Jodie Jones, CDClifestyle’s resident foodie, visited one of the cutest hotel restaurants to be found amidst the slew of hotels in London, introducing: Apero.
Brunch: that wonderful weekend treat. A chance to sit somewhere quiet and watch the world go by all with an invitingly frothy cappuccino and a delectable plate of food. Apero: the cute, unassuming Mediterranean restaurant tucked beneath the beautiful Ampersand Hotel, offering its services as just the place for such an occasion.
The basement-dwelling brunch spot is a light and airy establishment with bright white walls and light pouring in from above. Snug and cozy without feeling claustrophobic, Ampersand’s sub-level eatery accommodates all from socialising fash-packs to newspaper readers and single diners. The narrow, arching restaurant is surprisingly large and sprawling with a private dining area/den at the back, capable of seating a party of six.
A few vibrant splashes of colour cavort with the white brick walls whilst iron lamps and exposed bulbs shed light when the evening settles in. A long marble bar stretches out alongside a line of blue leather chairs; enveloping mimosa-sipping brunchers. Wooden flooring and fixtures finish the decor with the end result proving to be a great mix of traditional and contemporary.
Sitting in a toasty, four-seater enclave protruding out away from the main dining room (with the option of drawing a drape for privacy) I sipped green teas and munched some perfectly scrambled eggs. Looking upwards, large panels of glass provided a demi-panaromic view of South Kensington’s Harrington Road. Despite the Mediterranean (and coincidentally subterranean) feel of the restaurant, the Franco-London café culture taking place on the streets above felt ever present in the warm solitude of the booth. People-watching is a great pastime and one which has great opportunity from this vantage point.
An alluring beatroot risotto graced the plates of my fellow brunchees; each mouthful sumptuous and appreciated. Bacon was crisp, tomatoes were juicy and mushrooms earthy. The meal was utter indulgence, forget the time and recline in a puffy leather seat. Book and/or friends, optional.
The Ampersand Hotel,
10 Harrington Road,
London, SW7 3ER
T: 020 7589 5895
For more information, visit The Ampersand Hotel’s website.
Written by Jodie Jones
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