Famed for his mouth-watering food shots and on-the-money restaurant recommendations (warning, don’t scroll when hungry), who better to talk us through the delights of brunching? Here’s what he has to say…
Brunch is definitely better than breakfast.
“To me, brunch is a real celebration of the weekend. Everybody wakes up a little later and it’s a really relaxed way to spend time with friends without wasting an entire day (long, drawn-out lunches can go on forever). Everybody is more friendly during brunch service, too – it’s not as rushed and waiters are less frazzled.”
Views can make or break a meal.
“One of my favourite brunch spots is Duck and Waffle – on the 40th floor of London’s Heron Tower. Enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the city – you really feel on top of the world when the sun is shining. My best tip is to get the table in the corner – you get dual-aspect views that way. Their dishes are great for sharing – I love the ‘full Elvis’ (waffles with peanut butter, jam, chantilly cream and caramelised bananas). Their cocktails are really innovative – the Grey Goose Breakfast Fizz is very breakfast-friendly, with a hint of marmalade and burnt toast.”
Cocktails are always a good idea. Unlimited cocktails are even better.
“Bottomless brunches are great for a celebratory occasion like a friend’s birthday. If the price is pre-set and the drinks are free-flowing, everyone can just have a fun, communal and fuss-free dining experience. I really enjoy fresh-tasting cocktails, and I’m a big fan of Grey Goose Vodka with Japanese yuzu – a citrus fruit unlike any other, it has a very distinct aroma and flavour, perhaps similar to a cross between a grapefruit and lime … but better! I also like tea-infused cocktails – jasmine and Earl Grey tea-infused cocktails are brilliant for brunch.”
I like my eggs sunny side up.
“I love fried eggs to be crispy on the outside with an oozing yolk, but I also really like very slow-cooked scrambled eggs with plenty of butter, Bill Granger-style. For a real people-pleaser and great eggs, Cecconi’s do a really good full English with an Italian twist – their Tuscan sausages are delicious. The decor, service and cocktails are spot-on, so it’s a great spot to take parents or in-laws. You can’t go wrong with a classic Bloody Mary to pair with fried eggs – I prefer mine extra spicy with freshly grated horseradish – a match made in heaven!”
But, believe it or not, eggs aren’t compulsory.
“Another of my favourite spots is Kaia at the Ned. Kaia is Asian Pacific-inspired and does amazing Hawaiian poke bowls with deconstructed sushi, avocado flowers and sushi rice, served with marinated tuna or sashimi-grade salmon – it makes for a really delicious, healthy brunch. Don’t leave without trying their gyoza dumplings and okonomiyaki omelette, but the best bit is their Bloody Mary – the Umami Mary. They use Grey Goose vodka and sansho pepper for extra zing.”
I’m a pancakes-with-bacon guy, personally.
“Or waffles. I like that sweet and savoury ‘umami’ taste. I have a sweet tooth, so berries and maple syrup is always good. Usually I’ll suggest everybody orders a few dishes to share – or we get pancakes for the table to finish. Anywhere that has avocado, pancakes, waffles or crispy bacon on the menu gets a thumbs-up from me. I love an Espresso Martini with my pancakes. Sometimes I will go for one with a Middle Eastern twist, adding cardamom and orange blossom water to give it a delicious warming flavour.”
Kebabs for brunch are a thing, too.
“Le Bab is a modern gourmet kebab restaurant and it’s the perfect hangover cure – everything comes with the most incredible sauces. Try a Middle-Eastern style brunch: I love the shakshuka – eggs baked in tomatoes and peppers – which goes perfectly with a Grey Goose Vodka and Elderflower Tonic. Or for something a little fancier, try its sister restaurant, Maison Le Bab. It’s beautifully designed and slightly more grownup (have a cocktail at the bar if you get there early).”
Photos are fine, but be discreet.
“For the best pictures, go for a table by the window with lots of natural light – direct sunlight is too harsh. If the food is beautiful, you don’t need to do much. Some bloggers like super close-ups of one dish, or one from above, or the 45-degree angle shot which is more ‘3D’. Don’t use flash or annoy other diners though – try to be discreet. And enjoy your food while it’s hot!”
Don’t rule out brunch at home.
“Sometimes when you roll out of bed there’s nothing better than cooking a great brunch in your own surroundings – my partner loves it when we recreate that brunch vibe in our PJs, with the sun shining. Sometimes I’ll make cocktails at home – we love Espresso Martinis as they’re a great twist on that much-needed coffee in the morning. They’re really easy to make, too.”
… but get the ingredients right.
“When it comes to brunch at home, good eggs are a must – I like Burford Browns with really orange yolks. We have some great butchers near us for amazing sausages and bacon (I like streaky and smoked bacon) but if you’re veggie, some big, juicy portobello mushrooms, roasted with thyme and butter, are really delicious. Making a crisp, bubbling hash is a good way to use up leftover food, too.”
Check out some more cocktail recipes at greygoose.com
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