There’s something magical about a Sunday brunch. Maybe it’s that it’s a relatively late-in-the-morning activity, so you can lie in bed a bit? Perhaps the potential of dangerously bottomless mimosas, or a mixed menu that borrows a bit from lunch and a bit from breakfast are the enticing things? Or maybe it’s just the fact that you can loll around eating fluffy pancakes and a full English at a much slower pace.
Whatever way you spin it, brunch isn’t just a meal – it’s a weekly ritual, a vibe, a lifestyle. Here, we make our first suggestion of where to get an excellent one.
If you’re in Johannesburg, Proud Mary in the heart of Rosebank is a great place to live out your brunch fantasy. We’re obsessed with its chic hotel-lobby setting, a menu that balances comfort and creativity, and the kind of people-watching that has you staying for just one more glass of bubbly. And we always say that there’s something about the place that makes us feel like we’re sitting in a trendy European spot for a few moments of our otherwise very South African day.
Standouts? The vegan Bombay frittata, packed with curried potato, tofu, baby spinach, crispy onions and a Cape Malay coconut sauce, is pure plant-based perfection. For something more classic with a twist, try the Mary Bennys, featuring hickory ham, chorizo crumble and a pop of trout roe. There are also the usual breakfast suspects: bagels, croissants and eggs every which way.
And, of course, the most essential part of any brunch: something moreish to drink. Proud Mary’s Champagne and cocktail selection is top-tier and dangerously tempting. And there are staff are some of the coolest around. Go, eat, drink, linger and then take a wonder around the surrounding shopping centre for a quintessential Joburg-style stroll.
Sign up to Currency’s weekly newsletters to receive your own bulletin of weekday news and weekend treats. Register here.
