The Delaunay

Going out for brunch is my weapon for combating weekend laziness and with the shock of the Brexit referendum result, it would’ve been quite easy to sit at home sulking/panicking/swearing *delete as appropriate*. Instead, we sought solace at Bellanger, knowing the soothing powers of an elegant European grand cafe and feeling well looked after.

The latest all-day French brasserie by Corbin & King (the dynamic duo behind The Wolseley, The Delaunay, Colbert, Brasserie Zédel and more) occupies a prime spot on Islington Green and its menu is a harmonious mix of typical dishes from Alsace and Mitteleuropa, plus brunch classics. It’s full of old world charm and feels civilised without being too starry or stuffy.

We booked a table just a few days before and were shown to a lovely corner table at the front of the restaurant where the windows opened to the Continental-style terrace. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the faint hum of French chanson in the background, and the service was at an appropriate pace for a chilled-out Saturday midday.

I’m usually in the mood for sweet things at brunch, so I went for Waffles with caramelised banana, chocolate and crème fraîche (£6.50). When they arrived at the table, my eyes lit up and I couldn’t help feeling like a kid again. The waffles were freshly-made with a crispy edge and fluffy centre with properly caramelised, soft banana, a sticky and rich chocolate sauce and a drizzle of smooth crème fraîche.

Given the very reasonable price, I’d imagined the waffles to be much smaller and more like a snack, but they were quite an event – just heavenly!

Steven went for the large Eggs Benedict (£13), as we saw them coming out of the kitchen looking very tempting. They were definitely some of the best Eggs Benedict I’ve tasted in London. The eggs were poached to perfection with a slight tang of vinegar and covered with flavoursome Hollandaise, fresh chives and a tiny dusting of mild curry powder. The ham was very subtle and the toasted English muffin was springy and fresh – overall a very satisfying brunch dish.

We washed them down with some lovely full-bodied English breakfast tea served in a large pot with refined monogrammed china.

Bellanger is a great spot for brunch in Islington, whether you’re up for a hearty cream, cheese and meat extravaganza à la Alsace or something a bit lighter. I now can’t wait to go back and indulge in a Croque Madame, Schnitzel, Tarte flambée or maybe a comforting pot of Coq au Riesling or Carbonade. See you there!

For more information and booking, visit: www.bellanger.co.uk

Food images by Chérie City and interiors by Nick Ingram and David Loftus for Bellanger

I’ve been waiting for months for the arrival of The Delaunay on Aldwych, just south of Covent Garden, so I treated myself to an indulgent breakfast before saying goodbye to London for 2011.

The Delaunay is the new all-day brasserie from The Wolseley owners Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, located on the site of the former Bank restaurant.

It’s part of a food renaissance in the area, alongside Russell Norman’s Jewish deli/cocktail bar Mishkin’s and the upcoming arrival of Keith McNally’s Balthazar. This regeneration could see Covent Garden take over Soho and Mayfair as the city’s most exciting food destination.

Despite living in London for almost four years, I haven’t yet made it to The Wolseley, so I’m experiencing The Delaunay with fresh eyes.

The Delaunay has the atmosphere of a grand European cafe with a mittel-European menu of comforting classics.

Arriving at The Delaunay was like stepping into another era of elegance, ceremony and restrained luxury. I left my coat in the traditional cloakroom and was escorted through the slightly more informal front room, past the tempting vienoisserie table through to a cosy corner table with a green leather banquette built into dark wood panelling.

I was greeted immediately by a polite, attentive waiter and ordered a pot of Delaunay Blend tea (£3.90). Like The Wolseley, The Delaunay has an indulgent selection of flavoured coffees and gourmet hot chocolates, which would be perfect for escaping the chill on a winter afternoon, but for breakfast only tea would do.

The tea came served in a large silver tea pot with a ceremonial strainer, ready to be poured into the classic monogrammed china cup and saucer. The Delaunay Blend had a malted, fragrant taste, with a hint of bergamot.

The test of a great breakfast destination is how it makes Eggs Benedict (£7/£13.50) so The Delaunay was duly subjected to my usual breakfast assessment. The toasted muffins were thick, springy and slightly sweet, the poached eggs were exemplary, the ham was high quality and full of flavour and the hollandaise had a creamy texture with a pleasing vinegar sharpness.

My granary toast was slightly burnt – hardly a big deal, but not expected from the new restaurant with its breakfast immortalised in Breakfast at the Wolseley by A.A Gill and a less than half full dining room.

Breakfast was leisurely and unhurried, however all of my requests were met quickly by the charming, capable staff. The Eggs Benedict are quite highly priced, especially compared to the rest of the breakfast menu, but they are exceptionally good and filling.

The Delaunay is an impressive, elegant destination for breakfast and with its proximity to Somerset House, it’s likely to be a beacon for all the London Fashion Week action next season.

For more info and reservations, visit: www.thedelaunay.com

Chérie City

Weekend Brunch at Bellanger in Islington

A Wonderful Breakfast At The Delaunay