McGettigan's Bumper Brunch - JLT

We were lucky enough (some would say the luck of the Irish) to experience something that could be described as the stuff of legend. A mega, mammoth, behemoth, gargantuan sized bumper brunch lasting a mind-boggling 6 hours to mark the end of the season at McGettigan's JLT & The Baggot, which took place on Friday May 19th.   THE FOOD   Authentic Irish cuisine is the order of the day with no less than 14 a la carte dishes available to order from the kitchen, counterbalanced shrewdly with a selection of salads, hot plates, a seafood station and a live carvery.     The a la carte dishes proved to be a popular choice among all tables, and although we could sympathise with the slightly overwhelmed kitchen, we did have to wait a while for our Breakfasts to arrive. Luckily, a short walk to the buffet for a small portion of the dauphinoise-esq Cream Dory, Black Mussell, Carrot, Dill & Potato bake saw our impatiently rumbling bellies momentarily sated.   The BBQ pulled pork benedict with spinach puree, poached egg and hash brown looked stunning, although was slightly cold on arrival, whereas the hand-picked crab meat (substituted on the day for bacon) scrambled egg served on Irish Soda bread was piping hot when it arrived and was an instant winner with micro chives running throughout. The simplicity of the sausage and fried egg served inside a soft brioche bap was not lost on us either, and we simply couldn't resist the crispy smoked pork bacon with bubble and squeak rostis and baked beans. We also went slightly off kilter with the healthy salmon, served atop a crisp green apple, cucumber, garden pea and watercress salad. Delightfully refreshing and the Salmon was perfectly cooked with that crispy skin we all love. Mental note that we must return to try the chicken schnitzel with pickled red cabbage, carrot, celery, cucumber noodles, red chilli, cilantro and wasibi sour cream…not least for it's impressive sounding list of ingredients!     There is a well-stocked dessert section up at the buffet, including a homemade granny smith apple & blackberry crumble, finished with a delightful drizzle of vanilla custard cream and a selection of self-serve ice cream scoops. It is also worth remembering that banana French Toast with cinnamon and vanilla icing sugar and fluffy pancakes served with maple syrup and blueberry compote are also featured on the "breakfast" section of the menu to order from the kitchen.     THE DRINK   As you might expect from an Irish pub brunch, unlimited house drinks are free flowing and fast paced with selected wines, hops, spirits, Magners & Guinness all available, although we weren't keen on initially being served wine out of plastic cups, especially as there seemed to be plenty of glassware available behind the bar. We also tried our hands at the 2 cocktails of the day; the blue savannah - made from vodka, pineapple Juice and blue curacao, and the classic cosmopolitan, which was served in a traditional martini glass we are pleased to note.   THE OTHER STUFF   The lively atmosphere hits you as soon as you walk through the doors and the proximity to other tables creates a naturally social occasion, with a DJ and live music from musicians Mike Ross, The Maplejacks and The Supernovas keeping the feet tapping and some guests relinquishing their chairs altogether to have a good old boogie. Think of an atmosphere similar to the darts at the Hammersmith Palais, this is a big and boisterous affair and not one for the faint of heart. For the quality of food and the option to switch between buffet and a la carte, the entertainment, length of time, and premium bhops such as Magners and the black stuff not seen at many other brunches, yo uwill be hard pressed to find better value anywhere around.   We came for the food, we stayed for the craic!     Mcgettigans JLT - Every Friday (Continuing throughout Ramadan)   Noon -5pm. (The bumper brunch ran for an additional 1 hour)   To Book call +971 4 37 80800 or email contact@mcgettigans.com