Professionals are putting their health at risk by bingeing on unlimited alcohol at trendy “bottomless brunches”, a leading health expert has warned.
The phenomenon, where diners can take advantage of all the prosecco, champagne or Bloody Marys they can drink with breakfast, has been branded a health hazard by a psychiatrist at a prominent addiction clinic in the UK.
Dr Omair Ahmed, consultant psychiatrist at the Priory’s Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham, said the trend is encouraging “dangerous levels of drinking among professionals” and fuelling drink-driving.
He said drinking unlimited quantities of alcoholic fizz early in the morning and often on an empty stomach were particularly potent.
The bottomless brunch has become increasingly popular across London with restaurants, cafes and bars typically offering a meal with two hours of unlimited mimosas - a cocktail of equal parts champagne and fruit juice - or bellinis - prosecco with peach purée.
Others advertise unlimited Bloody Marys or breakfast Martinis.
"Brunch is one of those meals that people think justifies alcohol before midday. It is inextricably tied to the drinking culture,” Dr Ahmed said.
“And restaurant brunches are communal experiences which appeal very much to working professionals. In busy cities, sometimes the weekend mornings are the only time groups of friends can manage to get together."
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