With a 25th birthday taking place in June this year, the family run Camden Brasserie has truly stood the test of time with its mix of hearty, South American inspired food set in French-style brasserie surroundings.

The Venue
The Camden Brasserie has an old bistro feel to it, like something out of the 1940s. It’s quite a big space that’s decorated with quirky, specially commissioned wallpaper adorned with images of shelves filled with stacks of books while heavy gold framed mirrors and artwork complete the look. Meanwhile, red burlesque-style lampshades sit over the bar in an old world manner.

The Atmosphere
Relaxed diners feasting on their meals, clearly enjoying the company they’re in as their chatter and laughter drowns out the low hum of music. Staff are friendly and offer up a bit of amiable conversation, happily recommending their favourite dishes should you need some advice on what to indulge in.

The Food
With influences from South America, the menu is heavy on meat dishes, particularly steaks, but also caters to those with a less carnivorous tooth. There’s a small selection of pasta, while the starters also come in a main course size, so there’s something for everyone.

For starters, the Algerian lamb sausages are smoky and rich, spiced perfectly with Middle Eastern flavours and served with a coriander yoghurt that freshens the dish up nicely. Unfortunately the tiger prawns and calamari are disappointing, with the squid being slightly cold and rubbery. The two accompanying tiger prawns, head, tail and all, are much nicer and come with a decent amount of meat on them to sink your teeth into. Starters will set you back around £7.

For mains, the aged rib of beef for two (about £30) is a hefty feast which could probably even feed a third diner. Served on a round wooden block, tender slices of beef are cooked to a just right shade of pink in the middle and a lovely crispiness on the outside and are arranged around a bowl of Bearnaise sauce. The dish comes with a big serving of small, skinny fries that are deliciously hot and crunchy.

Creamy homemade ice cream is a satisfying way to finish off the meal, while you won’t be disappointed with the blood orange cheesecake, which is superbly fluffy with hints of lemon.

The Drink
A great wine menu that categorizes each bottle (whites are classed as light, fruity or rich and reds come in soft, rounded or full options) so you can easily pick your wine depending on your mood. The Cheverny Blanc is a mix of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Chardonnay (15%), but the sweetness of the Chardonnay is surprisingly strong for its suggested 15%. Bottles vary in price and start at around £14.

The Last Word
The Camden Brasserie is a great venue if you are after a decent, hearty feed, especially for those who are meat lovers.

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