Brummells Seafood Restaurant
7 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1LE
Brummells is a real find, yet the extraordinary thing is that it's been there for decades without attracting too much attention. Is this another example of the good folk of Norfolk keeping the best bits for themselves? If so they don't deserve to be blamed, but it is time a wider public was allowed to share the oceanic delights of this restaurant, modern on the outside but delightfully East Anglian inside, with mellow red brick and old fireplaces. Chef Patron Andrew Brummell and John O'Sullivan have between them been awarded two Rosettes by the AA Restaurant Guide and take infinite care in offering a menu that exploits in the best way the plentiful supplies of local seafood. Their gourmet meals by candlelight are the sort of timeless events that are anticipated keenly by busy people who like markers of excellence to which to look forward as they toil away.Brummells is a real find, yet the extraordinary thing is that it's been there for decades without attracting too much attention. Is this another example of the good folk of Norfolk keeping the best bits for themselves? If so they don't deserve to be blamed, but it is time a wider public was allowed to share the oceanic delights of this restaurant, modern on the outside but delightfully East Anglian inside, with mellow red brick and old fireplaces.
Chef Patron Andrew Brummell and John O'Sullivan have between them been awarded two Rosettes by the AA Restaurant Guide and take infinite care in offering a menu that exploits in the best way the plentiful supplies of local seafood. Their gourmet meals by candlelight are the sort of timeless events that are anticipated keenly by busy people who like markers of excellence to which to look forward as they toil away.
A choice of starter might include Brancaster mussels in creamed champagne sauce, delicious creamed fish soup made with coconut milk, six native oysters in the half shell, grilled sardines fillets with chilli oil on a bed of marinated beansprouts, or the most dreamy seafood pancakes topped with Ilchester ale cheese, lightly laced with a green Pernod sauce, then garnished with lumpfish caviar.
Their seafood platters are truly the stuff of which legends are made, prepared warm with garlic butter. Lobster can be of Canadian or local origin, cooked thermidor style, and that minimalist king of dishes, Dover sole, is grilled and served with lemon on or off the bone. For something a little different look for the char-grilled tuna, left pink in the middle with a compote of fruity curry marmalade, an inspired blend of flavours.
Brummells is justly renowned for its seafood but this does not in any way lessen the care and precision with which outstandingly good meat dishes are prepared, and dedicated carnivores will head for the wild red deer venison steaks from Argyll, with a sweet and sour Marsala and juniper berry jus, or prime English fillet or sirloin of beef.
In season just hope that the peppered fresh strawberries nesting in Chantilly cream and meringue with orange rum sauce are on the menu; otherwise perhaps the delightfully rich amaretto and dark chocolate pot - after all Brummells is a place of indulgence where constraints can be cast to the winds.
Après la guerre there is ample choice for those who would linger over something more than ordinarily scintillating in the way of fine cognac, single malts, armagnacs and liqueurs.
The beautifully annotated wine list would take more space much more space than is available. Suffice to say that to find a list of this quality outside London is quite an experience, and one that in itself justifies a visit to this delightful restaurant.
Their Website is a pleasure to use, and for good measure they show the wine list. Go to it and see for yourself.
International, Seafood
: from 12:00 from 18:00
Reservations: 01603 625555
7 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1LE [Map]
£23.00 £49.00
(Avg Price is the average cost per person for two courses, coffee, half a bottle of house wine and tip/service)
REVIEWS OF Brummells Seafood Restaurant
Xavier (22 December 2009)
Recently visited Brummells for the first time, although I live in Norwich I commute to London three times a week for work, thus I have not had the chance to experience Brummells before. An experience is just what it was, I will firmly put Brummells into my favourite box. The atmosphere is second to none, romantic and relaxing, but not mushy, good for business meetings as well as for that special occasion with partner or friends. I found the service to be courteous and professional, lots of restaurants greet you with the touchstone smile, but few deliver expertise and efficiency, a trait to be admired at Brummells. The food I found to be excellent, well deserving of its two Rosettes, nothing fancy, good fresh fish simply prepared.
I enjoyed the smoked salmon starter and attention to detail included a chilled plate, I followed this with a large skate wing in black butter, the fish was moist and succulent and served with a generous array of vegetables, simply steamed and al dente just as I like them. My partner selected the scallops, she was in her element, they were lightly seared and served with a pomegranate chutney, delicious. She deviated from fish with the main course and had venison steak, tender and well partnered with a sweet and sour sauce. We both went for cheese not being great sweet eaters, it was nice to see a trolley offering a good selection at room temperature, I have not found many restaurants outside London that offer this, essential though if you want cheese at it’s best. A super wine list is offered, something for everyone I think, I love a good white Burgundy and these abound. Some may think Brummells expensive, I found it remarkable value, but then I am used to London prices.
Donald Freelman (11 May 2009)
This long-established fish restaurant in Norwich is a much-loved institution and an excellent place for that special occasion. A real treat for fans of great fish dishes in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere.
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More Info for Brummells Seafood Restaurant
Children welcome
Air condition
Reservations
Groups allowed
Outside seating
Cover charge
£16.00
£16.00
Not included, 10% for 7 or more
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