“AD” – Why is this here?

Going for brunch is more popular than ever…and rightly so! There is nothing more fun than going out for a late breakfast or early lunch and indulging in a relaxed leisurely atmosphere that sets you up for the day.

It’s been over two years since my last visit to the Shelford Spice takeaway. Back then, the team was setting up a neighbouring cafe called ‘Brunch Base’ with the aim of offering a daytime and brunch experience. Knowing the quality I have come to expect from Shelford Spice, I was eager to revisit. Their ideas for the cafe were genuinely exciting at the time but I never managed to visit for the opening, so now I am back to catch up and see what they have managed to accomplish.

The Restaurant

My initial impressions of Brunch Base were incredibly positive. It has a spacious contemporary style with lots of light making it an ideal place to enjoy breakfast or a coffee. I was pleased to see the entrance had a ramp enabling wheelchair users to access the building and I was reassured to see a 5 star hygiene rating on the front door.

The counter has a selection of pastries and cakes along the front for anyone with a sweet tooth. Croissants and cinnamon swirls were some of the examples available.

The Menu

The brunch menu featured all the expected classics. The “Full House” offered a traditional cooked breakfast experience, while the “Desi Breakfast” immediately caught my eye as a must-try. For a lighter vegetarian option, avocado on sourdough bread was available. Sweet breakfasts, including pancakes, croissants, and porridge, also made an appearance. Additionally, the presence of a kids menu was very welcome for parents and it was good to see juices, baguettes, and paninis, making it an ideal place for lunch also.

Desi Breakfast

I am a big fan of the desi breakfast so I decided to dive straight in! This fusion dish takes classic British fry up which comes with 2 fried eggs, 2 sausages, a hash brown and a vine of cherry tomatoes but adds an Indian twist with a pot of chana masala served with paratha.

The presentation was beautiful with lots of exciting things happening all at once. The eggs were garnished “desi” style and the cherry tomatoes were still on the vine adding a colourful red pop as well as some very welcome vitamins.

The hash brown had a nice golden colour with a lovely crispy skin and soft fluffy centre. This contrast in texture made it extra satisfying to eat after dipping it in my gooey fried eggs.

The channa masala was presented in the middle as the crowning centre piece of the plate. It is made from chickpeas in a spiced tomato sauce that came with a soft yellow colour that brought the dish to life. It was ideal for scooping up with my paratha which added a different dimension to your usual fry up that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Their beef sausages are made and spiced on site, giving them a unique personality and fresh taste that truly captures the spirit of the desi breakfast. I enjoyed their softness with the lightly spiced flavour that invigorated the breakfast with a bit of life.

Baguettes

Four baguettes are available on the menu, with chicken, desi, tuna, and vegan. Pictured above was the Mexican baguette and came packed with cheese and jalapenos. I had the pleasure of watching it cooked on the grill so I could see it all melt together – it was amazing!

The baguette is a good size and was absolutely packed. It is served cut in half with cheese melting out of both sides. Biting into the crispy skin led to a gooey mess that was full of flavour and colour. The jalapenos added a fiery flare that was followed by a light herby taste.

Drinks

I opted for the Morning Detox (pictured left), as no brunch is complete without a freshly squeezed juice. Made fresh to order, this invigorating blend of grapefruit, orange, lime, and lemon created a gorgeous sunrise orange colour in my glass. Every sip delivered a lively mix of fruity sweetness and tangy zest, providing an energetic boost.

The matcha latte (pictured right) had a beautiful pale mint colour from the ground green tea leaves it is made from. The drink boasted a smooth, frothiness which was accompanied by a sweet flavour. This sweetness was balanced by a pleasant bitter aftertaste that signed it off as an ideal hot drink, that also offered something a little different from the usual.

An unexpected favourite of mine was the lemon iced tea which really packed a flavorful punch and came with a sour aftertaste that my palette absolutely adored. It was refreshing and full of antioxidants, making it a great choice to compliment any dish. 

Pistachio Macchiato

Just when I thought I was done, a Pistachio Macchiato from their specials menu arrived. This lively green concoction is a mix of espresso and pistachio syrup which is then layered with pistachio powder. Together it delivered an exciting boost of both caffeine and a creamy frothiness filled with pistachio flavour. Originating from Dubai, this is something you won’t find in many places at the moment but is quickly becoming viral across Tiktok. The team at Brunch Base tell me that the Pistachio Macchiato is one of their biggest sellers, with people coming from London to experience them. Make sure to pop by and give it a try to see what all the fuss is about.

Desserts

As mentioned previously, the counter has the selection of pastries and cakes. I was lucky enough to try two of the four cakes available (yes, I have entirely given up on the diet – thanks for asking).

I enjoyed the Coffee Walnut Cake but my personal highlight was the Chocolate Matcha Avocado Tray Bake. I have never had avocado in a cake before and I wasn’t sure what to expect. It initially doesn’t sound like something that should work but I was pleasantly surprised. The base was soft and fluffy with a lovely sweet avocado icing with rich dark chocolate flakes on top. Lovely!

Pistachio Kunafa

From the Middle East to Cambridge comes the Kunafa Cup; a dessert that has taken Dubai by storm and is now growing more popular in the UK.  This messy treat is made with shredded pistachio kunafa (a type of layered filo pastry), with chunks of fresh strawberry, chocolate, and pistachio powder. I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I knew I loved pistachio but it blew me away. Even for someone who isn’t keen on strawberries I found myself finishing the entire thing. I particularly enjoyed the layered crunchiness from the kunafa that gave it a satisfying texture.

A contemporary brunch with a twist

Brunch Base successfully honours the legacy and quality from Shelford Spice by reimagining the traditional brunch. It delivers a diverse menu that perfectly balances classic favourites with innovative, beautifully presented dishes, ensuring a truly unique dining experience. Prices are competitive and despite being on a busy High Street has dozens of free parking spaces around the back, making it easy for people to visit from across the county.

Thanks for reading