The Athenaeum Hotel has occupied its prominent corner of Piccadilly since the early 1970s, though the site’s heritage as a private club and art deco apartment block stretches back much further. Long established as a discreet haunt for Hollywood royalty, the hotel hosted icons like Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor during its residency era, and famously served as the backdrop for Take That’s 1996 breakup announcement.
Building on this storied history, the Live Jazz Brunch represents a calculated evolution of the hotel’s dining identity. It is a concept designed to bridge the gap between Mayfair’s traditional luxury and London’s modern appetite for experiential weekend dining.
Located within 116 at The Athenaeum, which overlooks the greenery of Green Park, separated from the traffic of Piccadilly by a ten-storey vertical forest designed by botanist Patrick Blanc. This "living wall" serves as a sound buffer, creating a controlled environment for the musical program. Performing today were The Chris Dean Trio with semi-acoustic guitar, bass, and keys, the group focuses on a repertoire of Great American Songbook standards. The acoustics of the room are managed to ensure that the music remains a central feature without obstructing table conversation.
The dining experience is structured as a seasonal three-course menu. My first course featured a well-executed smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, accompanied by poached eggs, crispy kale, and chimichurri. Other options on the current winter rotation include smoked trout rillettes, ham hock terrine and tuna crudo. The kitchen focuses on modern British flavours with a clear emphasis on quality sourcing.
For the main course, the Dedham Vale minute steak is a standout. Served with a peppercorn sauce that provides a necessary bite against the richness of caramelized onions and fries. The wine list is comprehensive and the service is friendly. My meal concluded with a spiced pear crumble and vanilla custard although dark chocolate mousse, French toast brioche and pancakes with berries and honeycomb crumb were also tempting.
The brunch runs every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The fixed price for the three-course meal is £55 per person. For those seeking a more expansive afternoon, a bottomless beverage package is available for an additional £25. This includes 90 minutes of free-flowing red or white wine, following a choice of Mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Prosecco on arrival.
The atmosphere remains refined, catering to an audience that values technical musical skill as much as the menu. It is an unhurried and relaxed affair, leaning into the hotel's history as a "club of the mind" while providing a high-quality gateway to the Piccadilly afternoon.
