Browns (Covent Garden)

Lovely atmospheric restaurant with very good food. Wonderful to spend a Sunday lunch and afternoon in such an ambient place. Staff attentive and i found the food to be tasty and very good value. Well done Browns!
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karen kinsley
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, February 11, 2007

Despite my reservations about chains, keen for a Saturday brunch, my friend and I went to Browns on 13 January. What a disappointment! Having ordered breakfast, my teapot arrived minus a lid, as 'they had run out of them'. Umm, impressive for a central London eatery on a Saturday. When I asked about looking for an alternative the staff were less than helpful and consequently I nearly burnt myself using the saucer for a tea cup as a lid. My friends sausages seemed undercooked, and the surliness of the staff didn't help. Browns seems to cater for those who think that Covent Garden is the epicentre of London and that those visiting will be impressed with very little. The staff's uniform of apron and trainers is just not on for a place which promotes itself as a stylish brasserie. I definitely won't be going again and unfortunately this experience has confirmed all my suspicions about this chain and others like it. Granted one waiter was nice, and I expect the wages are appalling but don't go! There are many other lovely, independent places if you look for them.
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NA
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, January 23, 2007

This was the first time me and my friend had been to browns and we were not dissappointed! the food was lovely the portion were big and the staff friendly. we didnt have to book so that was an added bonus! we thought it was great value for money and would def go back!
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helen
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, November 29, 2006

In June I returned from a day out of the city with my family later than expected and they wanted to have dinner before the theatre. We stopped in at Brown's and I told the host that seated us that we needed to eat quickly. The waiter told us the selections on the menu that could be prepared quickly and they were! We actually had a very nice dinner and although we had a short time frame, we did not feel rushed and made it to the theatre in plenty of time. Well done Browns!
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Dave M.
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Friday, September 08, 2006

The last time I went to Browns will be the last time I go there. Having been before and been quite satisfied, this was quite possibly one of the worst restaurant experiences I have had in London. Having been ignored by the waiters, my partner and I eventually managed to secure a menu. Having first sent back the wrong wine, I was told that my first two choices were, I was informed "off", so I settled for the lamb, and asked for it rare When it eventually arrived, it was decidedly on the crispy side of well-done, yet at little more than body temperature. My attempts to catch the attention of a waiter were in vain, and when I did eventually manage to suggest that the meal was less than adequate, I was met with a shrug of disinterest.

I did e-mail the restaurant owners, who promise to reply promptly. Their interest in my complaint, however, is on a par with their waiting staff. I can only assume that they will therefore have no problem with this review.
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Mark Baker
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Friday, September 01, 2006

Went for lunch with friends today (26.03.2006) and am afraid that service is still fairly poor. We were seated and given menues pretty quickly. However, we then had to call a waitress to place an order. Meanwhile there were two big huddles of staff chatting to each other rather than serving guests. At least we met many of the waiting staff, as they seem to take turns waiting on tables, rather than assigning staff to tables or parties. Food was nice though.
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Harry Mueller
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Sunday, March 26, 2006

I went to this restaurant last night before seeing a show in Covent Garden.I was looking forward to a nice meal with the girlfriend at Browns, as I have heard that the food is nice and not too pricey. On arriving at the restaurant, it took 5 mins to be noticed and given a table. This was at 6.00pm, and our show was at 7.30pm. Once seated, we were sat next to the door,with a cold draft coming through as people were coming in and out constantly. I had to get the waiters attention to be moved. Once we were finally moved, it took like another 10 minutes before the waiter came to ask for our food. The service was really bad as there was no eye contact, no smile and he kept forgetting what we ordered. When the food did arrive though, it was nice. I enjoyed it and found it very filling. I had to eat it quite quickly due to our show starting very soon. We had to cut out our deserts because they seem to take forever in what they do. Even asking for the bill took a long process!

In summary, I think Browns do nice food and a nice atmosphere, but the service is pretty poor. The waiters seemed to like to just talk in the corner with each other, joking about rather than paying attention to the customers' needs. They need more staff and be be quick.
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J Voo
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Thursday, March 23, 2006

I had quite a pleasant evening at Browns. There was a wait for a table but i didn't mind that as the front of house team were organized and charming.

we sat down within 20 mins (on a busy fri night), the waiters were efficient and helpful and the food was good value for money. I would definately recommend it.
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alison. march 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 20, 2006

Good traditional food, very good service, excellent prices. Me and my girlfriend went on valentines night, it was very busy but only waited 15 mins for a table, very professional waiter/ess. starter to share for 2, 2 mains and bottle of wine £50 with service. Worth every penny!
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craig newport
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, February 16, 2006

I agree completely with the previous reviewer - good food, great prices, decent wine, let down terribly by poor service. I went with two friends for Saturday lunch, the place seemed very well-staffed but the four waiters covering our section seemed to spend most of the time gathered in a corner, chatting and laughing. We had to wait 5-10 mins each time we requested a drink. At the end of the meal, I asked if any fruit/herbal teas were available and was told that they had "some lemon and ginger thing, and something with raspberry....". We were served by 5 different waiting staff, all of whom had a rather unpleasant, smug attitude. In fairness, I must say that the front of house staff were very pleasant and helpful. I would recommend visiting here as the food is excellent value, just don't expect service to be remotely professional or even particularly polite.
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Roisin
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, January 23, 2006