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Browns achieved ‘Oxford institution’ status many years ago. Located conveniently in the centre of Oxford, but just far enough away from the busiest shopping streets to give it a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, the restaurant attracts a wide range of customers from families to businessmen, students to tourists. In the summer tables spill out onto the pavement emphasising the French brassiere feel, while in the colder winter months the restaurant always looks friendly, warm and enticing.
Inside, the décor has an informal feel with wooden tables and chairs, defined dining areas each with of five or six tables, and a clever use of architecture, mirrors and windows, all of which gives a feeling of being in an intimate, small restaurant while never feeling claustrophobic.
The menu is broad offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with a la carte appetizers and starters through to fish and meat courses, and dangerously tempting deserts. This wealth of choice includes the timeless Browns classics such as Fish pie and the Browns Burger, and their own version of Eton Mess (with cherries and large chunks of meringue), as well as daily chef’s specials and a fish of the day (whole Plaice with new potatoes when I visited). A wide range of wines, by the glass or bottle, complements the food menu - we found the waitress’ recommendations to be just right.
On a midweek evening the restaurant was not full, but with the clever layout and décor it kept a pleasant buzz throughout the evening, the relaxed atmosphere was helped by attentive waiting staff able to respond to questions and offer advice – Browns take service seriously and offer a monthly prize draw for online feedback.
Browns doesn't rest on its long-standing reputation, they also look to tempt you in with specials: Valentine’s brunch, lunch or dinner; discount cocktails Sunday to Wednesday; become a ‘Browns Friend’ and receive vouchers by email; or their delicious daily specials. On top of this recent changes to the layout have brought the bar into the main body of the restaurant creating both a ‘new’ dining area in its old location as well as a more central location to sit and have a pre-dinner cocktail or after work drink.
Is there anything I would change? No. This is an Oxford institution and has not only stood the test of time but has kept up to date, responded to its guests (the chocolate brownie had only a very brief period off the menu before customer demand saw it reinstated!), and kept a modern, contemporary feel with top notch food and exemplary service.
For a family meal, intimate evening or business lunch Browns should be top of your list.
Reviewed by John Hobart
Opening Times: Lunch: Tues - Fri 12noon - 2.30pm. Dinner: Mon - Fri 6pm - 11pm.
Sat and Sun (all day) 12noon - 11pm. Dim Sum Served daily During Lunch Hours |
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