Drunch (Restaurant)

Top 10 things we learned about Drunch in Mayfair when we visited:

1) It has a truly dreadful name. But we knew that before we visited, so let’s start this again.

2) First sight of Drunch is of the shisha pipes that abound on the surrounding tables, providing all the carcinogenicity of regular tobacco smoke, but wrapped in sweet fruity flavours. If you’re a shisha fan, Drunch is one of the classiest places in London to enjoy a toke. That, despite a name that sounds like slang for dirty bong water.

3) The menu at Drunch is purposefully clean, healthy, varied and, from what we sampled, pretty tasty. That, despite a name that sounds like what’s left after draining a murky canal.

4) Dessert-wise, the cheesecake is the most charming we’ve found in London. Contrasting with the studied perfection of the décor, it is a rustic heart-shaped confection, resplendent with all the simultaneous perfection and imperfection of something your partner has home-made just for you.

5) The music at Drunch sets a cool, funky ambience. That, despite a name that sounds like a Dutch death metal band. (The quality of the sound system is less welcome when football is on the big screens, and Andy Townsend’s asinine twaddle ringing out in crystal clarity.)

6) The selection of beverages at Drunch are a particular delight. Rule of thumb: the more eccentric the combination of ingredients in the homemade smoothie, the tastier it is. That, despite a name that sounds like a viral internet drinking game. Drunch does not serve alcohol. Depending on your perspective, this will be a particular blessing/curse when the football is on.

7) Like its name, Drunch’s layout is unique. Upstairs: a fairly standard, cleanly decorated café. Venture downstairs, however, and...

8) … you seemingly walk into the living room of a well-appointed basement flat – complete, when we visited, with someone lying across the sofa in front of the telly, despite not noticeably having bought anything. Then, branching off from the ‘living room’ are...

9) …‘the caves’. And while Drunch might sound like the name of a sex club dungeon reserved for particularly depraved practices, these caves are nifty eight-seater alcoves, made for chilling out with mates, watching the flat-screen TVs, or playing the PlayStations provided. Not the most comfortable to eat in, however.

10) ‘Drunch’ is supposedly a contraction of dinner and brunch. Ignore the name. It’s actually very nice....read more