Browns - Oxford

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   London

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 8 February 2020

   overall3food3service4ambience1

   There were three concurrent group bookings of 10 plus people right next to us, which made the evening really noisy and unbearable. We were having to shout to have a conversation. This really didn't make for a relaxed dinner!! The food was ok, although overpriced for the portion sizes. Service was good and staff were friendly and attentive. I'd suggest that if they are going to cater for these large groups, which Browns never did before, that they consider the seating arrangements and consider how this affects smaller parties. We left after our mains and went somewhere quieter for desserts and coffee!

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2. P

   Penz

   London

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 24 December 2019

   overall4food4service3ambience4

   We enjoyed a family meal here. The food was good but the service seemed disorganised and was rather slow. The noise level was high at times.

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Oxford

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on 30 November 2019

   overall4food3service4ambience4

   Had to move tables twice, first one next to a speaker and the second under very bright lights. Food was okay except had to send the vegetables back as were cold and the Irish coffee was not that great either. Staff very good though.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Oxford

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 22 November 2019

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Very friendly and efficient staff and service. The food was very good.

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5. M

   Michael

   Aberdeen

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 13 October 2019

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   Would probably benefit from a smaller menu, lots of choice but not done well....... Service was adequate

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6. JN

   JulietteN

   Los Angeles

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on 6 September 2019

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful food. Went twice whilst staying in Oxford for three days. Lovely staff, delicious food. Lots to choose from from the menu. Great ambience too. Thoroughly recommend!

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 4 August 2019

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Solid meal nice price. Nice service. Very nice ambience and very clean. Very good steaks and fish/chips Def would recommend

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   London

   13 reviews

   3.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 28 July 2019

   overall3food3service3ambience3

   Three groups of us drove an average of 90 minutes to this central location that we were told could comfortably accommodate a large group of us (11). We sat for lunch at 12:30 in line with our booked time. The available menu items were very limited with three main popular items already unavailable at this early stage of the day. The sole waitress tried her best but was slightly overwhelmed and could have done with some help. We had vouchers for cocktails that were redeemed almost begrudgingly, which we were surprised at, compounded by another raised eyebrow when we also used a £10 off voucher. I think staff in restaurants offering such promotions would be able to deliver a better experience to their customers by realising that perhaps the reason people drop a decent amount of their hard earned money on lunch in such establishments is because these occasional promotions do offer a little incentive to go there in the first place. Anyway suffice to say we were wholly underwhelmed and the food was average at best on this occasion.

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9. KC

   KenC

   Washington DC

   100 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   100 reviews

   Dined on 1 July 2019

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   After a week of nice “coaching inns” and gastropubs, we were looking for a more upscale establishment for our last dinner before finishing our visit to the Cotswolds and Oxford. Browns had the more modern ambience but the food and service were somewhat uneven. Given we had 6:45 reservations, the restaurant was not all that busy but there was a large table of what appeared to be students who had just graduated or finished their term. Staffing could have been more generous to keep things moving. The “happy hour” cocktails were decent; the Aperol spritz tasted like the ones on Lake Como and the Amaretto Sour was excellent. Our sourdough loaf arrived with a nice crust and steaming hot inside. My roasted chicken was presented nicely with a tasty brown sauce on the side. My wife’s fish and chips (she wanted one more before leaving England) was on the other hand had sections that were disappointing soggy. Not even close to the fish and chip at the Hare & Hounds in Westonbirt. Tried the Cavendish sparkler made in Kent since I have heard that England was making reputable wine particularly their sparklers. Unfortunately the Cavendish turned out to be a disappointment especially at almost 9 pounds for a stem. My wife thought she would have enjoyed a good Prosecco more.

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10. DS

    DonnaS

    Oxford

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 17 March 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Lovely Sunday roast would really recommend it Browns

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11. EC

    ECAP

    Oxford

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 February 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    It was a busy Saturday night, and the service/welcome was a little sporadic and disinterested. The layout with some of the tables was a little messy. However, the interior and food are decent, and I like the menu. I have been before, and it was better last time when it was a little less busy.

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12. SS

    SashaS

    Kent

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 3 February 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Took our daughter and couple of friends for birthday Sunday lunch - service was efficient and very friendly, food was tasty - particularly the Roast Chicken with ALL the trimmings! We didn't have to ask for more water it just arrived and waitress very politely asked the youngsters for id for the celebratory bottle of fizz. We didn’t have pudding as we were all full from the perhaps over generous size of portions for main course.

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13. RE

    RonaldE

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 January 2019

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    I noted it was the wife’s birthday but they never mentioned it

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14. JM

    JMHenleys

    London

    56 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on 26 January 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Really disappointing and patronising service.

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15. NC

    NikkiC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 November 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had dinner in Browns recently and celebrated my twins 18th birthday. The food and service was excellent and they made us feel very special. I would highly recommend Browns. Our waiter was also excellent Ilias

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16. MH

    MH26

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 October 2018

    overall2food1service3ambience2

    We were rushed through – in and out (2 course meal with drinks) in 45 minutes! Gave the impression it was not cooked to order. Starters were fine. Mains were disappointing (Chicken Schnitzel was small, dry, fibrous and not very tasty). It was also really hot in there (unseasonably warm outside though). Wasn’t worth complaining though – just wanted to get out.

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17. JM

    JamesM

    Dubai

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 September 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    It was graduation day in Oxford and my sons birthday. We were lucky to get a table at browns. It’s been a while since I was last in browns, several years and I was really pleasantly surprised. For the pianist on the grand piano to the decor, the buzz, and the food. My son Jamie’s new favourite restaurant.

