Brunch Here: Galvin at Windows, Park LaneBy Alicia Grimshaw
Sometimes, and it may not be often, but you need to pull out all the stops when it comes to brunch. If you need a special bunch spot, want to splurge your pay packet, or fancy a leisurely breakfast the proper way (with a post brunch aperitif trolley), then Galvin at Windows is your ticket to late morning stardom. Here’s what you need to know:
Galvin at Windows: The Run-Down
Galvin at Windows is an impressive restaurant. Located on the 28th floor of the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, the restaurant boats views over Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and the surrounding areas. Nothing like avocado on toast with a side of the best views in London, eh? Galvin at Windows is a delicious spot, not only for the stomach, but for the eyes too; tables are covered in crisp white linen tablecloths, floor to ceiling windows fill the restaurant with an abundance of natural light, and bottles of high-end wines provide an incredible feature wall. Service is attentive without being suffocating; the staff are friendly, chatty and there’s an in-house sommelier who’s on hand to help with pairing wines with your chosen dishes.
Galvin at Windows: Eat and Drink
Galvin at Windows recently launched a new brunch menu, and while there’s a few brunch regulars available, the menu lends itself more to lunch. The menu can be somewhat of a minefield to navigate; there’s a sourdough toast section, raw and cured, soups, mains, salads and desserts. It can be a little confusing to figure out what you want (the joys of choice), but it’s also great if you fancy sharing a few of the smaller plates.
We started with a basket of the seeded pumpernickel bread, baked fresh and still warm, the salted butter soaked through. There is nothing better than good bread and even better butter. So simple, yet so delicious. Being the brunch traditionalist, I didn’t stray too far from my regular order. I opted for the avocado on toast which was gorgeously presented: a slice of sourdough, artfully covered in herb-flecked, distinctive taste of Lyon, Cervelle De Canut, and thick, almost perfect circles of avocado and thin slices of orange for a bite of citrus.
The Joo’s super breakfast – a fancy fry up – was deceptively filling. This is not the British classic we know and love, but a luxury version. Think comforting soft polenta, perfectly poached Burford brown eggs with golden yolks, maple cured rib eye bacon, stir-fried chilli oyster mushrooms and Anne Rose boudin noir (black pudding).
The thing that will bring me back to this place is the dessert. Oh my, this dessert. The chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream stole the show: oozing, bursting its banks with that interior of hot, sticky, rich chocolate sauce, this pud was absolutely superb.
And while brunch had stretched well into the afternoon, we made time for a tipple from the drinks trolley which was wheeled round to our table. We opted for a glass of Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur that used hazelnuts from Piedmont. Served our ice, it was delicate, nutty and proved to be a better choice than a cappuccino.
Galvin at Windows is one of London’s undisputed culinary gems; with gorgeous views and marvellous food, this is one brunch spot you don’t want to miss.
For more information on Galvin at Windows, see here.
22 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1BE
