In the heart of Bloomsbury, not far from Russell Square Underground station, one finds a new area of restaurants, cafés and retail outlets. It’s popular every day but at weekends Brunswick Square comes to life! When the sun shines it becomes a magnet for those looking for a bite to eat and a convivial glass of something reviving. And here we find Las Iguanas!
A branch of the Latin food chain, Las Iguanas has ample outside seating for those hot summer days, and there is a bottomless Sunday Brunch to encourage a couple of hours of delicious lingering. The plates here are substantial so although the offer is for two courses that really constitutes a proper meal. One could, obviously, add, say, a dessert or starter at a little additional cost.
Traditional South American fare
We began with a bottle of chilled prosecco and considered the menu. There is enough listed to appeal to everybody. It’s a collection of traditional South American fare and those dishes are well-spiced and authentic …with hints of innovation.
I started with a vegetarian plate (in fact it was a board) of Quesadilla. This soft flour tortilla was filled with garlicky mushrooms, chilli, thyme and cheese. It was pan-toasted for visual impact and served with roasted tomato salsa. Mushrooms don’t have a good reputation for flavour, but these were full of umami, and that aforementioned chilli wasn’t shy, either!
Cheese and Mango Empanadas were my guest’s choice of starter board. These crispy triangular pastries were stuffed with brie and sweet fruit and presented with a dip of chilli jam. That was a lovely combination, the spice complementing the cheese perfectly.
Burritos have always been something of a south-of-the-border passion for me, so it was on the proverbial cards that I would be tempted by one at Las Iguanas – and it was a worthy and barrel-like example of its genre. Wheat tortilla was filled with rice and shredded beef braised in chipotle peppers, with soured cream, refried beans, crunchy slaw and cheese, all served with salad, soured cream, guacamole and a bowl of roasted tomato salsa on the side. Yes, dear reader, you can now see why I suggested that 2 courses might be enough!
Cuban Sandwich was my guest’s lunch, and this was also a great spread of buttery toasted ciabatta bun with roast pork belly, pulled pork, melting Emmental cheese and ham, with sweet mustard and green pickle relish. The side of curly fries offered great crunch. That mustard was piquant and a foil for the succulent meat. The size of this defeated even this well-practised eater.
Sunday chilled fizz is quite a draw
Las Iguanas has delicious and very different food from more traditional fare. The Sunday chilled fizz is quite a draw, although there is also beer on offer. The good company you can bring yourself!
Sunday Bottomless Brunch costs £24.95 and the offer includes a two-course combination of starter, main course, and dessert, and one can enjoy unlimited Prosecco or Brahma Beer. The 2-hour slots are available Sundays from 11am until 5pm and by reservation only.
Opening hours
Sun-Thurs 10am-10.30pm
Fri-Sat 10am – 11:30pm
Las Iguanas Brunswick Square
15-17 Brunswick Square
London
WC1N 1AF
Email: brunswick@iguanas.co.uk
Phone: 0203 058 3327