Bottomless booze, contemporary tunes and enough pancake toppings for a weekend-long sugar high – Sophie Ritchie plates up at W London to try The Perception’s stylish Saturday Frosé Brunch
There are few things I enjoy more on a weekend than brunch. It’s the meal of the day that never requires an alarm, is best served with a well-chosen outfit and, for some reason, features more avocados and poached eggs than any other occasion.
But if there’s anything better than brunch, it’s a boozy brunch – and W London’s fun new Frosé offering, available at its sleek Perception lounge each Saturday, is the perfect blend of frivolity and food.
Available from 1pm – 4pm, the tempting spread includes bottomless Frosé or Prosecco for a giddy 1.5hrs, as well as a brunch dish of your choosing and unlimited pancakes and waffles.
I arrive just before my plus one, giving me time to take in the sleek surrounds. The Perception is a bar/lounge that drips with coolness – enormous shelves are filled with statement plates, huge oval lights hang from the ceiling and there’s thumping DJ music accompanying the modish interiors.
Around me, most of the turquoise banquet seating is full – with gaggles of girls sipping from bright pink glasses. It’s fun, it’s fashionable and it’s definitely feminine – if you’re looking for a girly catchup, this seems like the way to do it.
The menu’s brief but offers an array of creative choices – think Salmon Tartare Burger on Star Anise Bun, Mushroom & Leek Quiche with Kale and Quinoa (V) and Pork Belly, Fennel Puree and Pickled Cucumber.
It’s refreshing to see hearty, ingredient-led dishes rather than traditional play-it-safe porridge and smoothies. Always a sucker for sourdough, I order the Sourdough with Roasted Butternut, Smashed Avocado, Red Cabbage and Scrambled Tofu (V).
My friend chooses the same, and our siamese dishes arrive within impressive minutes. Our glasses, meanwhile, have been replaced with bubblegum pink concoctions. The icy Frosé goes down far too easily, and whilst it’s super sweet, it’s also super enjoyable.
I’ve barely finished half my toast before the waitress is back with another round, completed with shiny chrome straws. Sip. Sip. And before I know, my second glass is almost empty.
The sourdough is soft, the avocado is creamy and the scrambled tofu is delectable – it’s a great alternative to my usual avocado on toast. I’d have liked a hint more fire with chilli or paprika, but it’s still a flavoursome bite.
The Frosé cups meanwhile, show no signs of slowing down – they’re constantly refreshed, which means you could definitely get very tipsy, very fast. As a lightweight, I try to avoid embarrassing myself by ordering a plate of pancakes and waffles instead.
The sweet treats are freshly fluffy, but it’s the hedonistic topping station that prompts an “ooh.”
Decorated in differing shades of pink, an array of marshmallows, jugs of maple syrup, bowls of peanut butter and glasses brimming with jelly beans all glimmer temptingly from across the room.
One greedy trip later, and I’ve collected enough sugar to keep Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory going for a year. I blame the alcohol now flowing through my veins – the Frosé made me do it.
The Wordrobe Verdict
It’s fun, it’s frivolous and it’s fabulously good value for money. Grab your closest friends and get ready for a Saturday brunch that’s as stylish as it gets. Hic.
Make it happen
Where: Leicester Square, 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF
When: Every Saturday, 1pm – 4pm.
Wallet: £39 per person.
How: Click here or phone T: 0207 758 1060 to make a booking.
Words by Sophie Ritchie
