Review: Inside UBA Shoreditch’s Pan-Asian Bottomless Brunch Experience
Today I’m heading East to the borough of Shoreditch. London’s public transport system is somewhat miraculous (despite occasional issues), especially considering the network handles eight to ten million journeys a day. Seriously.
We’re jumping on the London Overground – the Windrush line to be specific – a lesser-known line that handily links neighbourhoods the Underground doesn’t reach directly. A super-quick and comfortable way to get across London and before we know it, we arrive in Shoreditch.
This is a borough with one of the strangest and most varied histories in London. It’s reinvented itself myriad times, from a medieval holy site to a Shakespearean theatre district, to a slum, to an immigrant hub to a rave scene to tech startup capital. Phew, times seem to change quickly around here.
Sitting just outside the boundary of the medieval City of London, Shoreditch attracted activities the city disliked, like theatres, taverns and gambling. The area was the original home of English theatre before the West End became famous. The Theatre (considered England’s first purpose-built playhouse) opened here in 1576 and Shakespeare likely lived and performed here early in his career.
In the Victorian era it became industrial and overcrowded and developed a bit of a rough reputation, associated with poverty, gangs and of course the time of Jack the Ripper. During the Blitz of World War II it was badly damaged because of its proximity to London’s docks and industry.
But before too long, things were going to look up. In the 1990s and early 2000s cheap rents attracted artists, musicians and tech startups. That helped create London’s ‘Silicon Roundabout’, near Old Street Roundabout and the artistic vibe meant it became one of the world’s capitals of street art with artists including Banksy leaving their work here. Because of this, it has been used as the location for countless films, fashion shoots and music videos and has become a magnet for trend-setters and trend-followers alike.
Many old warehouses and factories have now been converted into luxury flats, bars, restaurants and galleries. And we’re off the vist one of them on a sunny Saturday morning for a Pan-Asian Brunch,
Just a short walk from London Overground’s Shoreditch High Street station, UBA is a sleek and contemporary restaurant that promises to take diners on a culinary journey through the streets of Asia. I can only hope the experience proves every bit as intriguing as our journey through the layered history of Shoreditch.
Which it undoubtedly turns out, it is. We’re indulging in the Bottomless Brunch – a mouth-watering combo of small plates, hirata buns, dim sum, sides, and an omikase mochi dessert selection paired with unlimited drinks for 90 minutes. Think Prosecco, rose, white and red wine and a choice of cocktails. All for £68 per person.
This is some exceptional street food. The rock shrimp and prawn tempura are piping hot with perfectly light and crunchy batter covering the sweet, luscious seafood. Cripsy and tender Korean Fried Chicken is drizzled with a moreish honey and kimchi dressing and a bowl of edamame comes seasoned to perfection.
Hirata buns and dim sum taste beautifully fresh and authentic with ample filling and come with a range of tasty dipping sauces. And pudding is light and refreshing, and we love the mango ice cream – the perfect end to our Pan-Asian feast.
There’s no doubt that Shoreditch is a fascinating place to visit. I’m still trying to make sense of its striking contrasts from one street to the next – the curious blend of slightly worn-down corners, gleaming tech-focused spaces, high rises and many buildings animated by street art.
But one thing’s for sure, I’ll be returning to discover more. Particularly while restaurants like UBA continue to provide such a compelling reason to do so.
Find out more at www.ubarestaurant.com
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
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