The neighbourhood of Mayfair has been associated with sophistication and prestige for centuries. Its reputation as a culinary epicentre took root in the Georgian and Victorian times as many of the grand hotels began to showcase fine dining options with techniques learned from all around Europe’s greatest restaurants being given a London spin. Through the 20th century boom, Mayfair developed into a glamorous playground frequented by the country’s elite, and its prominence as a dining destination grew alongside that idea.
A big part of the enduring appeal of the area has been evident in its ability to evolve in accordance with developing tastes, trends and fashions. Providing modern brunch options has allowed Mayfair restaurants to showcase their own sense of style for some thrilling midday meals. Here is our guide to five of the finest available.
Hideaway
Hideaway began in a very modern manner through two pop up appearances at Burlington Arcade that eventually led to a permanent residence on Mount Street in 2020. The acclaimed chef Ollie Dabous wanted to establish a sophisticated yet casual eatery that would serve this most discerning of communities with both elegant table service and takeaway options. It is safe to say that it has been a great success, bringing a lovely Parisian ambience to Mayfair with bright décor and marble topped tables illuminated by an array of chandeliers above. For brunch, there are some notable menu items such as the Croque Monsieur with Black Truffle that adds a splash of glamour to the hearty classic, and the Whipped Avocado Bruschetta with poached eggs and tomatoes that certainly packs in the flavour. Hideaway is a great find for Mayfair residents and looks set to continue from strength to strength.
Isabel Mayfair
Isabel Mayfair has become a dependable presence for London’s fine dining culinary scene since opening in 2017. The building itself dates back to 1905 with a Beaux-Arts inspired architectural façade that makes the place remarkable from the outside. Inside, the good taste continues with opulent silk jacquard panelled walls surrounding the exquisite tables. The brunch served on Sundays here is gaining quite a following amongst Mayfair diners with a three-course menu served from midday to 3pm. The Mediterranean and Latin-inspired dishes are a genuine delight with seasonal standouts being the Sea Bass Ceviche and Avocado Causa. A brunch dessert is always a welcome treat of course and the Churros with Dulce De Leche offer a silky caramel sweet ending to a wonderful Sunday afternoon at any time of the year.
Bacchanalia
Bacchanalia is a relative newcomer to the Mayfair restaurant roster but is already making a considerable impression. It is difficult to ignore the arch theme of Greek & Roman mythology that emanates through everything from the surroundings to the menu and is suitably out of this world. Sculptures by the infamous Enfant Terrible of the English Art Scene, Damien Hirst, lend the place a rebellious nature too that draws in some very famous names on a regular basis. The Roman Sunday Brunch at Bacchanalia definitely holds true to their philosophy of creating a breath-taking fest for the senses. There are Greek Hash Browns with Fried Duck Eggs and Pizza options to choose from with some excellent Dalmore whisky cocktails such as the Rusty Nail which combines a 15-year old single malt with Drambuie. All of this is often accompanied by live opera singing too, providing the opportunity for a stunning crescendo to your meal.
Café Biltmore
Café Biltmore in Grosvenor Square operates with a refreshingly simple philosophy amongst those vying for your attention in the heart of Mayfair. Their modern takes on world classics have the direct aim of showcasing the seasons and delighting the senses. Brunch is limited to weekend settings of Saturday & Sunday at 12:30 to 4pm. Locally sourced ingredients are used to great effect on the three-course brunch menu with starters like Smoked Salmon Benedict and Avocado Toast with Chilli flakes here. Mains of Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad sit next to sweeter options like the Buttermilk Pancakes for some well-fashioned classics. A partnership with Veuve Clicquot means that one can also take advantage of champagne to accompany the brunch to supply a little fizz into proceedings if the event calls for it. With a fantastic outdoor terrace for the finer months too, Café Biltmore is a great idea for daytime special occasions that require a brunch to match them.
Mount St Restaurant
The term Modern British in culinary circles has developed beyond its initial understanding as hearty and innovative to become a rather broad church. Mount St Restaurant is testament to an idea that this cuisine can continue to evolve with style against a backdrop of some of the most impressive settings in all of London. This place was designed by the Paris-based studio, La Place, and features floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the entire space in natural light. With a mosaic floor crafted from marble, and contemporary art pieces along the walls, it does feel like dining in an immersive experience, which inevitably adds to the charm. Mount St takes its reputation and responsibility for the brunch menu incredibly seriously, with no shortcuts or lazily added breakfast items to be seen. Instead, you are offered some inspired choices such as London Rarebit – a classic melted cheese on toast, or Devilled Kidneys for a spicy twist. There are some almost Dickensian dishes on show too through the Bacon Chop and Bubble & Squeak with Fried Duck Egg that speaks to a London past with a very modern take. The care and attention shown means that brunch here is only available from 12-4pm on Saturdays, so getting your diary marked now would be a good idea.
Mayfair will always be one step ahead of the competition it seems. Where they dare to innovate in culinary matters, the rest of London tends to follow suit. Exploring brunch options in this neighbourhood therefore presents a great opportunity to experience these ideas first hand and enjoy these dining innovations at the head of the table.
