PA Life dined at Browns Brasserie & Bar in London’s Covent Garden, savouring the fresh spring/summer menu and seasonal cocktails. The brasserie has been a much-loved UK institution famous for its heritage buildings, bustling atmosphere, and classic British comforts since the first UK restaurant opening in 1973…
Browns is known for its “American-style” brasserie experience with all-day dining, fantastic signature cocktails, and legendary brunches. And these are still very much part of the offering. It is also a wonderful option for lunches and dinners, with consistent quality and great service every time across its 28 locations across the country. There are six restaurants in London alone.
Our editor enjoyed a mid-week dinner at the beautiful Covent Garden restaurant where the decor and atmosphere are sophisticated, yet casual. We decided to choose from the newly launched spring/summer menu for its appealing fresher seasonal flavours and ingredients.
The starters include Asparagus and Poached Egg with hollandaise and crispy leeks, which my guest thought was perfectly cooked. I chose a beetroot and apple tartare served with pickled radish, croutons and candid seeds. I could have had that as a main course too, it was simply delicious. Other starter options on the menu were sticky hot honey chicken, bringing a mix of sweet and spice, served with buckwheat, grains and a coriander yoghurt dip. Also Scottish mussels, served with lemon & thyme velouté, gremolata, toasted crystal bread.
Spring/summer main courses are equally fresh and seasonal at Browns Brasserie & Bar
When it comes to mains, seafood is the flavour of the season with a line-up of Cornish sole, served with sautéed baby potatoes and clam & pancetta butter. The miso-glazed salmon with a crispy sushi rice cake, shimeji mushrooms and mushroom dashi, which my guest enjoyed very much. There is also a Butterfield sea bass with Isle of Wight tomatoes, Nocellara olives and charred lemon for fish lovers.
Other highlights include the Duo of Lamb with a tender lamb fillet and crispy lamb bonbon, served with pomme Anna, pancetta and a red wine jus. As a vegetarian option, the Risotto Verde of asparagus, courgette, peas and basil pesto is a delicious choice.
On the a la carte menu, you’ll find classic choices from the butcher. Browns signature cuts remain a choice of sirloin, ribeye and fillet, or go for the new Lobster Surf & Turf featuring 200g fillet steak and a lobster tail drizzled in a garlic and parsley butter.
Desserts are never to be missed at Browns. We went fro the Peach & Rosemary twist on an Eton Mess and the elderflower & lemon posset – a fairly light option with puff pastry, dried raspberries, elderflower sorbet. Chocolate lovers can indulge in the salted caramel & chocolate delice with fresh raspberries, honeycomb and Belgian cocoa crumb.
Taste of Spring menu – great offer for lunch and early dinners
For weekday treats, Browns offers great-value and great flavour with two courses from £19.50 or three courses from £24.50, Monday-Friday from 12pm to 7pm.
Dine from 7pm with Browns’ Taste of Spring menu offering two courses from £29 or three from £35. There are four starter and five main course options, plus four desserts. I rather like the simplicity of this. For those of you looking for more choice, there is also an a la carte menu available.
As an all-day brasserie you can enjoy great food and drinks at all hours until 11pm. Early risers can start the day right as Browns breakfast menus remain, whilst Sundays are for the classic British roast, served with all the trimmings. Made for every moment, from midweek treats to after-work cocktails and decadent dinners, Browns new crop of dishes are the perfect way to savour the season in style.
Browns Brasserie & Bar sites include:
London – Bristol – Kingston upon Thames – Glasgow – Manchester – Leeds – Cardiff – Exeter
For all locations, more information and to book a table, visit Browns Restaurants.
