How Brunch Became A Popular Trend

Brunch has become very well-known on a global scale. It's a mix of breakfast and lunch and it's an important part of weekend chill-time and socialising, for some even a mid-week treat on a day off. So what makes brunch so popular? How did it begin? Let's find out!

The History of Brunch

The term "brunch" has an interesting backstory. Brunch is literally a mix of ‘breakfast’ and ‘lunch’ and has a number of supposed origins. In the late 1800s, it is reported that the British writer, Guy Beringer, used the term to describe a late morning meal on a Sunday for those that had had a late night previously. He thought it was perfect for those who didn't want to wake up early for breakfast, but still wanted something more than lunch. 

He also believed that wealthy families took to partaking in brunch and enjoying a late morning feast after church services. He described the mid-morning meal as “cheerful, sociable and inciting”. 

The idea quickly spread to Europe, then to the USA in the 1900s. Initially, it was something only the wealthy could enjoy. Brunch was a hit among England's high-society. However, restaurants and increasingly bars, now offer brunches for all.

What made brunch so special? It was an occasion to bring people together! Unlike other meals, which were usually more private. With brunch, friends, family and colleagues came together to mingle and socialise over yummy dishes.

The brunch that is seen today is a far cry from the dishes that were served in the 19th Century.

What Foods Are Typical of a Brunch?

Brunch - a combination of breakfast and lunch dishes served between late morning and early afternoon. It offers an array of yummy delights both sweet and savoury.

Eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, waffles, French toast straight from the griddle, pastries, cakes and sandwiches directly from baker’s ovens, bagels and paninis fresh from the contact grills and simple salads can all be seen on brunch menus around the globe. Avocado toast, shakshuka, dim sum and tapas dishes have also now made their way onto the brunch scene along with many other dishes for endless variety; it seems like anything goes.

Although brunch used to be a late morning occurrence with light dishes and tea, nowadays, brunch is all about bottomless mimosas with food thrown in for good measure!

Evolution of the Bottomless Brunch

Brunch has had an amazing journey! It began with traditional breakfast dishes served late morning. Now, it's a popular social activity with friends and family, enjoying food and drinks that can take place anytime throughout the day.

A key part of the brunch evolution is unlimited drinks. People like to add alcohol to their meals, like mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. To make brunch even better, there are plenty of venues that now offer 'Boozy Brunch' or 'Brunch and Bubbles' with cocktails, gins and sparkling wine. Live music and entertainment are also popular.

Social media was vital to the spread of bottomless brunch. Photos of delicious meals and fun gatherings were shared on Instagram and Facebook. This caused FOMO (fear of missing out) among others who wanted to join the trend. 

The popularity of bottomless brunches is a massive source of income for businesses now and the trend looks set to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is brunch?

A: Brunch combines breakfast and lunch, and typically takes place during the late morning or early afternoon. It often includes a variety of dishes such as eggs, pancakes, salads, bagels and sandwiches.

Q: How did brunch become a popular trend?

A: Brunch gained popularity due to various factors. It became a way for people to socialise and relax on weekends, providing a unique dining experience that combines both breakfast and lunch options. The rise of brunch culture in media and social media platforms also contributed to its trendiness.

Q: Where did brunch originate?

A: The concept of brunch originated in England in the late 19th century but gained wider popularity in the United States in the 1930s. It was initially embraced by elite social classes before becoming more accessible to the general public.

Q: Is brunch only eaten on weekends?

A: While brunch is typically associated with weekends, it can be enjoyed any day of the week depending on personal preferences and availability at restaurants. Some establishments even serve brunch options during weekdays. Originally served between 9.30am and 11.59am, the term is now used to coin lighter meals that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Q: Are there any cultural influences on brunch?

A: Brunch has been influenced by various cultures. For example, Mexican cuisine has brought popular brunch dishes like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles, while the Middle Eastern influence has introduced dishes such as shakshuka. These cultural influences have added diversity to the brunch scene.

Q: What is a ‘bottomless brunch’?

A: In addition to the increasing menu variety enjoyed as part of a brunch, alcohol became a factor in the proceedings. Many businesses advertise ‘bottomless brunches’ with a selected menu and the inclusion of unlimited wines, Prosecco, cocktails and other drink alternatives.