If you’ve ever organised a weekend social get-together, it’s highly likely you’ve entertained the option of a bottomless brunch. Not only is this the perfect setting to catch up with good friends, and offers the perfect excuse for some socially acceptable day drinking!
While bottomless brunches are often organised for friendly catch-ups, it also makes a great hens party idea. A bottomless brunch is a great choice to celebrate new life events, or to even celebrate with colleagues. Whether it’s champagne, sparkling wine or classic cocktails on offer alongside an Italian feast or more traditional brunch options like pancakes and waffles, the best bottomless brunches are always packed full of flavour and fun.
So, how do you create the perfect bottomless brunch your fellow guests will never forget?
First thing, what exactly is bottomless brunch?
A bottomless brunch is a dining experience with unlimited alcohol and a set food menu usually enjoyed in the late morning or early afternoon. These sessions often last around two hours, with staff working hard to keep your drink perpetually full. These brunches often have a signature drink on offer, like bottomless rosé or mimosas, but you may also have your pick of cocktails, beer, or wine.
The venue offering these bottomless brunches will usually have a set per-person price. The simplicity of organising a bottomless brunch, along with the opportunity to network or catch up with friends, makes this a very popular event.
Additionally, themed brunches make having a set menu appealing for specific life events: birthdays, hen parties, even divorce settlements can all be celebrated over unlimited glasses of rosé sangria and several sharing plates of your favourite brunch bites.
How does bottomless brunch work?
Generally, bottomless brunch offerings include an ‘unlimited’ supply of alcohol for a session of day drinking, usually during the late morning into early afternoon.
Of course, brunch is never complete without a delicious spread. The dishes on offer may focus on classic brunch options like bacon, eggs, toast, and fruit, but you are just as likely to indulge in hearty lunch options. Unlimited tacos are a popular choice when paired with a bottomless brunch of classic margaritas, but burgers, pizza, or even pasta might be on the menu.
What are the benefits of bottomless brunch?
There are several benefits to experiencing a bottomless brunch beyond getting the unlimited drinks. Choosing a set menu of drinks and food can be a great way to get value for your money, which is why brunch is among Australia’s most loved and long-standing food trends.
Sitting down at a two hour long brunch is already a highly enjoyable experience; it’s time you can set aside to enjoy catching up with your favourite people while also enjoying a feast of food and drinks. However, by choosing a bottomless brunch, you can really get your money’s worth. Restaurants and cafes love it too, as you often have a large group with a guaranteed price per person.
How to prepare for bottomless brunch
Since a bottomless brunch features day drinking and a whole new set of rules for dining, you may want to prepare yourself for the experience. From planning your drinks menu to keeping yourself on track after two hours of non-stop drinking, there are a lot of hidden nuances to the art of bottomless brunching.
Plan your drinks
Some venues offer a la carte brunch menus, including your choice of drinks. Plan ahead on what choices you will make and set yourself a limit of drinks. Drinking during a sunny day can catch up to you quickly, so knowing what drinks you will be having ahead of time can help you with a plan of attack. You still want to have room for food and be capable of facing the rest of the day!
Don’t make plans afterwards
While you may feel on top of the world during bottomless brunch, a morning of mimosas can really take it out of you, especially if you are inclined to say yes to every refill. Your only plan after a bottomless brunch is to take it easy, sober up and stay safe.
Don’t pregame
A bottomless brunch is not the type of event you should be pregaming for. Unlike a night out in the town, you will not need to worry about your wallet every time you buy a new drink. With knowledge of the price ahead of you, you can take it easy and enjoy the unlimited supply of beverages throughout the session.
Avoiding a heavy night of drinking the night before will work in your favour. While some folks may be able to handle being hungover around more drinks and food the next day, for many the experience will be ruined.
Stay hydrated
In between sipping your Aperol Spritz, don’t forget to hydrate. This will prevent you from developing a hangover throughout the day, while also keeping you cool and collected. Following this rule is especially important when you and your friends are enjoying your drinks outside under the sun; heatstroke does not fit the theme of fun!
Mind your manners
It is always important to mind your manners when it comes to dining at a restaurant, but especially when you’re feeling the effects of a bottomless brunch. Having fun is one thing, but getting carried away is another.
Make sure to get to your booking in ahead of time to make the seating process easier for the staff or your hosts, and don’t forget your ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’ when the refills make their rounds.
Eat and drink slowly
The excitement of a bottomless brunch can be intoxicating and it’s easy to get into the spirit of unlimited drinks, but it’s just as important to pace yourself and enjoy the occasion. Eat and drink slowly between conversations and don’t feel rushed by the time limit. The hours will feel endless with a plate full of food and bottomless glasses of your favourite drinks.
Choose your food wisely
Always check the menu before booking a bottomless brunch to ensure you and your guests will be happy with the food on offer and that there is something for everyone. The bottomless drinks are not the only aspect of brunch time and the food you choose should also be packed full of carbs to avoid that hangover headache.
Have a great time!
The most important rule of bottomless brunches is to enjoy yourself! Don’t just focus on stuffing yourself silly; taking the time to catch up and chat is just as vital as taking advantage of the bottomless drinks. The world can wait when you have a table full of friends.
Frequently asked questions about bottomless brunch
What time is bottomless brunch?
The exact time bottomless brunch is on offer usually depends on where you’re dining, but it’s usually a set period between 11am-4pm.
Do you have to drink alcohol at a bottomless brunch?
While the concept of a bottomless brunch is focused on enjoying unlimited alcohol for a few hours, that doesn’t mean you have to drink. Venues usually offer non-alcoholic options but it is best to check beforehand to ensure you will have your choice of drink alongside your friends’ cocktails.
How do you pace yourself at bottomless brunch?
Enjoying your bottomless brunch also means pacing yourself to guarantee you can continue the rest of your day unhindered. By ensuring you are staying hydrated with water between drinks, eating enough filling food, and taking your time, you’ll be good to go all afternoon.
How do you plan a bottomless brunch?
When planning a bottomless brunch, there are several key factors to consider before you book a venue or a private chef for your own event. Finalising your guest numbers is vital as overbooking will cost you unnecessarily, while underbooking may mean some guests miss out. Neither option is great, so be sure to lock in who is coming well in advance.
You may also want to set a theme for your brunch, especially if you are celebrating a key event. Having a theme can make it easier for you to choose a menu and drinks, as well as the styling if you’re hosting the event yourself.
When it comes to choosing what delicious menu options you and your guests will enjoy, make sure you ask for any dietary restrictions for your group, and notify the venue or caterer ahead of time. Successful brunches are ones where all the guests are happy and full!
A new way to experience bottomless brunch
Whether it’s your first time experiencing a bottomless brunch or you’re an experienced hostess with the mostest, your next brunch is sure to be a smashing success when you book with Gathar! Our delicious menu options ensure everyone will be satisfied with a brunch grazing table or high tea. Plus, there’s no time limit when you’re hosting at your own home or holiday pad!
Our private services are available for brunches across Australia, including all major cities:
If you’re looking to host your very own bottomless brunch, let Gathar help you make it an event to remember with the perfect brunch catering experience. Enquiry takes just 2 minutes, but the Gathar experience will stay with you for a lifetime!