Browns (Islington)

What A disappointment! I remember frequenting Browns in Oxford, presumably before it became a quasi-American theme restaurant!

We turned up on Saturday night looking for a simple meal. Starters were good, then came main courses - what a disappointment! My duck was distinctly chewy and gave the impression of having sat under a hotplate for some considerable time. My friend's mussels were dry and tasteless and the other, a steak, was just mediocre, with plenty of gristle.

In fairness to our wairess, she did appear genuinely concerned, and ultimately they did not charge for our main courses, but at these prices I would expect considerably better!
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Mark Jones
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Monday, February 05, 2007

I'm sad to say that I must retract my earlier praise. Browns of Islington was decidedly disappointing tonight. The menu had some unidentifiable crusty matter (food?) stuck to it, the service was rushed and brittle, instantly destroying any relaxed vibe, and the food was disappointing: call me stingy but I resent paying £3.50 for a side of overcooked asparagus, and I was thoroughly unimpressed when a bowl of half melted of ice cream was shoved before me for dessert. I didn't get the chance to complain – the waiters had disappeared to the next table of customers by the time I turned around. Clearly they were short-staffed, and maybe it was a one-off, but I'm not sure I'll be hurrying back.
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Beakster - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Sunday, October 01, 2006

I began frequenting Browns when I lived in Oxford (not initially realising it was a chain), and it was a civilised yet affordable place to go for a pleasant meal and a natter with a good friend. Browns in Islington offered much the same qualities. It is the sort of Pret of evening dining (though not nearly so ubiquitous) – the menu doesn't seem to change all that much but what it does, it does well, it's welcoming, it's affordable, and you still feel like you went “out” for dinner. A summary of our Browns Islington experience: we had a fabulous booth table at the front overlooking the green, my mojito was on the expensive side but delicious, the fish pie with potato crust and French beans was hearty (as always – it's my evening equivalent of Pret's brie, tomato and basil baguette), the ice cream was gorgeously rich and accompanied by a to-die-for home baked cookie of the warm and chewy variety, the restaurant had a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, and the waiter was friendly and helpful (although the service was perhaps a little too swift – we were a group of four settled in for the night and would have appreciated a bit more time and space between courses). All in all the standard Browns experience: familiar menu, comfortable surroundings, tasty, and reliable.
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Beakster - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Friday, September 29, 2006

My mum & dad decided to treat me and my sister to a meal out, we went for Browns and was seated in some nice comfy seats near the window.

My mum ordered a starter of crab cakes, unfortunatly they were abit mushy with hardly any crab but more of the creme frais than anything else!

Main courses arrived abit later (not too long). I ordered one of the specials which was grilled plaice, it was ok. My sister ordered the salmon which she said didn't have much flavour, my mum ordered one of the specials of lamb steak with mash & steamed veg.........the lamb was very tough, although the veg was nice and crunchy. Finally, my dad ordered a burger....typical of dads not to try anything new, he was happy with his meal.

Overall, I would say they could possibly put a little more effort in the way they cook their meat and fish!

Maybe they should hire my sister, she makes the best salmon! :-)
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Katy
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Friday, July 21, 2006

Oh dear oh dear - as we loitered by the (admittedly rather nice) zinc bar, we were steadfastly ignored by the waitress. We eventually sidled up and asked whether she was free and whether we could sit down for dinner (the place was empty). The answer was so rude we, erm, left. Grim.
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Neil
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I find this place a bit vast and characterless, almost like a cruise ship, but the tables are well spaced if you want a quiet chat and the food's pretty reliable.

They do a nice buttery, garlicky prawn starter which I have every time I go.
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Gemstone
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Monday, June 05, 2006