Browns St Martin's Lane

10/10
We turned up at 8.00pm on a busy Saturday night & the place was buzzing. We were quoted an hour wait for a table for two (expected but not a prob cos the bar was calling.)
Our table was ready in 20mins but we opted to stay at the bar for another drink & were simply told to return when ready to be seated.
Its a lively place with many large groups so if you want piece n quite ask for a table at the front or back or turn up later when the groups have gone.
That aside we enjoyed the buzz & the table service was perfect (not rushed but yet not forgotten about.)
Starters we had the Pancetta Mushrooms & the Lobster & Crab Croquettes. Both hot & enjoyable. Main we had Fillet Steak & the Venison Steak (with a side of the Creamed Spinach. Yum Yum) to which both were cooked to perfection & melted in your mouth. We had to pass on desserts so opted for the Scotch! Overall a perfect few hours spent in a lively restaurant with great food.
Price. A few pounds more than your local pub but I didnt die of a heartattack when the bill came (what do you expect in the middle of town?!)
Highly recommend.

I have to say I was rather dissapointed with Browns. After hearing great things from people I know that had been there, I was expecting something a little more “wow”.

The service, while efficient, wasn't exactly friendly. It felt like we were being a burden on the staff when requesting more drinks.
The food was ok, but nothing spectacular. And certianly not better than I could at home. The portions were also a little measly with my partner still feeling hungry after his meal.

All in all, I probably wouldn't go back again.

The management and ownership of this restaurant need to seriously look at how they handle customer service both over the phone and online !!!

If you are looking to book online OR even make a booking enquiry ——- FORGET IT!!! They are not interested in bookings of 2 people …
(a little awkward for theatre visitors looking to go to the theatre as a couple) but they are clearly more interested in the larger parties.

However even after taking time to to fill in an enquiry on their website
we received no response email or otherwise (despite the promise of a response within 48 hours) —- hence what is the point of the booking enquiry form on the Browns website.
My girlfriend did eventually get an answer to our multiple phone calls to be told they dont take bookings/reserv­ations/enqiries for two and that
we “Would have to take a chance” on a table.

The final gripe is that browns take out a full page advert in the last page of ‘The Jersey Boys’ programme (the show we were visiting) but cannot accommodate visitors. The restaurant is obviously popular as it was jammed when we got there at 545/6pm But with a level of customer service of this level … the popularity may not last.

In the end we went to the mediteranean (chain – think it was ‘Cafe Med’ ??????) restaurant almost opposite the palace theatre where the value for money, service and food was a pretty good.

Browns – sort yourselves out a big flag, impressive photo, and a decent looking menu and loads of ads may carry you so far. But your customer service offline and over the telephone is rubbish.

We have given you the advantage of food, drink, atmosphere, value marks of 6 out of fairness rather than 5.