Last Updated on June 16, 2024

Hotel Xenia Brunch:

It’s funny how ‘Brunch’ has found its way into the cosmopolitan vernacular. Once upon a time, it was a humble and homely affair; a family meal, usually consisting of eggs and bacon, often enjoyed after church.

But now? Brunch is the ‘Sunday Service’ for urban millennials – frequently seeking a hangover cure after a night on the town. And why not? After a hectic week it’s the perfect way to wind down; with comforting food, a Bloody Mary (or two?) and some good company…

Inspired by New Yorkers, London has now embraced the ‘Bottomless Brunch’… That’s eggs, folks – any way you like ‘em, and as much as you want – with free-flowing prosecco or cocktails.

Hotel Xenia is an Autograph Collection hotel, located in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, with Hyde Park, Kensington High Street and museums – including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A – just a stone’s throw away. It’s an elegant venue with some nice design features; one of which is Xenia’s own version of…the Bottomless Brunch; served in Evoluzione, the hotel’s chic Italian restaurant, in which diners can savour authentic Italian dishes prepared by executive chef Andrea Angeletti and his team.

Evoluzione looks out onto the busy Brompton Road; the breakfast/brunch dining area has the floor-to-ceiling windows through which you can watch the world go by. Or, if you prefer, step outside onto the heated terrace, where you can sit cosied-up, snuggled under blankets.

When we arrived, a pianist was playing some laid-back Sunday-morning jazz on a rather spectacular Perspex baby-grand piano. It lent the occasion a suitably mellow vibe…and a certain air of sophistication.

We kicked off with a couple of punchy Bloody Marys which tantalized our taste buds and eased us nicely into Sunday recovery mode. If Prosecco is more your tipple, you’re in the right place; here at Xenia during brunch, you can let it flow (for 90 minutes).

The two-course brunch includes a continental-selection plate, which you can choose from a buffet including a selection of pastries, cakes, sliced cold meats, cheese, yoghurts, fresh and dried fruit, and juices. We shared some cute baby muffins, which were beautifully fresh and tasty, along with a plate of mixed fruits.

We then had a choice of Eggs Benedict (ham – and a familiar ‘Brunch’ classic), Florentine (spinach) or ‘Royale’ (salmon).

Now I’ve always been a big fan of Eggs Benedict, and Xenia’s indulgent version was prettily presented on bright blue earthenware plates with two perfectly poached eggs, on plump muffins, dripping with rich nutmeg-infused Hollandaise and draped with wafer-thin slices of ham.

There was plenty of excellent Italian coffee on tap, the service was friendly and efficient…All in all, it was a lovely relaxing, tasty start to a Londoner’s Sunday.