AS any UAE brunch veteran will testify – the famous Friday feast presents itself in many varied forms.
Re-awakened landmark hotel The Address Downtown has launched a rather smart affair with a firm eye on British fare.
Re-awakened landmark hotel The Address Downtown has launched a rather smart affair with a firm eye on British fare.
BEING a born and raised Briton, it has to be said our island nation isn’t always revered for its cuisine - although it is not without its celebrity chefs attempting to change that outlook.
But when our staple dishes are done well, plenty of expats will argue that our brief selection can be the ultimate comfort food.
But when our staple dishes are done well, plenty of expats will argue that our brief selection can be the ultimate comfort food.
With thousands of British folk in the UAE, it is no surprise a handful of restaurants and outlets have curated themed menus, brunches and dinner spreads to satisfy the homesick hordes.
As you might expect, The Address Downtown takes Brit-themed notion and spins it into an upmarket brunch concept.
As you might expect, The Address Downtown takes Brit-themed notion and spins it into an upmarket brunch concept.
SASSY SETTING: The Restaurant is the venue for this Brit Brunch gathering with a classy edge
The Britannia Brunch is hosted in The Restaurant, the smart all-day dining venue in this world-famous hotel, beautifully restored after a fire that made global headlines.
It gives you classic British music and eats in a setting that is more UAE five-star quality than Oxford Street bustle. But this is a far from a stiff affair, instead blending luxurious surroundings with good food and fun touches to appeal to several potential table settings.
For example, next to a miniature red phone box - once typical of every UK street - you’ll find freshly shucked oysters.
And among a decent selection of breads and well-curated salads a Union Jack-decorated mini Mini Cooper ensures you’re clear on the nature of this brunch gathering.
It gives you classic British music and eats in a setting that is more UAE five-star quality than Oxford Street bustle. But this is a far from a stiff affair, instead blending luxurious surroundings with good food and fun touches to appeal to several potential table settings.
For example, next to a miniature red phone box - once typical of every UK street - you’ll find freshly shucked oysters.
And among a decent selection of breads and well-curated salads a Union Jack-decorated mini Mini Cooper ensures you’re clear on the nature of this brunch gathering.
CONTINENTAL COMBO: The mains may be hearty British fair but starters takes in global flavours
Stick too closely to strictly British cuisine this spread could be restrictive, but Britannia Brunch doesn’t purport to be Posh pub grub” but inspired by European flavours.
Hence, ‘starter’ options take their cue from continental and international traits to include refreshing salmon tartare and sea bass ceviche. Equally well presented is a selection of moreish sushi rolls and freshly cut nigiri – definitely more Japan than Margate.
Mini burgers, delicately flavoured meat skewers and chicken lollipops beckon beside the open kitchen, but be careful not to fill up too early as this savvy brunch shows its true quality moving on to the mains.
As the afternoon slips by, soundtracked by vintage tracks from Talk Talk, Blur, The Blow Monkeys and other bands that’ll have you digging deep into your sonic memories to recall titles and band names, shareable mains are delivered via family style table service.
HOSTING THE ROAST: No Britannia Brunch would be complete without Yorkshire puddings and a gravy
The table soon gets crowded by moist roast chicken, lamb with roast vegetables and trimmings including a plump Yorkshire pudding, impossibly good Shepherd’s Pie, salmon en croute and silky mash potato that you’ll have to resist spooning into your mouth like a dessert.
Talking of which…to bookend this belt-testing blast of British feel-good food is a sweets selection featuring very well executed classics.
There’s a naughty Eton Mess, an arguably perfect lemon meringue pie, possibly the best sticky toffee pudding you’re likely to taste in the region and a winning apple crumble to complete the set.
All this is accompanied by a selection of free-flow hops, ‘juniper libations’, grape beverages and more to wash down a very civilized affair that is as classy as it is calorie loaded.
Talking of which…to bookend this belt-testing blast of British feel-good food is a sweets selection featuring very well executed classics.
There’s a naughty Eton Mess, an arguably perfect lemon meringue pie, possibly the best sticky toffee pudding you’re likely to taste in the region and a winning apple crumble to complete the set.
All this is accompanied by a selection of free-flow hops, ‘juniper libations’, grape beverages and more to wash down a very civilized affair that is as classy as it is calorie loaded.
SWEET TRIO: Eton Mess, sticky toffee pudding and a lemon meringue pie complete with gold flecks
Venture outside to the terrace for coffee and you can let this feast digest with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain - rather than London’s Canary Wharf – to complete your transition from afternoon indulgence to early evening relaxation.
DETAILS:
THE Britannia Brunch takes place at The Restaurant, Address Downtown every Friday,from 1pm to 4pm.
IT costs AED295 per person, including unlimited soft beverages, buffet style starters, family style à la carte mains and desserts; or AED395 per person including the above, plus unlimited house beverages.
TO book your table, please call 048883444 or email [email protected]
DETAILS:
THE Britannia Brunch takes place at The Restaurant, Address Downtown every Friday,from 1pm to 4pm.
IT costs AED295 per person, including unlimited soft beverages, buffet style starters, family style à la carte mains and desserts; or AED395 per person including the above, plus unlimited house beverages.
TO book your table, please call 048883444 or email [email protected]
