Mystical Eats: Our Review Of YOPO At The Mandrake's Tribal Brunch In Fitzrovia

Raise your glass and toast to the weekend – because brunch just got a major upgrade in Fitzrovia. Located right off Oxford Street and hidden within the uber-luxe, much-buzzed-about, five-star The Mandrake Hotel lies YOPO, a tropical oasis that will whisk you far, far away from London’s hustle and bustle into the gothic jungle of your dreams. Specialising in South American cuisine, their latest offering, Tribal Brunch, is where a lazy Sunday morning takes a walk on the wild side.

The YOPO At The Mandrake restaurant reviews don't do justice to its kaleidoscopically enchanting interiors.

DesignMyNight Review Of YOPO At The Mandrake's Tribal Brunch

As I stepped inside the quirky hotel’s darkly delightful reception, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of trippy mythological paintings, sensory artwork and an enormous part-ostrich, part-snake hybrid named Showgirl – and this was all before we even got to brunch (and drinks).

Much like The Mandrake’s trippy decor, YOPO, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, is all about the vibe, boasting interiors inspired by the wild; we're talking cave-like installations, mystical creatures, rainforest foliage, plush seating, twinkling chandeliers and a poppy soundtrack that adds an extra dash of magic. A feast for the senses, the dining experience here feels like a journey through the jungle - in the best way possible. On the menu? Critically acclaimed executive chef George Scott-Toft brings his South American travel inspiration to the table with a seasonal menu packed with exotic ingredients, unique twists on traditional dishes, and Argentinian wines you’ll want to sip on all day long.

Carrying that same international flair into the tropical restaurant's exclusive morning treat, YOPO, named after the ancient entheogen revered for its transformative effects on mind, body, and spirit, delivers a psychedelic brunch experience where the decor takes the spotlight.

Brunch goals? More like brunch for the soul.

No meal is truly complete without a cocktail, so we kicked things off with just that. To quench our thirst, my friend and I each ordered a drink proposing an authentic taste of paradise, with each tipple brimming with tropical flair. I sipped on the Kumaru (£18), a bold concoction featuring Tonka bean-infused Belvedere, ginger liqueur, and banana purée that I would simply describe as the coconutty love child of a piña colada and mojito, elegantly presented in a whimsical tiki mug. On the other hand, my friend’s zippy Nashi (£18) cocktail was a fruity mix of pear-infused Hennessy, berries liqueur, and grapefruit, the ideal summer refresher.

Feeling thoroughly invigorated, we plunged into an extensive selection of tempting dishes. Spoiler alert: every plate we had was like a work of art. Starting off with the mains, I opted for the hot smoked salmon on buckwheat waffle (£18), which came with a perfectly poached egg, hollandaise and dill perched atop a subtly sweet ricotta waffle which balanced pleasingly against the rich salmon; it was brunch harmony on a plate. My dining companion chose the buttermilk fried chicken burger (£16) – a crispy, flavour-packed creation topped with avocado, jalapeños, red cabbage slaw and a zesty ají amarillo marinade, which beautifully enhanced the flavour of the juicy, tender chicken.

Moving on to the small plates, we each got to pick a bite-sized side to share, starting off with the tuna tartare (£21). The dish featured a rich olive oil base balanced by a chilli and cashew cream, delivering a playful punch. It was served with blue tostada chips that added an extra crunch, elevating it beyond a typical tartare into something a tad more adventurous. As for the guacamole with tomato chipotle and corn chips (£9), it offered a familiar favourite with a touch of South American flair: a simple snack to nibble on between the more flavoursome dishes.

Sip, savour, snap, repeat.

To cap off our very decadent meal, we shared the caramelised brioche French toast (£14) with candied pecan maple butter, strawberries, and coconut yoghurt ice cream. It was a sweet and almost sensual send-off – fluffy, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent. And if that wasn’t enough, there was also a side of mysticism on offer alongside our feast. A spiritual practitioner hosts a card reading, which you can attend before or after your meal, guiding you to restore your mind, body, and soul through a one-question reading or a three-card spread. Who knew brunch could be so magical?

YOPO At The Mandrake's Tribal Brunch: Overall

The Tribal Brunch isn’t just a meal – it offers an immersive experience. It’s a sensory journey that delivers the perfect blend of spirituality, delicious food, and a dash of escapism to liven up a plain ol’ Sunday afternoon. If you fancy a mid-morning feast with a South American twist, exotic cocktails and Instagrammable interiors, be sure to add a visit to YOPO to your London bucket list.

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