I’ve been meaning to share this for a while. My visit to DRUNCH in St John’s Wood a Syrian cafe slash restaurant, the food isn’t Syrian, the owners are and the cafe reflects the open cosmopolitan warmth I remember of this amazing multi cultural place before all the difficulties this beautiful country has endured.

Visiting DRUNCH for me was a reminder not of war and destruction but hope and positivity. There’s a beautiful vibe here, openess and warmth than resonates beyond the four walls. I completely felt it. I was pleased to support this gorgeous restaurant, I learned later part of my bill goes in support of Syrian refuges. With the latest headlines it is easy to forget the spoils of war long after the journalists leave.

I visited alone, I’d read a lot about this place and wanted to go. On this particular day St John’s Wood was packed with people, women in vibrant head scarves, men in traditional Islamic dress, brightly coloured celebration clothing laughing and celebrating. I felt a little dowdy in amongst the party atmosphere in my jeans and trainers, table for one.

It dawned on me amid placing my order, eggs Benedict and waffles it was Eid.

The most exciting part of my lunch in this colourful international restaurant was I felt transported to another time and place when people of all cultures and class, mingled and socialised together. Where the servers treated everyone with the same warmth and gratitude, excited to welcome you to their restaurant, over the moon literally and humble that you would choose to dine with them.

I was different but didn’t feel excluded, on the contrary, like someone visiting a foreign land I was embraced.

In a fast food culture where restaurant servers are moody and depressed, service slow and customers miserable DRUNCH was a whole 180 degree shift.

The atmosphere was infectious, families taking photographs of loved ones, coaxing children to smile and I found myself being casually included and encouraged to join discussions amongst strangers across tables as everyone shared in the joy of I guess the end of the fast.

The food was abundant, fresh tasty and not expensive. My bill for the eggs, waffles, and hot tea, about £35. I left a £5 tip which I was concerned might be thought a little stingy but my waiter made a point of thanking me, with eye contact.

If you are in St John’s Wood, this restaurant is not on the main high st, but well worth seeking out if you want to have a truly memorable experience.

Of course it would be hard to repeat mine because like Christmas Eid doesn’t happen every day, but the food, the setting and the amazing staff I would return for.

There aren’t many places I’ve been alone and felt immediately totally at home.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 12 noon during the week and 10am at the weekend until 12pm during the week. 11.00pm at the weekends.

Drunch Regent’s Park venue serves brunch and lunch until 5:00 PM daily, after which it transitions to lowered lighting, candles, and an evening dinner menu. On Fridays the live music event attracts a crowd so if you planning popping in on a Friday night you do need a reservation.

And there is 4 hour parking on Chalfont St, and St John’s Wood Terrace right outside.

This is a Middle Eastern spot with a full Halal menu, the food is really good and fresh but just mentioning as this may be an issue for some diners.