A 9-course bottomless brunch? Yeah, you heard that right. With free-flowing brekkies becoming pretty popular across the city, I was super excited to try out Cinnamon Kitchen’s new boozy feast. The Saturday bhangra event promises a diverse range of pan-Indian sharing plates, alongside unlimited bubbles and a live DJ set. Did it meet the mark? Here’s the verdict.
When researching the venue's location, I found that the Uber Boat was the best bet, as it took us straight from Embankment Pier (situated right in front of the station), to the restaurant, with only around a minute's walk. As we arrived, we were met with a mash-up of Punjabi tunes and western pop music, followed by a pleasant smell of spices coming from its open tandoor grill, which really set the scene. As for interiors, this haunt has trendy industrial-style features, alongside exposed brick walls, which felt laidback. It also has a floating mezzanine decked out with fairy lights, ideal for those wanting a private dining area, while soaking up the eateries' atmosphere.
Once we sat down we were given the brunch menu (£29 per person), which detailed what we would be having, accompanied by a real must... bottomless prosecco (an extra £29 each). If you're feeling a little boujee, you can opt for the Champagne option (priced at £59 per head). I found the whole concept of having a pre-set list really refreshing, as it meant we could have a good chat without fussing about what to order, and enjoy a real taste of what the place is about.
First up was one of our favourites, the flavour-packed samosa chaat with curried chickpeas, alongside a tamarind chutney, which boasted a perfect balance of richness and heat. Yum. This dish really complimented the fresh quinoa and watermelon salad, touting bite-sized pieces of fruit, notes of tamarind and a nice crunch from the masala cashew nut. Both of these really nailed it in terms of texture, making us excited about the next course.
After another refill of our glasses, we were delving into akuri made up of masala scrambled eggs and layered paratha (a tasty style of flatbread), which was nice, but certainly not as flavourful as the other dishes. We also had the pahadi tikka, a tandoori chicken breast with fennel and coriander seasonings, this was a little basic in terms of presentation, but it did, however, hit the spot.
Next, we tucked into the mains, starting with a delicate, yet fragrant, pan-seared sea bass, covered in a creamy lentil and coconut sauce. Followed by a Welsh lamb roganjosh, a rich Kashmiri-style curry made up of aromatic spices. We enjoyed these with a sharing bowl of pilau rice, black lentils and a generous helping of naan bread. This course was a whole meal in itself, as they didn't hold back in terms of portion size.
Last, but certainly not least, the puds. We were given the royal Punjabi malai kulfi, a refreshing dessert of Indian ice cream, flavoured lightly with saffron and hints of cardamon, alongside a chocolate shard for garnish. Although, this was completely outshone by the drool-worthy ginger toffee pudding. This sweet treat was perfectly moist, yet fluffy, and boasted just the right amount of spice, complemented by a cinnamon ice cream, that I could just eat by the bucket.
The DesignMyNight Digest
I really enjoyed Cinnamon Kitchen's bhangra brunch, as it had a great combination of tasty food, along with a DJ spinning some dance-worthy tracks. As much as I love eggs benedict, I did enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone and tasting dishes I wouldn't usually gravitate towards. I think this is perfect for those of you seeking something fun or social (where you share each other's plates), without sacrificing on flavour.
💰 The damage: £116 including bottomless prosecco. 📍 The location: 4 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AB. 👌 Perfect for: Catch-up brunch with pals or loved ones. ⭐ Need to know: Make sure you arrive hungry, you're in for a real feast. |
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