Brunches to feast on during the summer and beyond
Lead image: Gleneagles Townhouse
Duck & Waffle
Having just opened a 32-seat terrace with views over the Edinburgh skyline, Duck & Waffle is firmly establishing itself as a go-to oasis in the capital. Indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury brunch favourites indoors or al fresco – from the namesake ‘Duck & Waffle’ encompassing crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup to the ‘Full Elvis’ with caramelised banana, chantilly and all the sweet trimmings. Brunch aficionados can indulge every Saturday & Sunday from 6am – 4:30pm and during all bank holidays.
Gleneagles Townhouse
A monthly brunch with its own dedicated dessert room? Do tell us more… The Riviera of the Highlands needs no introduction, and its Edinburgh counterpart, Gleneagles Townhouse, has proven its credentials as a capital hotspot. Served from 12 noon to 3pm on the last Saturday & Sunday of every month, The Spence Brunch Club begins with a classic mimosa or Bloody Mary, followed by an unlimited seasonal buffet-style selection of starters, mains such as Scottish leg of lamb, roast chicken and truffle gnocchi, and a dessert room showcasing a fresh donut station, popcorn machine, chocolate fountain and perfect patisserie.
Kora by Tom Kitchin
The Bruntsfield bar and restaurant recently launched its first ever brunch menu, available over the weekends from 11am to 5pm. Some of the delightful dishes include homemade pancakes with bacon & maple syrup or seasonal berries & Nutella; omelette Arnold Bennett with local fishmonger Welch’s smoked haddock, vegan homemade lentil sausage, avocado and tomato salsa, and ‘Axel’s cheese & bacon toastie’, served with Koffmann’s skinny fries and salad – a Kitchin household favourite. Guests can also match their brunch with the Kora bar team’s handmade signature cocktails – from Bloody Marys to Mimosas.
Patron Saint
One of Bruntsfield’s latest neighbourhood hangouts – from the team behind The Cocktail Mafia and The Raging Bull – Patron Saint’s brunch is now running on Saturday and Sunday from 10-2pm. Bespoke Bloody Mary cocktails are the speciality here – including the ‘Tomatillo Mary’ with Grey Goose Vodka, tomatillo, coriander, celery, green cherry tomato, garlic, lime and green Tabasco. The food menu is an alluring mix of savoury and sweet – try the salmon French brioche, prosciutto bruschetta or some spiced banana honey French toast.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Searching for a brunch with added entertainment to boot? Eve on Cowgate at the sleek Virgin Hotels serves up brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 4pm – with a themed event on the first weekend of every month, with drag performances, dancers and high-energy DJs. Who’s in the mood for a ‘Breakfast Martini’ made with blood orange gin, Lucky Liqueurs Orange and lemon juice? Food choices include a brunch board featuring an array of sweet treats; a Serrano ham, brie, truffle sauce and fried egg Croque Madame and the Eve brunch burger.
