Browns Bar & Brasserie - Cambridge

The first Browns opened at Brighton in 1973 with one simple guiding belief, that classic food, well delivered in a stylish environment would be a recipe for success. The only thing that has changed since then is the number of Browns, now running at fourteen, of which six are in London, all prospering with the same theme.

Some of their buildings are particularly legendary in style, sometimes listed and always interesting. Browns at Cambridge was formerly the outpatients department of Addenbrooke's Hospital. No wonder the bar is famous for its Bloody Mary's.

The main menu, available throughout the day, starts with appetisers, designed for sharing, with antipasti of Italian meat, vegetarian or seafood. Flatbreads with a range of interesting toppings complete the range. In amongst the ten starters expect to find pan seared scallops with bacon, spinach and a confit of green peppers. The fish and salad choices include kiln cured salmon salad with dressed mixed leaves, spring onions, butternut squash, roasted beetroot and crème fraîche.

The same theme of comfortable food, well-cooked and presented, continues throughout the mains course with Browns's steak, mushroom and Guinness pie well to the fore, a roast Mediterranean vegetable tart with shallot and thyme pastry, black olive tapenade and fresh rocket.

Afternoon tea is served from 2 - 5.30pm with cucumber or cream cheese and smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches, slice of rich fruit cake and a large fruit scone with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam. Team up a raspberry and chocolate brownie with a raspberry grand cru wheat beer. By the way their breakfast and brunch menu is just one of the best and the pre-theatre supper from 5 to 6.30pm takes no heed of your next intent, and offers terrific value.

The wine list is masterful and not over long, sometimes a great relief to those who find it difficult to navigate their way through an interesting, but lengthy list. Many bottles are available by the glass and helpfully each group of wines is classified under headings such as white, red and rose with house recommendations, New or Old World wines under them.

Browns at Cambridge are well able to deal with groups, and have special menus to look after their particular interests. Click on their excellent Website for further details and menu changes.