This upscale chain’s Old Jewry location has just had complete refurb, ensuring that loyal customers and new faces will continue to make it a City stable.

The Venue
Spread across two floors, Browns is part bar, part restaurant. The downstairs area is dedicated to the bar, which stretches along one wall. Wood and metal furniture come together in a mix of stately and modern, whilst a large staircase leads to the brasserie area upstairs. Here the decor is more intimate, with leather booths, low lighting and mirrored walls setting the tone.

The Atmosphere
Its location on Old Jewry, just steps away from the Bank tube station, means that Browns Bar and Brasserie will never lack for patrons. The crowd is mostly well-heeled City folk of all ages, and there’s a low buzz in the air whether you’re downstairs at the bar or up in the restaurant.

The Food
Although the menu’s changed a bit, there are still plenty of old classics along with a sprinkling of new dishes. The starter of pan friend black pearl scallops is fresh and perfectly cooked and comes dressed with lobster sauce, puy lentils and watercress, whilst the delicious crab salad is served in a scooped out half of a soft, ripe avocado.

Mains include everything from hearty salads to fish, pastas and steaks. The half a Canadian lobster and chargrilled fillet steak is a surf and turf fan’s dream and comes with a generous portion of chips. The chicken salad is tender, slightly spicy and mixed in with roasted red peppers and crispy, salty strips of bacon. If you still have room for dessert, make sure you try classics like the sticky toffee pudding and the chocolate fudge brownie, fluffy and sweet and topped with a rich layer of chocolate fudge frosting.

The Drink
The wine list is surprisingly cheap for a City venue, so if you’re in search for a reasonable bottle then Browns Bar and Brasserie is your best bet. If you want to splurge the Krug Grand Cuvee champagne comes in at a bit over £100.00, whilst the international wines range from about £14.00 - £43.00. The bar downstairs is perfect for a cocktail or two before your meal.

The Last Word
Browns is already a national institution, but the recent refurbishment ensures that it’ll have a place on the capital’s restaurant scene for years to come.

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