The K Hotel knows how to do brunch right. That’s what Melissa Nazareth discovered when she headed down for a Friday feast.

What would you expect from a brunch? Good food, a lively ambience and space to unwind? Me too. Everything else, in my opinion, is a distraction. The Friday Family Brunch hosted by The K Hotel at KOLORS restaurant hits the spot.

I was impressed with the variety of dishes on offer – this one’s a value for money deal! At the same time, it provides all the trimmings of a four-star hotel experience. There’s a kids’ corner in a secluded area of the restaurant, with seating arrangements, which means parents with young ones can enjoy while their cubs have some fun of their own. Having said this, the brunch is perfect for a group of friends too.

We reached slightly early – the brunch runs from 12pm to 4pm – and found that the staff were busy with last-minute arrangements. This, however, didn’t deter them from greeting us with a smile, a testament to good service, which continued throughout.

We toured the buffet, which featured a selection of salads, soups and hot and cold mezze. I particularly liked the cured tuna and sour cream appetiser. My companion swooped in on the grilled vegetables. She has had them before and is a big fan. You know a restaurant is good when they get the simple things right.

There was a variety of breads and pastries; it’s good to have a balance of breakfast and lunch items, which is what ‘brunch’ is all about. We also tucked into sausages, turkey bacon, hash browns and beans.

I had to make a round just for the sushi. There were many types, all artistically assembled using fresh, top-quality ingredients. A variety of cold cuts and other items was also on display, including chicken galantine and seafood terrine, both similar in taste and texture to pâté. My picks were the mini bruschetta, specifically the one smeared with cream cheese and crowned with a coral-hued salmon ribbon.

We took our time to savour every mouthful, pairing our choices with selected beverages from the bar, while the band serenaded guests. There are juices and mocktails too; we tried the fruit smoothie, an ombre sunset in a glass, which was refreshing.

By the time we got to the hammour, drizzled with a delicate lemon butter sauce, and the moreish beef Wellington, the talented entertainers from the UK had picked up the pace. I loved their energy; a table of enthusiastic, well-mannered nearby guests asked them to rap and, although this wasn’t part of their original agenda, or so it appeared, they sportingly obliged. They continued to interact with guests, evidently enjoying themselves and their vibe rubbed off on us too. The soul of any brunch is its vibe and KOLORS has a spirited one.

The hammour, a must-try, was flaky and moist, with a crispy skin. It was lightly seasoned but being a fresh catch, had heaps of flavour. The velvety lemon butter sauce, laid on like sunshine, lent a slight tang, which complemented the fish.

I’ve heard so much about Gordon Ramsay’s beef Wellington. So, when I spotted KOLORS’ creation of this iconic dish, I knew I had to try it. Being my first time, I had very high expectations – I wasn’t disappointed. The beef was succulent, encased in a divine medley of mushrooms and spinach, which, in turn, was enveloped by flaky, buttery puff pastry. It was delicious both with and without the peppery mushroom sauce.

Excited to try the grills, we browsed the seafood counter, which featured all kinds of crustaceans and marine treasures, from crab, lobster and jumbo prawns to Norwegian salmon, scallops and more. We were really spoiled for choice. Matching this was the meat station displaying a variety of marinaded items and fresh cuts. We watched the chef as he did a fabulous job on the grill in the open kitchen. The result was a plate of succulent lamb chops, oozing juices that mingled with heady spices and aromatics, and Bahraini tikka with its familiar black lemon spice. The prawns were equally delectable – springy, sweet and cooked to perfection. The open kitchen, flaunting a mosaic tiled wall, also has a newly installed oven for breads and pizzas made to order, which offers a rustic touch. Other live counters include pasta and shawarma.

We were too full to try all the mains but noticed that there was something to suit every palate, from chicken biryani to Szechuan noodles. To top our feast, we indulged in the many sweet delights on display. Our favourites were the chocolate cake, eclair and crème brulée.

Whether you’re looking for a Friday meal with family or an afternoon to enjoy with friends, I couldn’t recommend this brunch enough. It’s unpretentious and straightforward. I look forward to returning, to try the many varieties on offer and, perhaps, even make a song request to the band. ✤

GO: CALL 1736 0000 OR 3660 0433 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.