5 of the world’s coolest brunch experiences

Is there anything better than brunch? Not quite breakfast, not quite lunch, the quintessential meal of the undecided has become a beloved ritual with foodies, late-risers and hedonists the world over. These five spots offer brunch with a memorable difference.

1. Brennan’s, New Orleans

Brennans New Orleans: Credit Brennans

New Orleans restaurant Brennan’s – the birthplace of the Banana Foster – embraced the brunch service way before its modern competitors. Operating since 1946, this Southern Belle of a restaurant serves up fabulously long brunches to its very civilised patrons in elegant surrounds. Sip on a morning Eye Opener – may we suggest the Caribbean milk punch – and admire the many ways in which tassels can be used as an interior-decorating device; its Creole- influenced menu (try its famous turtle soup) is served by waiters in tuxedos. On a good day, you may also spot Al Pacino or Cyndi Lauper here.

2. The Kettle Black, Melbourne

The Kettle Black, Melbourne: credit The Kettle Black

There’s only one thing better than brunch – and that’s brunch in Melbourne. Our undisputed food capital puts on a caffeine-accompanied spread quite unlike anywhere else, and at South Melbourne’s The Kettle Black, you’ll see why. Delicacies like chilli scrambled eggs with Mooloolaba crab and seasonal local mushrooms feature on its carefully curated menu; a rotating selection of single origin and filter coffee keep caffeine snobs coming back for more. There are regular seasonal updates on much of the menu, as well as on its brunchtime cocktail list – sip and enjoy.

3. Floating brunch, Bali

Floating Brunch Bali: Credit Island Graze

Bali’s “floating brunch” craze swept the feeds of Instagrammers everywhere when first launched at Kamandalu Ubud several years ago; the five-star hotel’s Awana infinity pool juts out over the jungle surrounds, providing the ultimate photogenic foil for a colourful tray of floating breakfast. These days, floating brunches are available at several Bali properties, but the latest take on the craze is our favourite. The team at Island Graze will set up your customised, giant grazing table on a floating breakfast tray wherever you are – so you can have a private, floating brunch party in the villa of your choice. Yes please.

4. Granger & Co, London

Bill Granger practically wrote the book on brunch – no, really. The acclaimed Australian chef penned the foreword for The World’s Best Brunches (Lonely Planet), after creating an international brunch legacy. It began with the 1993 opening of Sydney cafe bills Darlinghurst, where his creamy scrambled eggs prompted queues, news and the opening of 15 more successful brunch spots in Australia, Asia and Hawaii. Granger also took on the Northern Hemisphere. Head to his west London headquarters, Granger & Co in Notting Hill – or one of his three other English capital venues – to see what the fuss is about. The fresh, clean, typically Australian menu tastes at least twice as good when served up in the British context; as do the light and airy surrounds. The signature is his ricotta hotcakes. Fabulous. 

5. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Giraffe Manor, Kenya: credit Giraffe Manor

You won’t need caffeine when you brunch at Giraffe Manor: the aptly named hotel in a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya sees curious giraffes poking their heads through the dining room windows to greet guests each morning. Tucked away on private land on a forested reserve, the hotel draws patrons the world over for its brunch experience. As the star residents wander up to the hotel’s main building, they poke their heads through huge windows into the dining room, hoping for pats and treats. Don’t worry, you won’t have to share your meal with the gentle giants – when your food is served, you’ll discover a small jar of pellets accompanying your meal. “Please don’t eat me,” its tag explains. “Feed me to the giraffe.” Brunch with a difference, indeed!

Words by Georgia Rickard; published Sunday 1 December 2019.