We headed to Browns Brighton to review their tasty new menu…
Nestled in the hubbub of Brighton’s North Laine’s is a calm oasis that will draw you in, sit you down and deliver a meal you will not forget in a hurry. For Browns Brighton is a world far from the bustle of the City just beyond the door. Relaxing music, comfortable seating, quirky yet unobtrusive décor and seductively dim lighting all create the perfect atmosphere for an evening of dining.
Plants are a main feature of the décor which focuses mainly on browns and white- and bookcase mural features on one of the walls.
The restaurant itself encompasses the perfect illusion of being intimately cosy yet also relatively spacious, with the tables just far enough apart that you are not sat on each other’s laps, yet close enough you don’t feel isolated and can soak up the atmosphere; for that is another aspect which greets you upon first opening the door- you can soak up the elegance of Brighton and feel part of something truly special.
My partner and I were seated by gracious and polite staff who were all too happy to help, and made sure we were more than comfortable where we were sitting, advising us on where to sit depending on if we wanted more space, somewhere a little busier or an area a little more quiet.
The wine list is impressive, with more than enough to choose from- I opted for a 250ml glass of the Sauvignon Blanc, but the bottle or a 175ml glass is also available. My partner went for a Peroni, which came in a bottle. (We were itching to try the cocktails which Browns are so famously renowned for, but decided to wait for our dessert for these!)
Our drinks arrived swiftly and we were set with the more difficult choice of choosing what to eat. The choices are varied on the menu, with some delicious looking starters- you can choose from dishes from their signature soup to sharing platters. My partner and I went for the Browns sharing platter, something the well-knowledged waitress told us was as firm favourite with diners. And it was clear to see why. A large board was placed on the table containing honey mustard chicken, crispy chilli duck, chorizo sausage roll, salt & pepper squid, prawn cocktail, goat’s cheese stuffed picante peppers, lavash breadsticks with harissa hummus, aubergine caviar and a lime & chilli mayonnaise. Everything was beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly appealing. This was more than enough for a starter, and everything was deliciously cooked- we could not find fault.
Our mains were delivered almost instantly, again with impeccable service. My roast corn-fed chicken was a truly delicious dish. With spinach, honey roast carrots and parsnips, red wine jus, crisped pancetta and arrabiata rosti potato it was a more than adequate portion, with the meat succulent and tender, complimented by the vegetables, and the jus which was lavishingly poured over the meal, setting off the flavour perfectly without being overbearing or detracting from the taste of the dinner. My partner went for the belly of pork which came with an orange & cumin glaze, creamed bacon & savoy cabbage and Aspall’s balsamic caramelised apple- he chose chips to be served alongside as it is the only dish which does not include potato.
You may like: Top coffee shops in Brighton
Once finished, our plates were taken away and a dessert and cocktail menu was handed to us- the moment we had been waiting for.
I particularly like the fact the menu contains a combo section- with three desserts and their perfectly tailored cocktail, as well as cocktail recommendations for your dessert. My partner opted for the Browns Eton mess and Grey Goose Le Fiz combo and I went for the salted caramel cheesecake with an after seven mojito. The cocktails were everything they had been lived up to be, and more. Sweet, smooth, tasty and with just the right kick, it complimented the desserts perfectly. My partners’ Eton Mess was one of the most delicious variations of that particular dish I have ever tried; perfectly crunchy, melt in your mouth meringue, mouth-watering cream, strawberries, white chocolate and cherries.
After dessert we were offered coffee, but declined due to feeling comfortably full- and knowing one more course would have just set us over the edge. Instead we opted to sit and relax with our cocktails, listen to the music and watch the steady flow of people pass by the window. The total bill came to £85- a very reasonable price considering the portion-size and faultless quality. Browns is certainly a restaurant I would recommend for anyone. It is a perfect venue for relaxing at the bar with a cocktail, a special dinner with your other half, or a meal out with friends. Price is reasonable and the courses are of very high quality with exceptional waiters who bring it out with a smile and are more than happy to help. Choice is varied in every aspect and the atmosphere is beautiful. Step from the hectic chaos of Brighton’s shoppers and unwind and relax in a true paradise.
Browns Brighton
3-4 Duke Street
Brighton
BN1 1AH
