What is brunch?

Brunch (a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch) is a meal usually served any time between 10am and 3pm. It originated in England in the late 1800s, served in a buffet style manner, and became popular in the United States in the 1930s. The type of food served is quite substantial as it covers both breakfast and lunch, and can be sweet or savoury or both. It’s the ideal weekend meal time for those who like to get up a little later!

Many restaurants have now caught onto the trend and offer brunch dishes for friends to share or bottomless brunches with free-flowing alcoholic drinks such as Bucks Fizz or Bloody Mary cocktails, but you can have your own brunch party at home with these top tips.

Brunch party tips

Choose a variety of dishes to create interest and make it more of an occasion.

  • Typically an egg dish is included - think omelette, frittata, huervos rancheros, eggs benedict or scrambled eggs
  • Add some bacon, smoked salmon, avocado or beans if liked
  • Some kind of carbohydrate e.g. toast, bagels, muffins or pancakes, waffles or pastries
  • A selection of fruit and yoghurt
  • Offer tea, coffee and juice – or something a little stronger
  • Allow plenty of time for a relaxing, lazy experience. Pyjamas are optional!

Brunch recipes

We’ve put together some of our favourite brunch recipes to try out