Paul Bates heads up the Cookbook Café

I’m expecting big things as I head down to the Cookbook Cafe at London’s Intercontinental Hotel. Word on the street is that the weekend ‘Bubbles and Brunch’ experience is one never to be forgotten, and with head chef Paul Bates at the helm, the vibrant flavours and fresh seasonal food will surely knock me for six.

With eyes bigger than my stomach, I immediately get started at the Live Cooking Station, where the smiling chef makes an array of light and fluffy pancakes and waffles. There are lots of fun and creative toppings on hand, from candy sprinkles to berry compote. For the less childish diner, the Live Cooking Station also has the usual offerings of omelettes and eggs of your choice.

The Cold Market Table is a visual delight and is laden with daily-prepared salads, cold fish and charcuterie items, primarily from the British Isles. The rustic-looking large table, adorned with fresh chunky fruit and vegetables, takes centre stage in the room and it’s hard to know quite where to start. There is every type of salad available, from three-bean and cous cous to sweet potato, and grilled vegetable. This is a heaven for any wholefoods junkie, and needless to say, I tried them all. There is also a sashimi section, complete with wasabi and soya, which is not something I’d usually choose for brunch, but makes a nice change from the traditional breakfast fare.

The fresh bread laid out in a vast basket smelled divine, and accompanied by the fabulous looking cheese board, I was compelled to dive in. Adding to the rustic chic vibe, there were authentic jars of sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, olives and pickles lining the top; a perfect side order for the bread and cheese.

Whilst enjoying the meal, diners can mull over some recipes from an array of new and vintage cook books. Lining the shelves and windows are plenty of different publications, chronicling the different eras of cooking from around the world. A great little touch, and inspiration to all us would-be chefs.

With such excitement, it’s easy to forget that there is also a hot course included that the waitresses bring to your table – but luckily for my bulging waistline, they are presented as tapas-sized portions. That day’s specials were the mint marinated lamb with parsley mash, pan fried halibut with chard and teriyaki sauce, and stir friend vegetables with egg noodles and oyster sauce. This course felt a little heavy and wintery for a Spring-time brunch, and was perhaps something I would ordinarily choose for dinner. Nevertheless, the loin of lamb was heavenly, and well worth a try.

If you can possible squeeze in the final course, take a peek at the Pastry Workshop. From coffee profiteroles to Bakewell tart, dark chocolate torte to lemon meringue or a colourful tropical fruit salad, this table is the cherry on top.  And for those who opt for a boozy brunch, the price includes unlimited Bellinis (peach, strawberry, raspberry), as well as soft drinks, water, tea and coffee. The drinks station prepares a dazzling array of cocktails too – at a small extra charge.

The website encourages you to ‘Rock up and feast like crazy’, and I did just that. However, there is more to the Cookbook Cafe than simple overindulgence. There are fabulously popular Kitchen Parties available for any event or party. From corporate dos, Valentine’s Day to Halloween or Christmas treats, bespoke events can be catered to any party – from 20 to 200 people.

For those little sticky fingers there are also Kids Classes, which aim to educate with a highly creative slant. From tots to teens, classes start at £10 per child including aprons and hats to take home. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Jamie Oliver already, join in one of the Chef Master Classes and “get to know you marinades from your marinières and your pollock from your polenta” in no time at all. Join the group session, or book out the kitchen with friends.With no holidays booked for a while, I’ll personally be looking forward to joining the Cultural Cuisine Evenings. From The Middle East to China, my palate should feel thoroughly well travelled, if nothing else.

The weekend brunch runs from 12.30 to 3.30, Saturday and Sunday, and is priced at £49 per person. More information is available on the Cookbook Café’s website.

The fresh, healthy salad bar and a selection of the delicious desserts on offer at the Intercontinental Hotel's Cookbook Café