After hectic and crazy weekdays I am a firm believer that Sundays should be spent relaxing and recharging. Sometimes it is much needed to unplug for a few hours and enjoy moments of calm. One of my favourite ways to relax, which I have been really guilty of not doing so much of lately, is settling down with a good book.
When I heard about the Book and Brunch Sundays at Jumeirah Lowndes hotel I was really intrigued. I am always on the hunt for good brunch venues and the book theme appealed to me as a way to get back into reading with the added benefit of fabulous food to indulge in at the same time. On weekends it is also nice not to have to do too much cooking!
I absolutely loved that the literary theme started right from the menu where the courses are split into short stories and great works. You can have bottomless bubbles for an extra charge, but fresh juice, bottomless tea or coffee and a dish from the short stories and one from the great works is included within the price. You can opt to have the brunch without the book but I think it is so much nicer to have a book chosen for you and to spend time reading.
The book of the month, chosen by the local independent book store Belgravia Books, is presented in a brown paper package. There is always such joy when opening packages and I was so excited to see what the book of the month was and get reading!
The chosen book for May was “Do not say we have nothing” by Madeleine Thien, which has been shortlisted for the Man Booker prize. I am still reading a little bit every day as I was able to take it home with me, and I am really enoying it!
We opted for bubbles to go with our brunch and I also had some coffee for the caffeine fix, whilst deciding what to choose from the menu. It was a tough decision, especially as all the dishes sounded really good.
For the short courses I decided to go for a Blueberry Oat Meal porridge which was made with coconut milk, and topped with toasted coconut and drizzles of organic honey. It was so hearty and delicious and I wolfed it down with glee. Admittedly it was the first time I had oats with coconut milk and it had a lovely tropical feel to it.
Amit’s dish looked like a work of art when it arrived. He had chosen the fresh fruit platter with raspberry sorbet and it just looked amazing. The sorbet was refreshing and the fruit was all so fresh and beautifully plated.
From the great works, Amit chose the Eggs Benedict, which again, were presented really prettily. I tried a little and the hollandaise sauce was dreamy. He really enjoyed it too judging by how quickly it was consumed.
My choice was the Caramelised vegetable and chorizo frittata which sounded so good on the menu. I had been torn between this dish and the Brioche French toast but was decidedly in a more savoury mood, plus an excuse to come back. The frittata was filled with courgettes, red onions, feta cheese and spicy chorizo sausage and in reality was the perfect Sunday afternoon brunch dish coupled with a good read.
It was so lovely sitting in the outside space on a warm sunny day watching the world go by and indulging between the pages of a good book. I felt so chilled out and it is also a quieter part of Knightsbridge.
After my meal I ventured to the terrace area for a sneak peek and will definitely be back there as it is a hidden gem with a gorgeous botanical theme. With lots of pretty flowers, and organic vegetable and fruit being grown, it would be the perfect space to spend a summery day at.
Overall I had a really enjoyable brunch and it was a superb way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. It encouraged me to read, something which I haven’t made a lot of time for lately but need to do more of. I loved that the book is pre-chosen as that is one less decision to have to make!
If you fancy a different and unique brunch concept, the Book and Brunch Sundays at Jumeirah Lowndes is perfect. If you are a bookworm you will adore the concept that little bit more and I know I certainly will be back. Every month will be a different book so there will always be a reason to return on a Sunday monthly.
For more information visit their website here.
The Book and Brunch is as follows:
With the ‘book of the month’ from Belgravia Books £30.00
Without the ‘book of the month’ £25.00
Add Bottomless Bubbles (90-minute period) £15.00
My brunch was complimentary but all views and photos are my own.
Aaron (@1dish4theroad) says
Lingering over a good book and great food is one of life’s pleasures! Thanks for the post, Binny!
Angie Silver says
OMG boooks and brunch!! love it 🙂
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi says
Now THIS is what I call a delectable brunch twist!
binnyjs says
You would love this one!!!
Aftab says
This looks like my kind of brunch! Smashing post as always, B.
The Purley Girly says
Books, brunch and bubbles! It doesn’t get much better than that!
I love the sound of the oats you had, I adore coconut, so that would be right up my street. I’ve been making overnight protein oats for breakfast lately and I always have a bit of dried raw coconut on top. Yum!