With a fabulous waterfront setting and views of iconic London landmarks, the Butlers Wharf branch of Browns is worth checking out.

The Venue
It’s hard to imagine a better setting for Browns than Butlers Wharf. Situated right at the end of a long, well lit promenade alongside the River Thames, it’s a fantastic location for tempting Sunday strollers or visiting tourists. Upon approach, you’ll be greeted by an elevated decked terrace laden with dozens of mahogany tables and chairs adorned with brilliant white napkins and silver cutlery. Outside is an attractive proposition in the summer with views of Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Gherkin. When the sun sets, the sight of the bridge lit up is breathtaking.

Sauntering through the large double door entrance you’ll be struck by the sheer size of the venue, with large seating areas to both sides and an impressive lengthy gold bar opposite. The restaurant area is situated on different levels, allowing for a certain degree of privacy. Curved dark wood chairs surround small gilt tables and you have the added benefit of the slumber inducing sounds of a pianist on Sunday afternoons. A few strategically placed comfortable leather armchairs by the window offer an appealing place to relax. A large sweeping staircase faces the bar taking customers downstairs to the light and airy bathrooms.

The Atmosphere
Whatever the time of day, there is always a buzzing element to the atmosphere at Browns. Although there’s the odd sprinkling of families enjoying a lunch or dinner out together, customers tend to be predominately in their thirties and forties. As with most restaurants and bars in the Tower Bridge area there is also a contingent of tourists.

Some weekends and evenings there is a little light music to accompany your meal and there is a distinctly romantic feel when the sun sets. The staff are not only immaculately turned out but they’re extremely attentive, if a little slow in their service.

The Food
For starters, the pan seared scallops (£8.35) are highly recommended. Beautifully presented on a confit of sweet peppers and spinach, dressed with crispy smoked bacon, the three contrasting flavours complement each other perfectly. The colours of the peppers and the aesthetically pleasing drizzling of oil and herbs around the plate make it an appealing choice and the scallops are well cooked, plump and full of flavour. Alternatively, a good starter for vegetarians is the baked flat mushroom (£4.75) served with chilli, garlic and mozzarella pearls.

Main dishes cover everything from fish and chips (delicious, non-greasy tempura battered cod with mushy peas and tartar sauce £10.95) to Sunday Roasts (beef, chicken and pork all under £10). The roast beef is particularly delectable and the smell of rich, thick gravy gets the mouth watering. A generous helping of succulent meat lies alongside an outsized, crisp Yorkshire pudding and triangle-shaped roast potatoes that your knife slips through with ease. A side order of carrots, crunchy French beans and broccoli complete the meal.

For another hearty option, the ever popular steak frites (£12.75) is worth a try. A delightful 6oz prime sirloin steak cooked exactly to your preference is served atop a mountain of crisp French fries, garnished with a handful of lettuce leaves. A large medallion of lemon, parsley and peppercorn butter melts on top of the hot steak. A variety of side dishes are available to add to your meal should you wish, such as dauphinoise potatoes (£3) and creamed spinach (£2.50).

For dessert, the raspberry and chocolate brownie (£5.65) arrives as a huge home baked brownie accompanied by a dollop of cold vanilla ice cream. Presented beautifully with delicate frosting embellished with raspberries, the contrast between the hot brownie and the ice cream makes for a pleasant culinary experience.

It’s worth noting that the prix fixe menu at Browns is a real credit crunch busting option, available daily 5pm-6.30pm and 9.30pm-10:30pm. This two course menu is only £12.95 per person. For early birds, breakfast and brunch is served daily until noon.

The Drink
The drink menu at Browns is as diverse as the food offerings. An extensive wine list is the focal point with house recommendations (Viognier £15.95 a bottle) and a recently added range of new and old world wines. Reds and rose wines are also offered here with a glass of Shiraz-rose coming in at just £3.45 a glass.

The cocktail list at Browns has been updated with over 40 cocktails on offer. The bar staff are more than happy to create new concoctions for you on request. The signature Browns Champagne Cocktail (£7.35) is a great twist on a classic. For soft drinks, it’s worth sampling the fresh homemade lemonades (or limeades). With lashings of crushed ice and fresh cuts of lime, the well presented drink makes for a fresh alternative to the normal Sprite or Coca Cola.

There are plenty of hot drinks on offer here and they also serve afternoon tea (£6.95) by the river with pots of tea and cucumber sandwiches.

The Last Word
You know what you're getting with Browns - it’s a decent chain with good food and a large choice of drinks. The views at this branch are a big added benefit.

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