Up until recently, I was very much of the constitution that the brunch scene was well and truly a ‘London thing’. Well on this occasion I don’t mind admitting, how wrong was I?!! With numerous restaurants and bars in Leicester catering for Brunch, I am on a bit of a mission to try the options on offer and what better place for me to start than at the brand spanking newly opened Knight & Garter in Hotel Street, Leicester.
Leicester folks, you will remember this as Molly O’Gradys but worry not this place is a far cry from its former unique watering hole past! The knight and garter opened its doors to the public in May 2017 and after learning it was part of The Beautiful Pubs Collective and owned by the same proprietor as The Rutland and Derby, (one of my fave drinking establishments in Leicester City Centre) it was a no brainer- I had to try the brunch!
Dr C and I rocked up one Saturday morning and let’s just say the word disappointment never made an appearance! This place really was all I had hoped. As you walk in, the fantastic centre piece bar full of copper hues greets you with the main kitchen behind. To the right there is the bar area seating which opens out onto a lovely terrace overlooking the old Fish Market square, now a bright and light open space. I can envisage many a summers evening cocktails being consumed here chatting away the long weeks work dramas and fear not, that evening chill can be kept at bay with the lovely warm blankets scattered around the terrace. Nice touch guys!
Back to the bar area! We were greeted by the lovely Liam and Dave with welcoming smiles. Dave showed us to our table through a secret door behind the bookcase leading to the restaurant area. Our window table had a perfect view of The City Rooms, where Dr C and I tied the knot! We couldn’t help but think how nice it would have been to have a view of the Knight & Garter as we waited for the nuptials to begin as opposed to its former late Victorian architectural institution!
Dr C’s Americano and my Cappuccino was pretty much on the table pronto and beautifully perfect! You know how coffee has to be just spot on for me otherwise I turn into the she-devil! But the piece de resistance was the little macaron accompanying the silver stirring spoon beside the coffees.
I was pretty impressed with the weekend brunch menu on offer and adored the idea of ‘La Boulangerie and Fresh Juice Bar.’ Essentially breads, croissants, conserves, juices and speciality waters. My eyes were obviously fixated on the bottomless Mimosas, however it was Saturday and I had a ton of things to do so I am saving the devouring of multiple Mimosas to a time I’m brunching with the girls!
After much contemplation, Dr C and I opted for the Eggs Benedict, with marmalade glazed ham for him whereas I skipped that option. When those pretty earthenware plates were presented to us, scattered with watercress with brown of teh bread just peeping through,the word perfection just came to mind. That beautifully rich yellow hollandaise over those flawlessly poached eggs, just had to be broken into!
New Brunch Items (October 2020)
Knight & garter introduced a number of new brunch items in Autumn 2020 which included the full English and plants based full English which can also come with egg for vegetarians.
Both the full English were cooked to perfection and the ingredients were incredibly fresh adn we loved the twist with the baked beans.
As always the service was impeccable and a lovely start to the weekend. Brunch is currently served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 12pm
The Knight & Garter 14 Hotel Street Leicester LE1 5AW
Tel: 0116 3033310
À Bientôt…
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