Browns Cafe Bar and Restaurant

Earl Street
Coventry CV1 5RU

Telephone: 0247 622 1100

Vegan

Melanie (Coventry) wrote on 14 January 2008

I have been visiting this establishment for many years now, even before it moved to its current location. Firstly I do agree with the fact that they have been known to refuse wheelchair users. This is not just my claim. I live in Coventry and it hit our Evening Telegraph headlines. Also the staff, including the daughter of the owner can be incredibly rude. I have been asked to leave whilst having a meal once with a female friend for no reason a few years back and it took me a long time to return. Also myself, as part of a couple with another couple have been thrown out of the queue along with other people for no reason at all. When queried we were told no was no and to get lost.

The door policy is not nice. You're fine though if you go in the day but nigh-times, my friends have a lot of trouble getting into the place etc, and we are not kids we are in our 30s.

Some of the staff cannot speak good English and on more than one occasion my order has been messed up but I'd rather leave it as not to cause confrontation.

The drinks are extortionate prices. The coffees etc are reasonably priced but a pint say is around £3.50 and that I think is a lot.

The food is ok. The choice is fab with at least 3 vegan dishes on a day. Lots of choices of meat, fish and vegetarian as well however the food can be hit and miss. I went a couple of weeks back had a lovely meal, following week went back with a friend and it wasn't good and we left it. Price wise it isn't bad at between £5.49-£6.49 per main meal and location is brilliant in our town centre.

The atmosphere isn't bad for such a young student crowd. The DJs at weekend are ok but I prefer in the week with the indie music singers.

All in all I do like it but do be prepared for a not so good reception for no reason at all. Do watch the prices of the drinks as well or it's a very expensive night.

Shaz (Coventry) wrote on 10 January 2008

I went to Browns for lunch with some friends, a lady took their orders and ignored me then told them I wouldn’t be getting served. I inquired as to why I was being refused service at which the lady replied she didn’t have to give a reason. I asked how she would feel if she were in my shoes and she replied "offended". I told her I wanted to put in a complaint regarding her very rude and unpleasant attitude, she told me that she was BROWN and that she ran the place. We all had to find another place for lunch which was inconvenient due to the amount of time we had. Fortunately Lloyds over the road provided great meals at very reasonable prices and the staff were very pleasant. I’ve told quite a few friends about my experience there and I wasn’t surprised to hear it had happened to other people too most of which were interestingly Asian so I have a feeling there might be some racism involved in some of there choices regarding turning people away. I really hope they get what they deserve and go bankrupt so somebody with manners can open a place which compliments Coventry instead of making us all look like retro bate.

Kath (Rugby) wrote on 31 December 2007

We live near Cov and my child is a vegan due to health reasons, we were excited to read about this vegan restaurant.......however when we got there we were not allowed in. They do not admit children, no mention of this on web page! So our large party was left with no where to eat, we asked if they could recommend any where else. The attidude they displayed was not nice, and they said they did not think we would find any where suitable in Cov. The art gallery next door does fab food and catered for everyone in the party!

Val Graham (Warwickshire) wrote on 28 December 2007

The recent review that warned people not to visit Browns was most unjust. We have been regulars for around 15 years, before even they moved into the current premises. Comments about the food, staff etc are obviously a matter of personal opinion. We appreciate the care that goes into the veggie food, and the amazing choice on offer. Some of the Brown family are veggies and they were ahead of their time in the Midlands with their inventive dishes. They also try to accomodate people with food allergies. We get on very well with the staff, and welcome the fact that you can enjoy yourself and relax without having your meal ruined by drunken pests. Women eating alone can feel very vulnerable, but not here.

What is really totally wrong is the accusation about disabled people. Browns has always been a favourite port of call for students from the local college for disabled. I know several people who work at the college as carers and escorts, often to young people with very profound disabilities. They know they will always be made welcome at Browns. They have a lift for those who want to dine upstairs, and a separate loo. In fact,it was my impression that the care about those allowed entry is partly out of protectiveness to such customers, who may feel vulnerable or self-conscious, wanting to have a good time without being gawked at or treated as a freak show.

Apart from anything else, I very much doubt if any restaurant could legally refuse entry to disabled customers.

Rea (Coventry) wrote on 25 November 2007

Browns is most definatly the worst place i have ever visited. The owner manager is incredibly rude, even nasty, how they get away with it is beyond me! Disabled people are not allowed in, also if you're face don't fit. I wouldn't go in there if I was starving. If you have any ethics please give it a miss.

Jo (Coventry) wrote on 25 October 2005

I have been going to Browns for many years and have found the food fantastic and great value. But on 3 separate occasions within the last year (the last time being last weekend) the male friend I have been with has been refused entry. On the last occasion when asked why we could not come in the doorman said "I do not have to give a reason". I found this extremely rude and not the impression of Coventry I want to give to my vegan friends that are new to the city. I would like to make all vegans aware that if your face doesn't fit it seems that Browns will not let you in, never mind how good the food is!

Hayley (Coventry) wrote on 24 September 2004

I have been going to Browns for 4 years - it is THE one place in Coventry that I have always been able to get great tasting, reasonably priced veggie food. Usually my boyfriend or friends get a wider choice, and bigger platefuls of better cooked food than I do. Not here. My boyfriend and I got together over talks about the design and principles of a place like this! Very friendly and accessible to all.

Michael Verdon (Coventry) wrote on 18 August 2002

I enjoy eating at Browns even though I go there mainly to socialise. Browns is predominately a bar with good music and a relaxed atmosphere. What I really like is that I can drink with friends and order food whenever I want it, no matter how late. The veggie choice is better than anywhere in Coventry and always seems to be changing. My vegan friend is fussy about the content of his dinner but always gets a choice and hasn't been disappointed yet.

Daniel Craig (Leamington Spa) wrote on 27 December 2001

I've been eating at Browns for a long time and, even though I'm not a vegetarian, many of my friends are including my boyfriend. It's one of the only places where vegetarian food is always available along with many other dishes and there is a vast selection, not just veg lasagne. So go on, treat yourself or take a friend.

Julian (Derby) wrote on 19 January 2001

Ok, the food is usually great and good value, but we've been in and ordered food in the evening, and it was hot round the edges and cold in the middle (two different main courses). I recommend going when it's got a food bias (it's a pub), at lunchtime or something.

Valerie Graham (Kenilworth) wrote on 15 March 2000

Browns is specifically a veggie restaurant. It is a fabulous cafe bar with a huge choice of veggie meals on a daily changing blackboard. For £4.95 you get a generous portion which includes 3 vegetables from a vast selection. Contrary to another review, I think the atmosphere is fantastic. The building is a real gem of futuristic chic - especially for the Midlands. Be sure to check out the 'magic' taps in the loos!