There are times when a place is much more interesting than the food served inside.

Browns Restaurant was fashioned out of part of the Old Addenbrooke's hospital back in the late 80's. A grand entrance , high ceilings, and about 200 seats. Very colonial in style.

It is nearly always busy, but you will mostly find a table quickly due to its size. If not there is always the impressive bar to wait at which offers really good cocktails.

It may be a chain, but it has a special ingredient (which unfortunately is not the food) that generates a feeling of fun and enjoyment when you are eating here. The constant hubbub of conversation and cutlery echoing around the place provides its pulse. The efficient staff make you feel at home, and offer a very personable service considering the amount of covers they have to deal with.

The food though of late has for me been worse than appalling. I have eaten here three times this year with various friends and can honestly say it is embarrassingly bad. Basic errors like cooking a steak 'not to order' are small fry compared to the stuff served up to me, and are too numerous to mention.

Verdict

This beautiful venue is not enough to temper the dramatic drop in the standard of food. I would only consider going here for a drink at the bar to soak up the atmosphere before moving on somewhere else to eat.

Have your say

Name (optional):
Email (optional):
Website (optional):
Message: