Sunday Garden Brunch has arrived at the Montagu Kitchen

Despite living less than a 30-minute drive from Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s retreat in Kent, it’s many years since I’ve visited.   Bringing the essence of Chartwell’s gardens into Marylebone is an inspired idea.   One that we found to be executed brilliantly at The Montagu Kitchen by the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill  (which saved us a trip to the source of the inspiration!).   The hotel is situated a short stroll away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and Marble Arch.  We’ve been along before to review the main menu at The Montagu Kitchen, but they’ve now launched something rather special – a Garden Brunch

Brunch is a concept born in America which has made a successful transition to the UK.   I’d like to think that with an American mother, Winston himself would have approved. The brunch from the Montagu Kitchen aims to bring seasonal British produce from Kent to celebrate some of the best British produce, whilst indulging guests with unlimited champagne throughout.  Although if champagne isn’t your tipple of choice, wine and beer options are available, as well as a non-alcoholic drinks menu which includes delicious-sounding mocktails and juices.

We were greeted warmly and supplied with a glass of chilled champagne each.  While we listened to the live music duo performing a range of perfect Sunday easy-listening songs, our waitress explained the menu; some of which is buffet-style, and some cooked to order.   

Our very own mini garden of crudities arrived quickly.   It was so pretty that it was *almost* a shame to dip into the creamy yoghurt and toasted bread ‘soil’.

We then choose some beautiful Whitstable oysters and some large prawns to start out brunch.   The oysters were plump and creamy, and the prawns very fresh.  

Our cooked-to-order egg dishes then arrived.  I’d chosen the poached egg with avocado, whilst my partner Alex opted for the classic Eggs Benedict.  Our eggs were cooked beautifully, achieving the perfect ooze. 

We ordered our main courses and perused the buffet again.   We both liked the sound of the rabbit ballotine, the home-made Dingley Dell pork pie, the Kent cheeses, and the salads.  There were some unusual dressings to choose from, including raspberry.   To be honest, I was full by this stage!  

Neither of us sampled the beautiful looking bread and pastries.  You really can return as many times as you like to the buffet, and every time we’d drunk about a third of our glass of champagne it was replenished. 

Alex chose the hearty Dingley Dell pork belly served with apple cider red chicory and Kent apple jus. The slight bitterness of the chicory and the tart apple cut through the richness of the pork belly beautifully. 

My salmon came with perfectly crispy skin accompanied by roast potatoes, vegetables and a rich caper and chive sauce.