The Botanist has unveiled a new brunch menu, and typical of the quirky cocktail bar and restaurant in The Borough, Farnham, there are plenty of surprising combinations!

Known for its imaginative creations, The Botanist has developed six classic brunch dishes with an innovative (and very Instagrammable) twist.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the menu is the buttermilk fried chicken waffle with maple sriracha, coleslaw and watermelon.

I went on Friday to sample this decadent and exotic dish, and – apprehensive at first –  loved the combination of a sugary waffle with the fried chicken and colourful coleslaw.

The portion size was generous, but manageable, and the presentation tied in well with the restaurant’s attractive, aesthetically-pleasing interiors and chilled background music.

The Botanist can be found under the arches in the Town Hall Buildings in Farnham’s The Borough
The Botanist can be found under the arches in the Town Hall Buildings in Farnham’s The Borough (Grace Camagay)

Dishes range from £9.95 to £11.95, and a bottomless drinks upgrade is available for an extra £15.95 per person which includes The Botanist’s expertly crafted aperol, raspberry, blood orange or elderflower spritzes, as well as Prosecco and house beer.

Other bottomless brunch menu options include ham hock or smoked trout eggs benedict served with herby heritage slaw and smashed avocado on toast with crumbled goat cheese and turmeric boiled egg.

Or, if you can’t decide, there is the brunch twist, which includes a cumberland sausage, maple bacon, eggs benedict, papaya and buckwheat granola, bircher muesli and fresh fruit. 

The Botanist’s brunch twist combines a Cumberland sausage with maple bacon, eggs benedict, papaya and buckwheat granola, bircher muesli and fresh fruit
The Botanist’s brunch twist combines a Cumberland sausage with maple bacon, eggs benedict, papaya and buckwheat granola, bircher muesli and fresh fruit (The Botanist)

The Botanist is refreshing and spacious, and ideal for a relaxed meal out with friends and family.

Ample vegetarian and vegan options are available such as the bircher muesli with almond and coconut milk-soaked oats, topped with blueberry lavender jam, fresh fruit, papaya & buckwheat granola, toasted coconut and cacao nibs or smashed avocado on toast with crumbled vegan feta.

The Botanist Brunch is available from 9am, although specific service days and times vary depending on individual venues. Visit your local Botanist page for exact menu and opening hours at https://thebotanist.uk.com. 

Review by Beatrice Vickery, a Year 12 student at HSDC Alton College