33-35 Brooke Street,
Holborn,
London,
EC1N 7RS
(020) 7430 0677
The ViewLondon Review
Brookes Brothers is a smart, modern wine bar and brasserie situated in the heart of a historically significant part of the capital.
The Venue
Brookes Brothers Wine Bar and Brasserie is located in a wonderful part of London close to iconic buildings such as Staple Inn with its Tudor facade and, in stark contrast, the all glass head-quarters of Sainsbury’s.
This is an area of tremendous historical importance and the theme of contrast is continued as Charles Dickens lived in nearby Doughty Street while the world champion motorcyclist Barry Sheene grew up in Queen's Square, Holborn.
In an area of contrast it seems only fitting that head chef, Leonard Pantlin, should combine his culinary expertise with the curious hobbies of collecting rainwater from different parts of the country and taking photographs of snow!
The Atmosphere
Brookes Brothers offers a spacious, open-plan drinking and eating area which attracts young professionals from the nearby legal and media communities. There is a lively buzz in the early evenings as the events of the day are dissected over wine and food.
A very impressive aquarium at the centre of the bar sets the scene for a relaxed environment while two plasma screens keep the clientele in touch with the world at large. A good selection of music binds everything together and Craig Doolan, a bar manager who obviously cares along with his friendly staff, ensure a good level of service.
The Food
The menu has something for everyone and the Brookes Brothers 8oz beef burger with chunky chips is clearly an obvious favourite (£10.50), while the fresh tagliatelle with either wild mushrooms or smoked chicken and baby mozzarella balls in a creamy sauce also has a strong following.
The gourmet sausage and mash with onion chutney and a red wine jus has a different variety of sausage to choose from (£11.50), while the 10oz Aberdeenshire rump steak served with an onion timbale, chunky chips and a port jus is one of the most expensive dishes (£19.50).
The Drink
There is a broad range of reds, white and champagnes on the list which also offers some un-intrusive guidance on colour and taste. For example the red wine list, which has labels from Italy, Argentina, Australia, Spain, Chile, Italy, France and New Zealand, provides a subtle 'A' to 'D' grading on the depth of the wine. Curiously there are no D's (full bodied) to accompany the fine Aberdeen steak, but the numerous C's, typified by the 2004 Chateau Plaisance, Grand Cru, St Emilion from France, is a worthy table mate for any sitting at £38.
The whites are ranked between 1 and 4, with 1 being the driest, and the house option of the 2010 Arpeggio Blanco, Cantine Settesoli from Italy ('1') is good value at £3.95 per glass.
Given the professional crowd frequenting Brookes Brothers it is reassuring to see a good range of champagnes on list. Veuve Cliquot (£52), Bollinger Special Cuvee (£72) and Dom Perignon 2002 (£135) are nicely chilled and ready to support all occasions.
The Last Word
Brookes Brothers is a great place to wind down at lunch or after work, and with capacity for 62 covers it is well worth considering for business meetings, corporate gatherings or private functions. At the very least it provides a place for you to collect your thoughts before the remaining rigours of the day.
Brookes Brothers Wine Bar and Brasserie has been reviewed by 2 users