Brown Sugar Restaurant and Lounge Bar

I had my 25th birthday Sept 2007 at Brown Sugar and it was nice. My guests and I were all greeted in the perfect manner. There were three others celebrating their birthdays also and so the restaurant combined entertainment for all of us, getting us together and having everyone sing happy birthday to us while we stood on a little stage like platform. We also were given complimentary drinks and the person who was managing that night made every effort to make sure we were having a good time and that we were happy with our meals which we were!

Although there was a long wait for the meal it was worth it. The Starter was brilliant, after eating it, I did not think I could eat my main meal but when that arrived it was a different story trust me!

The only downful I could say was the staff sometimes had slight mix communication with the menu and also the main meals were placed near the open for myself and my guest to dish out our food ourselves which was not really a problem as such but only that the food got cold really quick.

Overall it was a great night and I always still to this day recommend Brown Sugar to others... and it's worth getting the group menu as you get more for your money!
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Lorna
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

This is the second time I have been to this restaurant/bar. The ambiance - fabulous, the live musicians - event better. Unfortunately, that's where it stops.

The service unfortunately is not the greatest. There needs to be clear management on the floor, which it is very clear that there's not. Due to this, we find ourselves waiting for no less than 30 minutes to get the order in for drinks! Then when I gave up and went to the bar, the staff were more interested in talking amongst themselves than keeping an eye on bar to see if anyone needed service.

I then ordered a couple of nibbles from the bar menu with a bottle of wine. 20 minutes later, the waitress (who I later found out was the manager) came over to tell me they'd sold out. She then suggested another bottle, which I accepted, and then 10 minutes later she returned to tell me someone had just taken the last bottle!! It wasn't even 10pm on a Saturday night! The manager then proceeded to tell me that they had problem with their supplier that day and brought me a complimentary glass of wine to taste before I ordered a full bottle. I didn't like the wine and ended up settling on Rose wine - which I'm not a fan of. In nornake circumstances I would have thought ok - but this was the second time I had been there and it was the second time it had happened!

I am disappointed, because the food is good - especially the coleslaw - I want the recipe!!

My friend spoke to the manager and I'm hoping they'll pull themselves together, because it's got the ingrediants to be a great place to go. The live music is a nice touch - if anything worth the visit for a drink and a listen.

Oh and I almost forgot - they didn't have two of the dishes on the menu from the bar - and again took them about 20 minutes to come back and tell my friend - after she'd paid at the bar for it!
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Vanessa
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 4
Monday, January 21, 2008

Just returned from dinner at Brown Sugar. Met up with a old friend that I had not seen for some time. We were both looking forward to enjoying a long evening, catching up and working through a hearty meal while sipping our way through a respectable quantity of rum punches.

On arrival of the main course, the portions certainly did not resemble the generous portion that I expected. I was very disappointed with my main course (£13.95). The succulent lamb described on the menu turned out to be bones which left me searching desperately for some lamb which I strongly suspect was 'mutton dressed as lamb'. Fortunate for me, the food didnt not leave me yearning for more. My friend however, chose stewed chicken which was rustic and certainly did not warrant the £13.95 price tag.

Staff were friendly, although when I complained about the dish they apologised and offered a complimentary rum punch.

For the prices, I expected some a little more original and creative.

In summary, I would go back . Only this time I would return without the expectations of this visit. The restaurant is warm and welcoming however the WC was lacking in hygiene standards on my visit.

The band were good - but a little too loud for the time we were there - perhaps visit later ....... If ever again!!!!
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HyperG
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Saturday, December 01, 2007

I am in total disagreement with the above comment. I found the food fantastic at Brown Sugar and have recommended it to all my friends and family who are also in agreement.

If you were so unhappy with the salt fish and drinks on the day then you should have told the staff who might have been happy to replace it instead of making such negative comments.

This is a great carribean resturant, with staff who are not rude and treat their customers with respect.
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janet
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, November 30, 2007

Was recommended to go to Brown Sugar by a friend who had attended a wedding reception at the restaurant and I must say it was fantastic. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lovely and to top it off the live jazz band was excellent. Really enjoyed my night down there!!! I'll have to pass on the recommendation!
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Rachelle
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November 29, 2007

VERY disappointed. Looking forward to the ackee and saltfish and what I got was tasteless, salty, mush dish and the juice was for the weak rum punch was made a carton.
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 8
Monday, September 24, 2007

Went to Brown Sugar last weekend and found it to be a real mixed bag.

Food was great, proper carribean cooking with a twist with big portions and great selection to choose from.

Cocktails were also good, not too great a choice, but they are well made, if a little short with thier measures.

Saying all that, the atmosphere was a little strange. It would seem that the restuarant is an independant thing (which i always support) but couldnt help getting the feeling that the owner, staff and most of the clients were all part of some extended family as there was much more attention paid to the "regulars" than us mere outsiders. Getting anyones attention was near to impossible and even when we did, we felt that we were interrupting a family gathering and did make us feel uneasy and a little self conscious.

I would recommend this restaurant to others, but would warn them beforehand about this.

Would offer advice to the owners - keep the great food and drink, just try to make your paying customers feel a little more welcome rather than ignoring them in favour of your friends who get the freebies, otherwise you wont be around too long and that would be a shame.
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Linda and Trevor Igebobesku
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 7
Sunday, September 16, 2007

A very warm and inviting atmosphere, with much character and calmness. This dining has been well thought out from the entrance to the bar at the far end.

You will be greeted by the ever so polite hosts and either guided to the bar or to a seat nearby.

The atmosphere boast ambience of dark wood mixed with contempary light dimmers, candles and lounge sofas if you wish to have a relaxed time and remenis.

Prices are affordable and location is ideal for those young professionals looking to have something slightly different and exotic.

This is a place you must at least try once if not for the coctails then the lush food that will have youo craing for more.

Trevor
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Trevor
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, September 15, 2007