Brunch is one of our favourite weekend activities. There is no rush to get up early, the pace of the meal is slow allowing time for a proper catch up with friends and family, and the food can be anything from breakfast eggs to salads and sweets.

Here are a few of our favourite brunch ideas to try out this year:

The casual al fresco

When the weather picks up and we get to enjoy sunny weekends again, getting out into the fresh air and enjoying our food with the sun on our faces is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Serve fresh, healthy dishes, have plenty of coffee and tea on hand, and remember to take it slow, there is no rush.

The multi course brunch/tasting menu

A good brunch can take hours. Why not make the most of that time by serving plenty of interesting and tasty dishes filled with different flavours and textures, a tasting menu of sorts. This way there is something for everyone and you don’t need to feel filled up all at once, rather savouring the tastes and the company. This is also a chance to show off your culinary and presentation skills.

The health nut brunch

This kind of brunch goes perfectly after a morning of park runs or long group cycles. Enjoy something refreshing and healthy with a spread of fruits, light cheeses and breads, yoghurts and muesli. Be sure to include your signature green juice or smoothie for an extra health boost.

The all about the eggs brunch

Sometimes you can tell a good brunch just by the number of different egg options you have. You can opt to serve eggs to order for a resort style experience or prepare a few favourite egg-based dishes such as omelettes, poached eggs and smashed avo toasts and mini quiches. Go the extra mile with a meat and vegetarian version of sausages and ‘bacon’ on the side.