InterContinental London Park Lane,
1 Hamilton Place, Park Lane,
Mayfair,
London,
W1J 7QY
0872 148 1754
The ViewLondon Review
Set in the luxurious surroundings of Park Lane's five star Intercontinental Hotel, the relaunched Cookbook Cafe is far more laid back than its surroundings might suggest. Every Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, the restaurant opens for brunch, making fine dining more accessible for Londoners who aren't in possession of several trust funds.The VenueTo reach the Cookbook Cafe you first need to walk through the opulent surroundings of the Intercontinental Hotel. With grand chandeliers and gleaming marble floors the atmosphere's pretty rarefied. Upon entering the restaurant however, you can breathe out as the surroundings immediately become less formal although they still retain an elegant air.
For some the entrance through the hotel may be intimidating but don't let that put you off. Staff are on hand to put you at ease as only exceptional restaurants can truly do and thanks to the floor to ceiling windows, the restaurant is instantly relaxing.
The AtmosphereThe atmosphere is incredibly serene - the layout ensures that tables are well spaced out to create a feeling of seclusion whilst still remaining in the vibrant hum of the restaurant. Staff are on hand and eager to help, but they give you enough space that you won't feel hassled, an important skill when serving Sunday brunch to a restaurant full of delicately balanced hangovers.
The only downside of the Cookbook Cafe is the slight goldfish bowl sensation as passers by peer in the windows enviously and looking out onto a main road, even if it is Park Lane, is never the most appealing of views. However, despite being next to a busy road no noise intrudes into the tranquil restaurant and the tracks mixed by the restaurant's resident DJ help the atmosphere remain upbeat without preventing relaxed conversation.
The FoodAt £39 per head the food is of a remarkably high calibre and you get a lot for your money. Not only can you help yourself to deliciously wide ranging dishes from the buffet which is beautifully presented, you also have the option to have food specially prepared by the kitchen whose signature dish is Duck Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and caviar.
Main courses include a perfectly cooked pan fried halibut in an orange sauce whilst hot waffles with apple syrup and brandy butter are a must for dessert. There's also a large selection of cold desserts to graze on.
The DrinkIncluded in the price is unlimited champagne, Bloody Marys, Bellinis, Martinis, Iced Tea, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Considering the cost of cocktails in the neighbouring bars on Park Lane these unlimited drinks offer unbelievable value for money. The cocktails are exquisitely mixed, beautifully presented in fabulous glasses and perfectly garnished with fresh fruit. It's well worth thinking ahead and booking Monday morning off work so that you can indulge properly.
The Last WordThe Sunday brunch at the Cookbook Cafe could well be enough to convince Londoners that Sundays are the new Saturday night. If you wish to sample fine dining without the huge price tag then a Sunday at the Cookbook Cafe is certainly the way to do it.