In the heart of South Kensington, just around the corner from the Natural History Museum, lies The Ampersand Hotel, a boutique establishment that fits nicely into the local set of restored Victorian hotels.
Its restaurant, Apero, is tucked away in the basement, but don’t let that put you off: light streams in from the ground floor through large windows, casting a warm glow. It’s a pleasing place to enjoy a drink or two - or something more substantial. A bottomless brunch, for example.
Pranzo della Nonna (“grandmother's lunch”), served each weekend, features a series of sharing menu items based on Italian classics, all of which can be enjoyed with free-flowing Prosecco, Aperol Spritz or Mimosas.
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The food didn’t disappoint in terms of either quality or quantity, as round after round arrived. We started with a wide selection of charcuterie and cheese, as well as bruschetta covered in tomato and anchovy and a beautifully sweet, creamy Burrata with honey - and a massive portion of warm focaccia, which was soft and well seasoned. We were halfway full already and the main event was yet to come.
As the drinks kept flowing, we played for time with a wonderful non-alcoholic cocktail, finished with fruit, flowers and candy floss.
Then it was time for more food. An oven-baked Italian sausage dish was missing its eggs, and for our taste could have been bolder with the chilli, but was still thoroughly enjoyable, and the lasagne, though light on meat, was tasty and wonderfully seasoned.
Tiramisu delivered the delightful conclusion. Creamy and full of flavour, it capped off an excellent - and generous - brunch.
Apero at The Ampersand, London SW7, serves Pranzo della Nonna from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, £22.50 per person or £37.50 with bottomless drinks for two hours
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