insideKENT Magazine Issue 56 - November 2016 | Page 78

FOOD+DRINK

C H I L L O U T AT

Browns Brasserie & Bar, Bluewater
BY DONNA MARTIN

THINK BUSY SHOPS, SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY AND THE TENSION THAT GOES ALONG
WITH BOTH. NOW THINK COCKTAILS, LEATHER, AND GOLDEN LIGHTING. INHALE, RELAX,
AND ENJOY THE HAVEN THAT IS BROWNS, BLUEWATER.

I have a love/hate relationship with shopping centres at Christmastime.
On the one hand, I adore them – the festive decorations, the music, the
events held throughout the season. On the other hand, shopping centres
stress me out. Like, right out. Too many people, massive overspending
– it’s an anxiety-inducing yet exhilarating time, when all you want at the
end of your shopping spree is a few drinks, some peace and quiet, and a
huge serving of something delicious.

For my main, I was torn between two choices: the gnocchi with yellow
and green courgettes, asparagus, peas, mint, lemon and toasted pumpkin
seeds; or the prawn and crab linguine with lime, chilli and coriander pesto.
In the end, I decided on the gnocchi, and after the first bite, was glad I
did. I’d consider myself a gnocchi connoisseur… um, or maybe I just like
it a lot (that makes me an expert, right?), and this perfectly proportioned
combination of tender gnocchi, fresh vegetables and moreish seasonings
made me forget all about the stress just outside the door.

With over 60 eateries to choose from at Bluewater, where do you go
to find a corner of solace and a tasty meal after a tense few hours of
Christmas shopping madness? Your partner fancies pie and mash, you
want something a bit special (and a good, stiff drink) – where do you go?
Browns, that’s where.

My dining companion went for the classic of all classics: that steak and
Guinness pie I mentioned earlier, which was seasoned and cooked to
perfection, and was served with a delectable bubble and squeak and
crisp proscuitto ham.

The traditional brasserie-style restaurant offers a fantastic menu of classic
English fare such as steak and Guinness pie, but also boasts a full menu
suited to the gourmet in all of us including dishes such as pan-fried
seabass fillets with pearl barley risotto, or duo of lamb with sautéed
samphire, chestnut mushrooms and red wine jus.

Pudding was another personal favourite of mine: crème brûlée. Whether
or not I’m a crème brûlée expert doesn’t matter in this case – all I know is
the entire dessert was savoured and promptly polished off, and my fellow
diner had to pry the dish out of my hands before I started to lick it clean.

Since opening the first Browns in 1973, the restaurant has grown to
boast a whole host of locations, including six in London and many more
across the UK. Browns is a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary
with its large centre bar stocked with every spirit you can imagine, while
the main restaurant draws you in with its swanky furniture and cosy-yetbuzzing atmosphere.

If you find yourself at Bluewater this season (which you undoubtedly will
at some point), keep Browns in mind. It’s just what the doctor ordered
when you need some heavenly food and drink away from the hustle.
Browns Bluewater
The Plaza
Bluewater
Dartford
DA9 9SG

My dining companion and I are perfect examples of disagreeing eaters:
my fellow diner usually wants good ol’ fashioned home cookin’ while
most of the time I fancy something a bit different. Browns is a great place
for people like us as the menu offers dishes at both ends of the spectrum.

01322 422880
www.browns-restaurants.co.uk
www.bluewater.co.uk

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