Tucked away between the madness of Oxford Street and Mayfair you will find this bustling British institution. Perfect for some basic grub and a catch up over lunch or after work.

The Venue
Although Browns have several locations throughout London, this has proven to be their most popular. A haven from the madness in nearby Oxford Street, it started life as a gentleman’s and military outfitters. To this day, it retains many of its original features such as the four fitting rooms which have been stylishly converted into the private dining rooms. It has an impressive front, with huge windows which welcome you into the cosy and bustling atmosphere within.

Once inside, waiters swoop past you and people push to get to the bar. It has a saloon bar feel to it, a kick back to Victorian years. Dark wooden floors and semi circle booths with leather sofas as well as regular tables for twosomes. Large mirrors and black and white photography grace the walls to complete this homely feel.

The Atmosphere
On a busy evening you will have to yell to be heard over the overtly excited throng of office workers blowing off their communal steam. This is not the place to come for a romantic a deux. It is the place to come, however, for a group booking and a loud celebration. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and courteous, yet extra busy, so food does take a while to arrive - but if you’re having fun, what does it matter? It is like an upmarket gastro pub with pop music playing and an incredibly varied mix of patrons, from the suited and booted to the wide eyed tourist and the very young.

The Food
For all of its atmospheric flair, the food does let the side down a little. It is plentiful and will fill the hole after a few bevvies, but it lacks a certain oomph. There is a wide selection on offer though and the prices are more than reasonable, with a meal for two with wine costing about £38.

The king prawn in chilli and garlic is certainly edible, but lacks the strong chilli and garlic favouring promised and is overpowered by the tomato sauce flavour. The prawns are extra fresh however, if a little on the small side! For the vegetarians, there’s a slow roasted pepper, stuffed with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil, or a vegetarian dish of the day such as a mushroom risotto.

The main course also cannot be beaten on price and servings. They’re large enough to fulfil the hungriest of appetites, but there’s really not much taste. The angel pasta with olive and chilli is agreeable, as you can taste the olive, but there’s no trace of the chilli and it’s altogether a little bland.

The hamburger and salad comes cooked to its specifications, but relies heavily on the gherkin plopped next to it for its flavour. Also, the accompanied fries don’t look very appetising, as on this occasion they were all stuck together on the plate.

Desserts are impressive, however, and the cheesecake and profiteroles (with hot chocolate fudge poured over them) are a must if you still have room after your plentiful servings!

If you pop in in the afternoons you must try their Most Unusual Afternoon Tea for Two option. This cheeky little number will sort you out with two afternoon teas, two large Hendrick’s gin and tonics infused with a slice of cucumber, plus two scones with cream and jam as well as two cakes.

The Drink
No house wine on offer, but an impressive and reasonable priced wine, cocktail and beer menu. If you are going for their fish or seafood options, then their New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc option is the way forward!

The Last Word
A great place to go for an office get together or a quick bite after a gruelling day of shopping. There’s definitely a great buzz and atmosphere with attentive service, a good selection and a comfortable experience. However, if you have a demanding palate, you will perhaps find the food a little bland.

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