Part of the nationwide Browns chain, this branch provides a welcome watering hole for those looking for a pleasant choice of food and drink at any time of day.

The Venue
A well established spot in fashionable North Oxford, Browns can be relied on to provide good food and a comfortable seat. You will find it on the corner of Little Clarendon Street and Woodstock road, where it is recognisable by the shady brown awnings that proclaim its name.

It's spaciously laid out, featuring a pretty good jazz pianist on Wednesday evenings in the ample lounge area which has large leather seats, sofas and a bar set apart from the main restaurant area by the black grand piano.

The main seating area is stylishly decorated in a classic way while retaining a modern feel. That spirit accompanies everything that Browns do.

The People
Residents of North Oxford visit Browns, accompanied by businessmen, tourists and other visitors. It's definitely not a student hangout, despite the existence of several colleges nearby. It's fair to say Browns is mainly frequented by the well-heeled. Staff are kind and thoughtful, and do their best to ensure you have a pleasant meal or drink.

The Food
Classic meals are the rule, with reliable results every time. Browns can be depended on to come up with a good meal, and the name will probably surface in any conversation about eating out in Oxford.

The steak, mushroom and Guinness pie, at a reasonable £9.95, is as large and satisfactory as in any of Oxford’s pubs, complete with potatoes and thick creamy pastry.

Cakes and teas are offered in the afternoon tea from 2pm to 5.30pm daily, they are very tasty, and match most other cafes, except the Grand Cafe, in daytime deliciousness.

A very good reason to visit Browns is to try the ‘most unusual afternoon tea’ for £17, consisting of two gin and tonics, with two teas. Great afternoons can be had enjoying it in Browns' serene environment.

Food is available all day, including breakfast/brunch, and the food is always well made and filling. There is nothing that really sets it apart from other restaurants except that Browns is so constantly dependable that people just keep coming back.

The Drink
Tea and coffee are well worth having here, and the same goes for the wine that accompanies the menu. Among the large selection of wines, a good bottle can be found for around £30.

Cocktails, however, are not worth the bother - those available elsewhere are better. Cocktails are thin, and lacking in the quality ingredients needed to provide a good drink, and generally let down the solid quality of the rest of Browns.

The Last Word
Certainly a good stop for a meal whatever the occasion, Browns will always provide a satisfying meal for those who like quality, traditional restaurant food and drink.

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