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18. EF

    EmmaF

    London

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 16 September 2018

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    We had good food - delicious perfectly cooked steaks, excellent chips, hot sour dough bread and pasta with mushrooms. The service was unfortunately rather chaotic and our sides arrived late, but the staff didn't charge us for them and they were at all times courteous and helpful and did everything with a smile.

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19. SR

    SuzanneR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 July 2018

    overall3food5service5ambience2

    Despite having confirmation of our booking for 6 people on my Note Book , the receptionist insisted it was for 4 but eventually decided to swap tables to accommodate us, I did not like standing there being made to feel uncomfortable - no apology. Noise so bad it was difficult to hear anybody sitting next to you, impossible across the table. Sadly it was therefore impossible to hear the pianist apart from the odd note. As for recommending Browns, from the point of good food and service yes, hopeless unless you can cope with the volume of noise. I accept that it was a Friday night and there were those celebrating getting their degrees, and that maybe Friday night is not the best night to go if one wants peace, but Browns has a good reputation and we wanted our Australian guests to have a good experience of Oxford and its restaurants, therefore not the best.

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20. SH

    SharonH

    New York Area

    413 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    413 reviews

    Dined on 14 July 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Unexpectedly good! Excellent variety of food and drink in a large and pretty space. Would go back!

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Oxford

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 13 July 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Always enjoy coming here excellent food and service

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22. M

    Millie

    London

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 6 June 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Great pre-theatre meal, good choices, friendly service, tasty food and very pleasant atmosphere.

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 March 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A very nice restaurant, lovely food and great and friendly service. Would highly recommend.

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 5 January 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We only had one night in Oxford while traveling and chose Brown's for dinner. Broad choice of menu and tempting lobster specials. Wish we could go back a few times to try everything! Shared the lemon tart for dessert and it was excellent.

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25. d

    drtfr

    Oxford

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 17 December 2017

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    Been going to Browns for years and it has its ups and downs. On this occasion it was disappointing. The MC wanted to seat us very close to another table when the restaurant was mostly empty and was miffed when we asked to move. It took a while to place our order and while the food was generally good, the (expensive) steak was over cooked. It wasn’t good value bearing that in mind and my maxim “could have done it better at home” applied on this occasion. The waitress was excellent though. Hopefully it will all be ‘up’ again next time.

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26. P

    Patrickh

    County Durham

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 29 October 2017

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    I don’t think the breakfast is great value. Better for an evening or lunchtime

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 22 October 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really great experience! Went on a Sunday night and had great service and food.

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 17 October 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was delicious and our host was very pleasant and efficient

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29. P

    Patrickh

    County Durham

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 30 September 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Very busy so difficult to hear each other. Food and wine great. Good location.

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30. CG

    ClaireG

    Oxford

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 2 September 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    My husband and I decided to check browns out again for our anniversary. We've been to browns a few times over the year and always found it very nice, but sadly to say it has changed. The food was over priced for what it was. The service was very very laid back. One of the waitresses took our food order while just leaning over the side where we were sat, I had to ask for water on our table which I think should just be given to you. My husbands lager tasted off which totally killed it for him!. I ordered the lobster risotto but In fact was crab meat. No candles in the tea lights on the table which was a shame. Browns what's gone wrong????.

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 August 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Good food and really excellent service including when my father cut his arm.

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 August 2017

    overall1food5service1ambience4

    The manager was not aware of the special offer with Open Table and claimed that there was no way for me to have the offer of £11.95 for two courses. My phone was out of battery and I could not show the email. I had to go to the hotel in Oxford, charge my battery as much as to be able to show the offer. 45 min later, the manager accepted that I was not lying and served the food as requested.

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33. BM

    BrianM

    Oxford

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 August 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    A very good experience for a 50th birthday meal. Good food and excellent service - price is about right for this restaurant. Nice bar too.

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34. M

    Miona

    Oxford

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 July 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    I have been to Browns many times over the last twenty years. I felt this time that despite the menu looking large, there were in fact not many things to chose from for main course. My lamb was mainly meat with some peas and gravy. It's a convenient place to go and quite average. Nothing really bad or really good.

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35. F

    Frog

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 July 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Browns was excellent - food and service, but no thanks to Opentable as they have stopped using this booking system so if I hadn't checked direct with Browns, I would not have had a table reserved.

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36. F

    Foodie16

    Denver

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on 4 July 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    We went to Brown's for afternoon tea and had a nice time. For 14 GBP per person and you get a three tiered platter with small sandwiches, desserts, scones, jam and clouded cream, etc. We had a teapot to split between the two of us with milk and sugar. It was a fun time and a decent price for high tea compared to other local places.

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37. r

    renan

    Mexico City

    76 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on 30 June 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    They seemed understaffed, which affects the quality of service... Food is good but not outstanding

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38. JM

    JohnM

    Exclusive

    23 reviews

    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on 18 June 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Good food but the restaurant was full on Father's Day so the service was quite slow. We were not in a hurry so it all worked out well.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 June 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, cocktails and atmosphere but don't book on open table as they don't use it. Came in and my reservation was not on the system, but they sat me down very quickly.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hertfordshire

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 20 May 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    As with all the Browns restaurants, there's always a good feeling here. Lovely light, with good space between tables. Menu always imaginative. Staff anxious to please. Lovely lunch time!

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