The Brunchfast Club: Ludo Lounge

Cake. Is there anything finer?

This weekend I've been visiting my parents in my hometown of Bournemouth. Not for any particular reason (apart from I'm quite attached to my hairdresser there, and my roots needed doing!) but being quite family orientated I like to go back and visit as often as I can.

Whenever I go back and visit we like to do at least one thing altogether as a family, whether it's watching a DVD or going to the cinema, eating a nice home-cooked meal together or, as we did today, going to brunch.

Decisions decisions

Ludo Lounge is a fairly new addition to our local area. It opened in March last year, and quickly became a firm favourite amongst locals. Honestly for the first six months after it opened you couldn't talk to anyone without someone shoehorning it with a sledgehammer into the conversation. "So, er, I've got these really bad bunions..." "Oh my god, you know what you should do? You should totally check out that Ludo Lounge place, they do this amazing eggy bread stack. Bunions SCHMUNIONS!"

It became a bit of a standing joke.

Vintage lampshades and b&w photos

But I think it spoke volumes that simply having a decent, independent eaterie open in the area was the talk of the town. It is something that sadly, all too often (with a couple of notable exceptions), is few and far between in Bournemouth, and something that the town is crying out for. People are bored with the same old chain restaurants that fall distinctly short in terms of atmosphere, quality and service. People want somewhere interesting, unique to relax in with good quality, tasty food and simple, good customer service. I don't think it's much to ask for, and I think the tide is slowly starting to turn. And about time too.

Eggs benedict with smoked salmon

We spent a great couple of hours this afternoon enjoying a lazy brunch, pondering over the papers, chatting and debating (read: arguing - but thats just how we roll) - laughing and eating. The food is really nice - there are daily seasonal specials as well as old standards and, brilliantly, an all day brunch menu. My obsession with brunch is well documented, and so of course, I heartily approve of this. I had the eggs benedict today with a side of wholemeal toast, perfect for dipping into the runny poached eggs... mmmm.

Gosh, my mouth just filled up with saliva. 

 My brother's standard order

Of course, if you're not in the mood for brunchfast food - burgers are also an option. Which is great news for the likes of my brother who I don't think I've ever seen refuse a burger. And that includes our family holidays to France where they make them out of actual horses.

So, in summary, basically yay for independent eateries - everybody vote with your stomachs and wallets - and your life will be improved approximately 73%.*

*Actual percentage not known.