Danger drinking peril of the ‘bottomless brunch’

THEY are the trendy mid-morning meal deals where food comes with unlimited amounts of bubbly and cocktails.

But so-called ‘bottomless brunches’ could be leading middle-class drinkers to health problems, a leading expert has warned.

Working professionals are increasingly spending their weekend mornings at restaurants or pubs that offer a late breakfast with free top-ups of prosecco, cava or a bloody mary. However, it is simply encouraging binge-drinking and fuelling drink-driving according to Dr Omair Ahmed, of the Priory’s Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham.

He said: ‘Brunch is one of those meals that people think justifies alcohol before midday. It is inextricably tied to the drinking culture. And restaurant brunches are communal experiences which appeal very much to working professionals.’

The bottomless brunch, which has spread from the US, tends to offer a meal with unlimited drink top-ups within a set timeframe – often two hours.

Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer, has published new guidelines suggesting adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A typical bottle of prosecco contains more than eight units.