With endless restaurant decisions in London and throughout the United Kingdom, it’s always such a relief to know that you can count on specific places to continuously deliver on excellent service, quality food and of course, a great drink.
Browns Brasserie & Bar is definitely one of these places.
When I first moved abroad to Edinburgh, I remember that one of the first places I discovered as a go-to for a great night or brunch spot was Browns. In case you didn’t know, there’s a gorgeous Browns Brasserie along the famed George Street in Edinburgh. We would often find ourselves venturing in, grabbing lunch with family in from out of town or popping in for a drink. The interiors are beautiful as well. Most sites include dark wood, old English glamour and a mixture of greenery – which is what they’re known for.
In London, my friend lives right by the Covent Garden restaurant and bar as well. We’ve absolutely been spotted there for a drink or two. Needless to say, I was interested to see how the Victoria Browns Brasserie & Bar would measure up.
On a Monday night, Joe and I visited the Victoria restaurant. The new opening of the centre across from Victoria station means that an area that used to be relatively quiet, is now absolutely heaving with people – yes even on a Monday. At 7:30pm when we arrived, the bar area downstairs was full and when we walked upstairs to the restaurant? Completely packed as well. Who said Mondays aren’t great for going out, eh?
We were seated at our table for two and our charming waiter, Josef helped us select our wine, it was always going to be a Chardonnay. It’s become my go-to favourite wine over the past year.
Josef also helped us in choosing our dishes. Browns have recently launched a new menu across their sites. It welcomes some new lighter dishes for spring, while also catering to include more gluten free and vegan options. Highlights are said to include côte de boeuf for two, gluten free lobster and fries, and vegan courgette, mint & lemon tagliatelle.
While we were listening to Josef explain the new menu, he also was proud to announce to us something we wouldn’t have guessed at all. Browns have totally changed their beef suppliers… to themselves! The cows are actually theirs and Browns manage the whole process, from field to plate. How now Brown cow indeed.
Moving onto the ordering. To start, we decided on the Fisherman’s platter, which was recommended to us. It’s a complete seafood dream come true. Severn & Wye smoked salmon, salt & pepper squid, Devon crab on toast, British mussels, warm toasted bread.
Guys, it was so good, we could have eaten probably just this and been set. Equally, I’d totally recommend visiting Browns, ordering a bottle of wine and popping in just to order this to enjoy this starter with it. Kind of a cute easy date night idea, right? Wine and Fisherman’s Platter. Remember that I gave you this idea, OK.
The mussels were incredible and the smoked salmon may actually be the best I’ve ever tasted. The salt and pepper squid was another favourite component to the platter.
After we’d fully stuffed ourselves with our starter, we moved onto our mains. Joe ordered the 7oz fillet of beef, which also included additions such as the lobster, accompanied with chips. I decided to continue onwards with the seafood trend and indulged in the prawn and crab linguine. I was in the mood for a bit of pasta and this really hit the spot. Prawn & crab linguine included Lime, chilli & coriander pesto. Yum.
I have to admit, while mine was delicious, Joe’s was phenomenal. Honestly the beef was melt in your mouth good and so was the lobster. Damn Joe for being so good at picking dishes.
After finishing our mains, you might think that we’d had enough to eat. We were really full up but apparently, we had the tiniest bit of room for dessert. How could we not?
The minute Joe spotted the Banoffee pie, there was no other choice.
I decided to try something small, or so I thought it would be. Salted caramel profiteroles with Devon cream toffee sauce, homemade salted caramel.
SO GOOD. I ate too many of these and then it was really game over.
Waistlines expanding rapidly, we rolled our way to the tube to get ourselves home.
We had a great time visiting Browns Brasserie & Bar Victoria, I’ve always loved the Browns Brasseries and the new menu sounds like it’s going to be a big hit. Especially catering to so many food requirements like gluten free and vegan dishes.
We’ll definitely be back.
Kelly xox
**We were guests of Browns Brasserie, but all opinions and obsessing over the food are my own thoughts/ taste buds opinions**
Ah Kelly this looks incredible – that seafood platter is calling my name!
Sophie
x
A Story of a Girl
This is next door to my building 🙂
Those salted caramel profiteroles sound yummy! Not enough places do profiteroles, they’re one of my fave puddings to have.