Browns (Richmond)

I always tried to avoid this place when it was Browns, preferring to spend my time away from chain restaurants wherever possible.

The Botanist on the Green has been open a few months now and being local to the area I was starting to feel a little guilty that I had not yet paid a visit, not least because whenever I drive past it always looks empty, and felt it might be in need of some support!

The place is decorated nicely enough, but that is about the only good thing to say about the place. The atmosphere is non existent (even on a Saturday night!), the menu looks interesting at first glance, but study further and it really isn't. I went for the seared Bison, which was well cooked, albeit from a sub standard cut of meat (previously frozen perhaps?) this was served with a potato rosti, which was burnt to a crisp and a mushy vegetable thing, (I did my best to forget the name, in case I reminded myself of it later) again burnt on the outside, but this time barely warm in the middle.

I mentioned my disappointment to the waitress, who responded with no more than an "Oh" and walked off, never to be seen again. Even when I wanted to pay I had to walk around the place to find anyone who looked like they might work there.

My Wife didn't have much more success, with the obligatory vegetarian option stretching no further than an uninspiring Risotto, she went for a mixed Meze starter, which we wanted as a main unfortunately they didn’t manage to understand this and brought over bits if it when it seemed to suit them.

My guilt for not visiting a local restaurant sooner is now a distant memory, no wonder it always looks empty, poor beyond belief! There are roughly a dozen other places to eat within a 5-10 min walk, each of them with great deal more to offer than this.
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Steve Moore
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Monday, January 15, 2007

What a surprise when after wandering round Kew Gardens, we went to what we thought was a Browns. Could not have been better surprised. This has now changed hands to the aptly called The Botanist on the Green. Expect huge tropical floral vases, the works! Its beautifully decorated and furnished and the food is simply excellent. I had a caramalised cod fillet on spring onion mash, my boyfriend pheasant with sweet potato hash. Both were cooked to perfection with a great blend of flavours. The wine list would make any avid wine fan happy, a great mix of both bold and new and classics! Cocktails in the bar before leaving were equally well presented and strong! The staff were very very friendly, service was informal but great, I really did feel at home. Those of you that expect Browns, will find far better in its place now. Ive already booked to return for Christmas and considering also the New Year party.
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debs - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The Botanist on The Green is a beautiful and carefully restored building with a menu that is freshly prepared to order and tastes great!!They have a delightful courtyard garden, a relaxing and welcoming bar area and a contemporary and inviting dining room.
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Fleur
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 27, 2006

Regarding the previous review, I thought it a little harsh in all fairness. I ate at Browns last night with a companion and it was a really nice atmosphere in there. The waitor was extremely helpful and friendly and the place was absolutely packed with people enjoying the dining experience.

I think the food is tasty and satisfying, although of course not comparable to le gavroche or mr. ramsey, but you get what you pay for!

I had the rump of lamb which was succulent and hit the spot, my friend had her regular favourite the guiness steak pie which also gained a thumbs up.

We shared a sticky toffee pudding which was just delightful and a brilliant sweet way to finish off the meal which was not rushed at all despite being busy.

So many people come back time and time again to Browns for the food, cocktails and excellent service - methinks that the previous reviewer may have been just a little bit fussy!

2 main courses, 1 dessert and 2 LARGE glasses of red wine for £35 - I don't think that's unfair by any standards!
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Cherry - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Saturday, November 26, 2005

Ok, so what's the big deal about Browns? Typical chain of restaurants (in it for the £'s, not the food) that think by blitzing food in the microwave constitutes cooking. The food is a processed, un-inspiring and boring collection of dishes that prays on the 'quick, the in-laws are coming, where shall we go' parade. I sent my fish-cakes back the last time (one and only time) I went because quite frankly, they tasted like the cardboard box they probably came in. Infact, I would have prefered the box and it was SO obvious that they were microwaved. And, I am 100% sure that fish cakes should have fish in them? Yeh, right! You'd be better off down the local pub, at least you know for sure the food is NOT cooked by a chef/cook and is probably zapped/packaged. Sorry Browns, but you're pants.
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Tuesday, September 06, 2005