Brown’s Browns Brasserie & Bar review

Browns Brasserie & Bar is a former courtroom. Situated in the heart of Covent Garden’s theatreland, the theatrical aspect of its four private dining rooms is happily evident. History and beauty stamp this venue and the owners have done a great job in allowing it to retain the past whilst having a function for the modern day. Originally home to the Westminster County Courts which were built in 1908, Browns took over back in 1996. It must be emphasized that this is a unique and special place.

As if time stood still, artifacts and design features have been united with modern day items and history and dining fuse together to make this Covent Garden site quite spectacular. Above all, a sense of character pervades each and every space. On entering, you’ll be greeted at the lobby. The ground floor restaurant has an enchanting old New York feel. Light jazz plays as your eyes take in aged mirrors, glass globe lights, brass table tops, colonial fans and leather banquet seating.

Should you choose, pre-dinner drinks can be taken at the bar here but the private dining rooms are actually on the 1st and 2nd floors. To get there, a lift is available but hopefully you’ll be able to walk up and enjoy the sweeping and dramatic period staircase. At the first floor landing you’ll notice the electric green and blue mosaic tiled flooring. The ornate plasterwork bar is original as is the bar and its surround. In fact safe to say, from now on all that you stumble across is authentic and has been sitting comfortably for decades. From stag dos to corporate meetings, launches to lunches the venue is able to tailor the package and facilities accordingly.

The three smaller private dining rooms vary in size; the Barristers court is the second largest and can seat 48 on 4 round tables. It has a glass ceiling that allows natural light to filter through as well as opulent grand chandeliers. The Judge’s bench and chair still head the room, perfect for someone to preside over a meeting from. Even the old court book is in place, a fun and fascinating relic for you to peruse. All mod cons are sensitively done with Victorian era patterned curtains and chairs and tables perfectly in keeping. The two smaller rooms on the top floor are reached from a second landing complete with leather couches and a small bar. Here you have the Judge’s chamber which can seat up to 40 and the conjoining Judge’s study which can fit up to 12. Plasma screens and a projector can be provided and guests are invited to bring their own music should they wish.

The food is exactly what you’d expect from such a mix of old and new. Classic British dishes are brought up to date and ingredients are fresh and seasonal. The Brown’s steak pie is particularly famous for its quality and taste. Leaving the piece de resistance until last and the largest of the rooms at Brown’s is certainly the most notable. The Judge’s Court is perfect for parties or big meetings and can sit 100 guests on 10 round tables. The imposing Judge bench, chair and its carved wooden surround is drama perfected; a beautiful and entertaining aspect of the room. Speakers present from here, debates are chaired and DJs hold centre stage all from the same spot. Even the Judge’s robe and wig are present ready to raise a chuckle. The former ‘door to the cells’ now leads to the downstairs kitchen; fitting for a cherished courtroom that is now a glamorous dining venue.

There is much to enjoy from these four special private dining rooms in Covent Garden and Browns Brasserie & Bar manages to play up the theatrical aspect of the venue whilst retaining the charm and traditional design of the building. It’s a memorable place in a great location to entertain and oblige you and your guests.”Brown’s Courtrooms