Kaia at The Ned
Bank London
by PlanetBrunch Published 1 year ago
Brunch with a Modern Pacific Twist
Kaia sits inside The Ned in London — a grand old banking hall turned luxury hotel and social hub. Walking there feels like a mix of history and city rush. You pass tall stone buildings, shiny shop fronts, and people in suits heading to meetings. By the time you reach The Ned’s big doors, you already know you’re somewhere special. We went in March, and even though it was a little chilly outside, the building’s warmth and buzz pulled us right in.
Inside, Kaia has a modern, polished look that still feels relaxed. Think soft lighting, clean lines, and a mix of marble, wood, and sleek finishes. It’s got that contemporary Asian vibe — stylish but not showy. There’s counter seating, cosy booths, and a sushi bar where chefs are busy plating up colourful dishes. You can hear a light hum of chatter and music in the background, but it never gets too loud. Just the right amount of energy.
We came to celebrate PlanetBrunch’s first anniversary, and honestly, Kaia felt like the right choice for it. The live jazz band playing nearby added a lovely touch — upbeat but smooth, just the right kind of soundtrack for brunch.
The brunch menu mixes Asian-Pacific flavours with brunch favourites. We loved that starters were unlimited and made to share. Our table quickly filled up with small plates — edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt, crispy pork gyoza, fluffy bao buns stuffed with fried chicken, and Okonomiyaki topped with bonito flakes that danced in the air. The dynamite shrimp came coated in a light, spicy yuzu chilli mayo, and the prawn and vegetable sushi rolls were fresh and bright.
For mains, we went for the Hawaiian chicken with sriracha mayo — juicy, bold, and slightly smoky.
Followed by the teriyaki salmon with sesame seeds, which was silky and perfectly glazed.
Dessert was a showstopper. The fruit, pastry, and ice cream platter was as pretty as it was tasty. The team even added a small piece of chocolate with “Happy Anniversary” written on it — a thoughtful surprise that made our day.
Service matched the setting — professional but friendly. Staff knew the menu well and kept things moving at a good pace. We never felt rushed, even though the restaurant was busy.
Prices aren’t low, but it’s The Ned — you’re paying for the food, the setting, and the experience. For a special occasion, it feels worth it. Some might find the brunch menu a bit pricey for what it is, but the quality and atmosphere make up for it.
Before leaving, we caught ourselves just sitting back, enjoying the music and the buzz. Kaia has that rare mix of style and ease — you can dress up a little, enjoy great food, and still feel comfortable.
Would we go back? Definitely. Kaia is perfect for a fun brunch with friends, a classy lunch, or a celebration that calls for something a bit special.