How to Pace Yourself at Bottomless Brunch in London for Girls

There’s nothing quite like a bottomless brunch in London - endless prosecco, fluffy pancakes, avocado toast piled high, and friends laughing until your cheeks hurt. But by 2 p.m., you’re slumped in your chair, bloated, half-asleep, and wondering how you went from brunch queen to brunch casualty. The truth? You didn’t fail. You just didn’t pace yourself.

Know What You’re Signing Up For

Bottomless brunch in London isn’t just food. It’s a timed experience. Most places give you 90 to 120 minutes of unlimited drinks - usually prosecco, mimosa, or sometimes cocktails. Food comes in waves. You get one plate to start, then more as you ask. It’s not an all-you-can-eat buffet. It’s a slow drip of indulgence. And if you rush it, you’ll regret it.

London’s top spots like The Ivy, The Breakfast Club, and The Wolseley don’t just serve food. They serve atmosphere. You’re paying for the vibe, the chatter, the sunshine on the patio, the way your friend’s laugh echoes off the brick walls. That’s the goal. Not to drink until you can’t stand.

Start Slow - Seriously

The first sip of prosecco feels like victory. The second? Celebratory. The third? You’re already on autopilot. Don’t.

Here’s the rule: wait at least 20 minutes between your first and second drink. That’s not boring. That’s strategy. It gives your body time to process the alcohol, your stomach time to digest the eggs Benedict, and your brain time to remember why you’re here: to enjoy, not to escape.

Try this: sip water between every drink. Not just a gulp. A full glass. London’s air is dry, the prosecco is fizzy, and your body will thank you. You’ll feel lighter, clearer, and way more in control when the third round rolls around.

Food First, Drinks Second

It’s tempting to grab the mimosa and dive in. But here’s what happens when you do: you fill up on sugar and bubbles, then wonder why the food tastes bland. Your taste buds get drowned out.

Start with protein. Eggs, smoked salmon, bacon, hash browns. These slow down alcohol absorption. Then hit the carbs - sourdough, pancakes, waffles. Save the sugary pastries for later. Why? Because sugar spikes your blood sugar, then crashes it. That’s when you feel sluggish, foggy, and ready to nap on the table.

Pro tip: Order your food before you order your second drink. That way, you’re not distracted by the menu while your glass is empty. And if you’re sharing plates? Stick to one or two per person. You don’t need three kinds of toast and a full charcuterie board. You need enough to feel satisfied, not stuffed.

Set a Drink Limit - Even If It’s Unlimited

“Unlimited” doesn’t mean “unlimited in one hour.”

Most people lose track after three or four glasses. That’s normal. But here’s the trick: count them. Not out loud. Just in your head. One glass = 1. Two = 2. Three = 3. When you hit 4, pause. Look around. Are you still laughing? Are you still talking? Or are you just smiling at nothing?

If you’re feeling a little floaty after three, switch to sparkling water for the next round. You’ll still feel like you’re part of the party - you’re just not the one passed out on the sofa by 2:30 p.m.

And don’t let peer pressure win. If your friend says, “Come on, one more!” - say, “I’m good, but you go ahead.” You’re not being a buzzkill. You’re being smart.

Watch the Clock - Not the Glass

Bottomless brunch isn’t forever. It’s 90 minutes. That’s it.

Set a silent alarm on your phone for 60 minutes in. When it goes off, ask yourself: “Am I still enjoying this, or am I just drinking because it’s there?”

Most people hit their peak around the 45-minute mark. After that, the energy drops. The chatter slows. The food starts to feel heavy. That’s your cue to slow down. Not stop. Just ease off.

Use the last 15 minutes to chat, not chug. Take photos. Compliment your friend’s outfit. Laugh at that one weird thing the waiter said. That’s what you’ll remember. Not how many glasses you drank.

Know Your Limits - And Your Friends’

Not everyone drinks the same. One girl might handle five glasses like it’s nothing. Another might feel it after two. That’s fine. No judgment.

But here’s what matters: look out for each other. If someone’s slurring, leaning too far back, or zoning out - don’t let them order another. Offer water. Suggest a walk outside. Change the topic. “Hey, have you tried the lemon drizzle cake here? It’s insane.”

Bottomless brunch isn’t a competition. It’s a shared moment. The goal isn’t to drink the most. It’s to leave with a full heart, not a full bladder and a pounding head.

What to Order (and What to Skip)

Not all bottomless brunch menus are created equal. Here’s what works:

• Do order: Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, grilled halloumi, sourdough toast with ricotta and honey, roasted tomatoes, avocado on rye.
• Skip: Pancakes with syrup bombs, sugary waffles, deep-fried chicken and waffles, dessert platters with whipped cream towers. They’re tasty, but they’ll weigh you down fast.

And if you’re craving something sweet? Go for fresh fruit. A bowl of berries or a slice of orange cuts through the richness. It’s refreshing. It’s light. And it won’t make you feel like you swallowed a pillow.

How to Leave Without a Hangover

You made it. 90 minutes passed. You laughed. You ate. You sipped. Now, how do you walk out feeling amazing - not awful?

Here’s your exit plan:

1. Finish your last drink at least 15 minutes before the time runs out.
2. Drink a full glass of water.
3. Stand up. Walk around the patio or down the street for five minutes. Move your legs. Get air.
4. Grab a handful of nuts or a small yogurt if the place offers it. Protein helps stabilize your blood sugar.
5. Don’t hop in a cab right away. Wait 10 minutes. Let your body settle.

That’s it. No fancy supplements. No miracle cures. Just smart pacing and a little self-awareness.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Bottomless brunch isn’t just about brunch. It’s about how you treat yourself - and your friends - on a Sunday afternoon. It’s about showing up fully, not passing out halfway through.

When you pace yourself, you stay present. You remember the inside jokes. You catch the way the light hits the Thames through the window. You notice your friend’s new haircut. You laugh until your stomach hurts - in a good way.

And when you wake up the next day? No fog. No regret. Just the quiet satisfaction of a perfect Sunday.