Dinner at the re-vamped Browns, Windsor

The week before Christmas Jonny and I were manic we moved, went to Budapest and then had Jonny’s parents come to say for a few days all in the space on a week. Needless to say we were stressed, elated yet erratic all at once with so much going on but a calm in the madness came when we were invited to go to the newly re-vamped Browns Windsor. It was going to be just us two as we were kindly given a voucher towards our meal but we though’t we would take Jonny’s parents along too though I think me snapping away at our food was a new experience for them, Jonny these day is unfazed by having to wait so I can get a good picture…Woops!

So what has changed? Well the decor is the big one, while I loved the old Browns in Windsor set just back off the river opposite the castle it was becoming a little tired I guess the footfall was huge at such a popular place and while the food was great the look had a very pub feel. Now however wow! I was due to go to the VIP launch but was sadly unable to so It was hard to snap the decor as it was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday evening.

The decor is much more modern, with a lot of greys, dark greens, monochrome and great lime accents to give it a pop. The piano it is famed for is still the focal point almost separating the bar and restaurant. The menu has also been spruced up, with new cocktails and days like Lobster Thursdays where they offer grilled whole lobster with garlic & herb butter, Champagne lobster thermidor and lobster surf and turf. It is sure to become even more popular than it was which being one of the biggest venues in Windsor to drink and dine (holds approx. 350 people) it is a fantastic place to catch up and feel at home.

Browns Sharing Plate – With little prawn cocktail lettuce cups, pâté, squid are just some of the delights this sharing platter. It was great for the 4 of us as a starter and had something for all palettes. I paired it with my cocktail of choice for the evening which was the ‘Rose Garden’ a light gin based cocktail with rhubarb and fresh lemon it was delicate and delicious a must if you’re a gin fan!I then had the chicken, Tarragon and grain mustard pie which was what I needed for a winter evening! The sauce was a little bland but I must say the bubble and squeak side with crisp prosciutto ham was to die for. I asked for a side of their truffle mayo and it was unbelievable, I could of had a whole plate of that.Jonny’s mum opted for The Smoked haddock, spring onion & chive fishcakes with Sea herb mayonnaise, tomato & samphire salad a really fresh dish that I would love in the summer sat on their terrace.Jonny and his dad both choose the Browns fish pie with salmon, prawns, scallops, garden peas, Isle of Man Cheddar mash and parmesan & parsley crumb. Served in a piping hot skillet it was huge. Not for me though as I don’t like salmon and bones did crop up but they really enjoyed it, Again a really hearty winter fix.Dessert was just left for two of us a creme brûlée which is normally my go too but I needed to try the salted caramel profiteroles with homemade salted caramel, tempered sugar and a good dollop of whipped Devonshire cream It was a winner though I didn’t devour them all myself sadly as I had to share. All in all Brows has really upped their game, they have become a beautiful chain restaurant which has good reasonably priced food. If you’re in the area, catching up with friends or think you’d like to spend a few hours watching the world pass by defiantly pop in have a drink, dessert or a 3 course meal it has a great atmosphere and feels grand which anyone likes especially on a weeknight amidst my hectic schedule.