Brunch with an eccentric Japanese twist at The Aubrey

Brunch, when done properly, should feel like a small reward for making it through the week. At The Aubrey, tucked beneath the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, it feels more like an indulgent escape — one that swaps predictable avocado-on-toast territory for something far more eccentric, immersive and distinctly Japanese.

The Aubrey has always marched to its own beat. Part izakaya, part cocktail den, part fever dream of Japanese maximalism, it’s a space that leans unapologetically into atmosphere. Low lighting, velvet banquettes, curios lining the walls and a sense that the night might very easily roll on well past dinner. Bringing brunch into this setting could have felt forced. Instead, it feels like a natural extension of its personality — playful, theatrical and deeply indulgent.

At weekends, the kitchen pivots towards a brunch offering that borrows familiar formats and then gleefully upends them. The headline act is the lobster soufflé omelette — a dish that taps into Japan’s long-standing obsession with eggs, and one that feels tailor-made for The Aubrey’s table-side flair. The omelette arrives impossibly light, hiding butter-poached lobster within, before being finished with lobster bisque, smoked ikura, Japanese scallion, nori, bonito flakes and shichimi. It’s rich without being overwhelming, decadent without tipping into parody. Guests are invited to customise toppings at the table, and for those really leaning into the occasion, Oscietra caviar can be added. It’s brunch as performance, but crucially, the flavour backs it up.

The wider menu balances this showmanship with dishes that quietly impress. Sushi and sashimi are outstanding — genuinely some of the freshest we’ve had, a bold claim but one that holds up even against recent trips to Japan. Clean cuts, pristine fish and confident restraint make these plates feel less like brunch add-ons and more like a reminder that this is a serious Japanese kitchen beneath the theatrics.

Elsewhere, The Aubrey excels at comfort food with a twist. Tokyo Eggs Royale replaces the expected hollandaise with a bright, citrusy yuzu version, paired with housemade tea-smoked salmon that brings depth without overpowering the dish. The Okonomiyaki with tea-smoked salmon, shimeji mushrooms, tonkatsu sauce, spring onion, kewpie and ikura hits that perfect sweet spot between savoury indulgence and precision — generous, umami-rich and deeply satisfying.

The rolls are equally confident. A Seared Hamachi & Prawn Tempura Roll delivers contrasting textures — clean, fatty fish against crisp tempura — while Popcorn Lobster, combining lobster tail and monkfish with a spicy sauce, feels deliberately moreish, designed for sharing and repeat ordering. The Chicken Katsu Sando is exactly what you want it to be: crisp, juicy and comforting, executed with enough finesse to stop it slipping into novelty.

One of the true standouts, though, is the Sustainable Miso Black Cod. It’s a dish that has become something of a benchmark across London, but The Aubrey’s version stands tall — perfectly lacquered, flaky and rich, with that unmistakable sweet-savoury depth that lingers long after the plate has been cleared.

Drinks are, as expected, an essential part of the experience. Cocktails lean into Japanese flavours and playful presentation, making them ideal brunch companions rather than mere add-ons. This is not a place for a rushed coffee and a quick bite; it’s somewhere you settle into, let the afternoon stretch out and allow the line between brunch and lunch to blur completely.

What really sets The Aubrey apart is how confidently it commits to its own identity. This isn’t Japanese food diluted for brunch crowds, nor is it brunch awkwardly forced into a late-night bar setting. Instead, it’s a menu that understands its audience — diners who appreciate craft, atmosphere and a sense of occasion, whether they’re celebrating something specific or simply elevating a free weekend.

The setting plays a huge role in that appeal. Being beneath the Mandarin Oriental lends gravitas, but The Aubrey never feels stuffy or formal. It’s lively, intimate and a little bit mischievous — the kind of place where brunch can turn into cocktails without anyone batting an eyelid. Service is polished but relaxed, guiding you through the menu without over-explaining, letting the food and setting do the heavy lifting.

For The Rakish Gent reader, this is exactly the sort of destination that earns repeat visits. It works equally well for a decadent weekend indulgence, a long-overdue catch-up or a subtle flex when hosting friends who think they’ve seen it all. There’s confidence here — in the cooking, the drinks and the atmosphere — that makes The Aubrey feel less like a trend-led brunch spot and more like a fixture.

Book a table for brunch at The Aubrey.