to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Brunches, Brunches. Brunches. (Brunches).
Much like Jay from Modern Family’s rival business, ‘Closets. Closets. Closets. Closets’ it would initially appear that adding in a fourth of anything is one too many. It should be three. Four is bordering on the daft. *bobs index finger up and down in a knowing fashion*. But I bet it makes you smile, eh? It’s the same with brunch. Three meals a day is absolutely fine, no one was asking for anything more. But when someone suggests it, suddenly an extra meal brings a whole lot of joy.
Maybe we all have a secret, separate brunch stomach? Even if I’ve filled up on porridge in the morning, I’m not turning down a Franken-meal made up of breakfast and lunch bits and pieces. So that’s why over the past few months I’ve been making an effort to eat more brunches (using my own money, I hasten to add!) in a bid to share my findings. You’re welcome.
Brunch One: let me take you back to before Christmas. ‘Hey, Lucinda. Do you fancy joining us at the Permit Room by Dishoom for a late breakfast? Y’know, the one that’s a 1970’s Bombay style all day bar café?’ asked my friends. Abso-Dishoom-lutely! Every morning on my way into the office I walk past, and every morning I ponder ‘Why is it so busy in there?’ Having been for dinner before, I know it’s excellent and the drinks are on my internal Rolodex filed under ‘Surprising Places to recommend for cocktails when people I haven’t seen for years message me on Facebook for ideas.’ But, breakfast? They just don’t seem the type.
Oh, but they ARE the type.
On arrival, we were shown to our seats and the server explained to me that the chai tea (and porridge) is unlimited. ‘Can I get one for each of you?’ I dithered. ‘Erm, if I’m honest, I’d really like a Latte.’ But, ‘When in Bombay!’(or Mumbai)… I said I’d have a House Chai. Taking pity on me, he told me I shouldn’t be shamed into ordering and to go for the Latte. Yes. Damn it. I am the boss of me. When he brought over the drinks, he handed me my latte…and a complimentary chai because I ‘should have the opportunity to try one’. How wonderful! I tasted the drink. Hmm…slightly less wonderful. But that’s okay, it’s just not my cup of (chai) tea.
Now, this might be a bit unfair to talk about because we are in March. This meal was in December, which means that one of us had a Christmas special that isn’t on the menu anymore. If you promise not to be sad you can’t eat it, I’ll tell you about it…
Pigs-In-Blankets Naan Roll (remember you promised not to be sad!)
Kasundi-and-honey glazed pigs-in-blankets sprinkled with ‘Seema’s secret spice mix’ and wrapped in fluffy, freshly baked naan. Two fried eggs, cranberry cream cheese, tomato chilli jam and fresh coriander leaves. Jeez. I want this right now. Let’s start a petition to make it year-round.
This is the dish that is responsible for all those bums on seats:
Bacon Naan Roll ‘Ramsay of Carluke’s smoked streaky bacon is matured in the traditional Ayrshire way and then smoked over applewood and beechwood chips.’ Oh lawd, it’s good.
And for our veggie mate:
Vegan Sausage Naan Roll* (Ve) A delicious sausage developed with Chef Neil Rankin. Cleverly fermented vegetables and best sausage spices to enhance the umami. *cooked in the same tandoor as naans made with eggs and dairy.
I’m not sure how else to say this, but you should go. You should go soon.
Fun fact: In 1949, liquor was banned in Bombay and enterprising Aunties secretly served drinks from their front rooms, a boiled egg vendor stationed outside as a sign for those who knew. By the 1970s the law was loosened up, and permit holders (having obtained their liquor permits ‘for the preservation or maintenance of health’ no less) could buy alcohol. Permit Rooms were officially born.
Brunch Two: Second on the brunch bus route is... Lost in the Lanes.
Three times a week I’m in there ordering my large single shot latte and having a good ol’ natter with whoever is working that day about (depending on who I’m talking to….) training to be a counsellor/how fantastic their biab nails look/what creative project they’re working on. But today I sit in the (you choose your own adjective – they all work) funky/contemporary/elegant/warm/welcoming/friendly (and noun) restaurant/bar/café and order food. This time I go wild and order the vegetarian breakfast despite not being vegetarian. Basically, it has halloumi and I strongly feel that all things are improved by halloumi. It was excellent. The venue is really lovely, the food is elevated, but it’s the staff that make it a winner. Quite literally – they won ‘Best Team’ at the BRAVO awards last year. Go along, and you’ll see exactly why.
Brunch Three: Finally, I went to Trading Post.
There are lots of these over the city. In fact, my ‘insider’s tip’ is – clarify which one you are meeting in when you make plans. Not that it’s ever happened when one person sat in the Kensington Street one, and the other two people waited in the Ship Street one. That’s just unsubstantiated gossip. Anyway, moving on…
The Ship Street location is the original and has an ‘Open-View Coffee Roastery.’ The first time I ever went in there, I was waiting for my takeaway latte as someone was doing something with coffee beans nearby who kindly talked me through what they were doing. Now, what should happen now is I should share that wisdom with you, but it was a long time ago and I have a shoddy memory, so just know that the staff are welcoming and willing to chat you through their processes. And there’s another point where informative staff come in handy - you don’t just approach the counter and order ‘a coffee,’ although as a society, we’ve all BEAN coffee (Ha!) trained by now and know our espresso’s from our macchiato’s. But they also ask you which coffee blend you prefer. This threw me a bit, but let me help you so you’re prepared and don’t have a panicky moment with a queue of people behind you:
The regular blends tend to be Espresso Blend (their Medium/Dark Roast), Black Pearl (Caramel, Hazelnut & Plum) Green Monkey (Chocolate & Hazelnut), and Mountain Water is the decaf blend, but they also add in seasonal blends. Plus, you can do a quiz on their website to discover which one is best suited.
With regards to brunch itself, my friend had ‘The Best Bacon Sandwich in Brighton’ big claim that. But I see why – it’s stacked! Three slices of sourdough and the bacon is so thick. I had the Plant based hash bowl, consisting of roasted chickpeas, roasted red pepper with sautéed new potatoes, red onion, spinach & kale, topped with butternut squash & pesto, but to deveganise (surely that’s a word!) I added a poached egg. It was blissful.
Brunch Four: Okay, I’m sort of cheating with this, but take a look at the VisitBrighton website for more brunch options. You’ll soon be adding a fourth meal to the day too.
Lucinda
Disclaimer: Lucinda was not invited to review these venues nor did she receive any compensation. This review is based on personal visits, Lucinda paid her own way and all the opinions are her own.
Related
A salute to the permit rooms of Bombay, in Brighton’s Lanes. Seriously good bar snacks, moreish curries, plates for sharing (and a handful of best Dishoom favourites). Breakfasts too. And of course, crackingly good cocktails to wash it all down with.
Nestled in Nile Street in the lanes, is LOST IN THE LANES café, bar & restaurant. Open daily serving beautiful breakfasts, lunches, small plates, Thursday, Friday and Saturday suppers, cocktails, wines, coffees and cakes in elegant surroundings, at affordable prices.
We stand for natural, sustainable, fair trade, premium coffee. Over the years, we've learned a thing or two about how to make great coffee. We also offer a fresh food menu, with mainly organic & locally sourced ingredients. A great selection of breakfast, pastries, sandwiches & cakes.
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