The phenomenon that is brunch is believed to have appeared in England in the late 19th century as a lighter alternative to the traditional Sunday roast.
The actual term is said to have been coined by English writer Guy Beringer in his 1895 essay titled Brunch: A Plea where he argued it was a more sociable and enjoyable event than a heavy Sunday dinner.
Personally I love a brunch – it’s the perfect excuse to go out to eat at a somewhat strange time of day and linger longer. And I particularly love a bottomless brunch like the one now being served at Piazza Italiana in London’s Threadneedle Street in the heart of the City’s Square Mile.
The name Threadneedle is thought to originate from the fact that this was a prominent needle-making area in the 16th century. The street is famous for being home to the Bank of England since 1734. Now Piazza Italiana has opened its doors just down the road in the grandeur of what used to be the British Linen Bank. It’s a beautiful space with high ceilings and gilded cornices, wood panelling, regal columns, chandeliers and glistening marble. Making for a real feel of luxury and indulgence and preparing us for the feast that was to come.
Bottomless brunch consists of one starter each followed by neverending pasta and pizza, a dessert and bottomless bubbles, including Prosecco, Aperol Spritz and Bellinis. We began with a succulent and creamy tomato and burrata salad and sea bass carpaccio before enjoying the thinnest of crispy pizzas with prosciutto followed by absolutely delicious prawn and truffle pasta dishes. Today’s dessert was a delightful panna cotta. Service is so friendly and welcoming we really did not want to leave this elegant space and our waitress encouraged this with regular top-ups of bubbles. She also tried to persuade us to keep going with the pizza and pasta but our brunch bellies were full. Not bottomless enough apparently.
As well as their delicious and great-value brunch offering. Piazza Italiana also an extensive a la carte menu created by Sicilian-born chef Remo Mozzucalo. He has focused on classic dishes from around Italy made using the best seasonal ingredients. There’s a selection of traditional antipasti, cheeseboards, pizza, pasta, risotto, fish and seafood and meat. The restaurant is also available for private dining and events and is now even taking Christmas bookings. You can never be too organised for Christmas after all and a long and leisurely bottomless Christmas brunch seems like just the ticket.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
38 Threadneedle Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2R 8AY
T 020 7256 7223
