Browns Review

Getting to Brown’s Restaurant and Bar was an accident. Foolishly my companion and I had headed into Edinburgh on a Saturday, on a day of a rugby international without the precaution of a booked a table. Our original choice was not only full but disinclined to let us know how long we’d have to wait, so we pottered down George Street finding Browns, and having briefly examined the menu (it was raining and threatening something more solid) decided to take a punt.

And I knew as we were greeted at the door that Brown’s and I were going to get along fine. The building itself dates back to 1767 and has high roofs tranquil lighting and a subdued sense of, well class really. After enquiring about food we were told that there would be a half hour wait and so adjourned to the bar.

The bar itself is on a mezzanine, well placed plants hiding the dining area from snooping eyes sneaking a preview of the dishes on offer (disappointed I was). The bar doesn’t serve draught beer but has a fine selection of bottles (including my current favourite Deuchars) and wine (£3 - 4.50 a glass, £11 to £24 a bottle); there are also cocktails and martinis. Happy hour is a misnomer as it’s between 4pm and 7pm (weekdays only).

Service was excellent. The revellers were three deep as I cautiously approached the bar through a large hen party. The crowd instigated a pang of resignation as I realised what I was going to do while I waited for a table, queue for a drink. And then something miraculous, the horde parted and I was served and half way through my beer before my brain caught up with what had happened.

Our table was ready in good time (I mean early!) and we were sat in a large, spacious, airy dining room (it seats around 200). I ordered tiger prawns with creamed leeks to start and chicken on a bed of risotto. The chicken was a special and when I asked for it our waitress glanced at a discreet digital board in the corner of the room which told her that my choice was still available. A similar board in the bar had indicated to us when our table was ready and although if you think too deeply it might remind you a bit of the Tesco deli counter, I found it a much more relaxed way of informing us our table was ready than the usual wooden counter/waiter combination or intrusive tannoy.

The food was excellent both courses proving to be light and tasty. Portions were not huge rather of a size that left you feeling satisfied but not bloated; ideal in other words. I finished off with the sticky toffee pudding, perfect for sugar addicts.

Browns is also open for morning pastries and afternoon teas and I am more than a little curious to find out exactly how big an ‘oversize’ muffin is but I guess I’ll leave that discovery until I’m researching my thesis on Comparative Muffin Topology; I intend to produce the definitive work....read more

Browns Description

Over the last three decades Browns has won a place in the hearts of the British public to become ‘an institution’ on a par with the ‘Bodleian’ in the words of the Good Food Guide. In 1973 when the very first Browns opened its doors, it did so with the simple belief that classic food, well delivered in a stylish environment would be a recipe for success – a belief that remains unchanged. The varied selection of chilled continental beers, extensive wine list, champagne and signature cocktails ensure that the bar is a firm favourite, allowing Browns to make you feel equally at home whether having a quick drink or enjoying a special occasion.

Customer Reviews for Browns

Average (based on 1 votes): 1 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid Edinburgh and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Browns.

“I like this place. Good atmosphere, good food, good service. I have been in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, work Christmas party and have found the food to be unfailingly good. The full cooked breakfast is a good bet; sauasage, bacon, egg, haggis, black pudding, possibly tomato and mushrooms thrown in for good measure. An excellent way to fortify yourself before heading out into Princes Street, or just to while away the morning with a newspaper. Having been in so frequently I have seen the odd glitch in the service, but this has always been effectively resolved by the staff.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Jo, Bathgate (1 years 9 months 23 days ago)

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Modern British
• Dress Code: Not Specified
• Group: Browns