We visit the trendy brasserie hidden in the heart of a West Midlands park
We’d heard the hype about Browns Brasserie in Sutton Park, so we wrapped up warm, took the kids for a winter walk through the park, and decided it was finally time to see what all the fuss was about.
For anyone who remembers the old Toby Carvery, this is a full glow-up. The site closed in September 2024 and, after a £1.5 million transformation, reopened as Browns Brasserie & Bar on November 21. Same beautiful setting, completely new vibe. The restaurant is located within Sutton Park itself.
First win of the day: free parking. Second win: that location. There is something great about wandering straight from the frosty woodland straight into a warm, twinkly restaurant.
Once we settled in, the food came out fast and piping hot. I started with the chicken skewers, then moved on to the fish and chips.
The batter was crisp, the tartare sauce was lovely, and I don’t usually shout about peas but this pea and mint puree was a surprise highlight. Proper buttery, minty little gems.
The kids went straight for the festive turkey dinners from the seasonal menu and cleared their plates without a second thought, and even the baby was happy with a big bowl of pasta. Always a relief when the smallest diner approves.
My husband also opted for the fish and chips - but started with the grilled goats cheese and fig salad - he said it was perfect.
Dessert turned into a group taste test. We tried the honeycomb ice cream, the Christmas pudding and the apple and cinnamon crumble. The Christmas pudding came with brandy butter so good it should be illegal. The crumble tasted like pure December. Not a crumb survived.
If you’re planning a visit, Browns Sutton Park is in Sutton Park, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B74 2YT. You can browse menus or book a table at www.browns-restaurants.co.uk.
For context, the average cost of a meal at Browns comes in around £30 to £65 per person, depending on what you order and the location. That usually covers a starter and main or main and dessert, not including drinks.
Sutton Park
And we can’t leave it there without giving Sutton Park the credit it deserves. It’s one of the real stars of the visit. Sprawling woodlands, open heathland, lakes, and miles of peaceful walking paths make it feel like you’ve stepped out of the city and into the countryside.
Whether you’re pushing a pram, walking the dog or just grabbing a quiet moment before dinner, it sets the mood perfectly. Heading from a crisp, scenic stroll straight into Browns makes the whole outing feel like a little escape.
