Judith and Jane head East to sample a bottomless brunch with a twist in one of London’s most interesting new destinations.
Bottomless brunch seems to be everywhere these days, so we were delighted to find a unique variation on the theme in East Village, Stratford. Here we found Bamboo Mat who served up a surprising and sophisticated Japanese Peruvian brunch with delicate small dishes and free flowing drinks.
Japanese Peruvian cuisine may sound like food fusion fashion but it’s a 100-year-old culinary tradition known as Nikkei. We didn’t initially think that the two kinds of foods would be obvious partners, but the flavours were divine and beautifully paired. The chefs were patient in explaining the various dishes and their origins to us and the waitress could not have been more helpful.
Stand-out dishes include Bamboo Mat’s Seabass Ceviche with aji amarillo tiger's milk, sweet potato, red onion, chancha corn; and Artichoke Tostada with salsa criolla and salsa verde. Fluffy Bao Buns with nasu (Japanese aubergine) paved the way for our bottomless accompaniments.
Bamboo Mat also has a delicious vegetarian bottomless brunch menu on offer for just £30 per person. Enjoy innovative dishes such as Vegetable Ceviche for a quirky take on a classic, as well as Mango Maki and their deliciously fresh Pepper and Avocado Nigiri.
The setting for Bamboo Mat is in an elegant boulevard in East Village, rapidly becoming a go-to destination for foodie and cultural Londoners, as well as visitors. The new East London branch of the V&A is nearby and there is a lively continental vibe to the area with its well-planned landscape walkways, interesting buildings and top class restaurants and bars.
Bottomless
You can enjoy a bottomless alcohol option for £18 per person and enjoy unlimited drinks for 1.5 hours choosing from the refreshing Hugo Spritz (fresh mint, lime, elderflower syrup, prosecco, and sparkling water!), prosecco or white wine. Non-drinkers can add Peruvian soft drink Chicha Morada made from dried purple corn with fruit and spices and can keep going back for more for just £12 per person.
Bamboo Mat bottomless brunch has now launched in Stratford only every Saturday and Sunday 12- 4pm. Bottomless brunch is 1.5 hours and the last booking daily is 2:30pm. Offered on pre-booked tables only. Brunch is £35 per person with optional bottomless drinks add-on for £18 or £12 for non-alcoholic bottomless.