By Aubrey Buckingham
Updated: 2007-08-20 09:59

Professionals trudging through the hectic work week often find themselves pressed for time when it comes to meals. Lunch is usually a quick bite, while by the time they get to file out of the office at night, a huge dinner is not the first thing on their tired minds.

Sunday morning is another matter all together, with a whole day ahead to while away.

What better way then but to spend it enjoying the spread at The Westin Bund Center Shanghai's uber-popular Sunday brunch.

The Henan Road property is often the first place that comes to mind when thinking where to go for this hallowed weekend institution. Tables are booked weeks in advance and understandably so.

Sunday brunch is simply a wonderful, wonderful thing, giving a chance for under-nourished cogs in the system to eat to their hearts content.

Brunch, everyone's favorite portmanteau, is the ultimate hangover remedy. This city is known for its nightlife, and Saturday nights can often finish a few drinks too late. One of the most effective ways to deal with this is by administering a "hair of the dog." To the uninitiated, this simply means to start drinking again till the ailment wears off.

Champagne is particularly handy in this situation - the delicate bubbles have the desired effect of making sore heads miraculously disappear. Admittedly sparkling water can also replicate the feel-good effect, but where's the fun in that. The Westin has recently switched to offering G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Non-vintage with their lunches, giving diners a chance to toast with the official champagne of the Formula One races. Other beverages, such as van Gogh vodka, fine wines, soft drinks and juices, are also provided.

The Westin's brunch is also very much a family affair, with a kid's corner complete with on-site nanny, toys, cartoons, games and food that appeal to the little ones.

Entertainment is also provided during the three-hour meal. No visit to the city would be complete without feasting on the hotel's superb fare whilst being serenaded by the twelve-piece string orchestra with a tenor and an alto performing easily recognizable tunes.

There are also magic shows, tango dancing, acrobatic feats by children who have lost their innocence to the circus.

The food is surely a reason for the hotel's popularity - all bases are covered and there is literally something for everyone. Both The Stage and Prego have stacks and stacks of tasty treats spread over two floors. Downstairs is everything one could ask for from a buffet, from fresh seafood to dim sum to a carvery. There is even a noble attempt at Yorkshire pudding, although this was ultimately futile.

Upstairs is better still, with firm Italian favorites, and lots of them to boot. Amongst the myriad pastas and pizzas is risotto actually made in a wheel of cheese, a practice hardly replicated out of Italy in this day and age.

The Sunday brunch is 418 yuan (US$55) plus 15 percent service. Children between six and 11 dine for 209 yuan and service.

Address: 88 Henan Zhonglu
Tel: 021-6335-1786