13/10/26

Review of Brook & Green in Chiswick

From the refined world of Silver Birch to the more relaxed, all-day appeal of Brook & Green, this Chiswick address has entered a new chapter, one that brings together thoughtful cooking, welcoming hospitality and a rather lovely sense of ease. There is something particularly appealing about a restaurant that knows how to be sophisticated without making a fuss about it. Brook & Green, the new incarnation of the former Silver Birch restaurant in Chiswick, has embraced a more relaxed approach to dining, without losing the attention to detail that makes a meal feel special.

The name itself is a nod to its location between Chiswick’s Turnham Green and Stamford Brook, and the concept feels very much in keeping with the neighbourhood.

Open throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner, it is designed to be somewhere you can pop in for a coffee, linger over lunch or settle in for a leisurely evening. We visited for lunch, keen to see how this new chapter was taking shape. The interiors strike a pleasing balance between modern industrial and understated elegance. Warm timber, natural tones and comfortable seating soften the contemporary architecture, while the exposed cream-coloured ceiling ducting is a particularly wonderful feature. Rather than something to conceal, it has become an architectural detail in its own right, lending character and a little unexpected drama to the room.

There is a warmth to the space that makes it feel inviting rather than overly designed, somewhere equally suited to a morning coffee, a business lunch or dinner with friends. We also had the pleasure of meeting owner Tim Price, whose personal involvement is very much part of the restaurant’s charm. Present to meet and greet guests, he takes a genuine interest in their comfort and enjoyment. It is a lovely touch, and one that feels increasingly rare. Tim previously opened Silver Birch in 2020, and his ambition with Brook & Green is to create a restaurant that becomes part of the everyday life of Chiswick rather than somewhere reserved solely for special occasions.

And then, of course, there was the food. We began with a selection of smaller plates, including Korean glazed chicken, char-grilled and coated in a rich gochujang glaze, with sesame, spring onion and pickled cucumber providing freshness and crunch. It was a satisfying combination of sweet heat and savoury depth. But the dish that really captured my attention was the crispy artichoke with Parmesan and lemon aioli. Confit baby artichokes, fried until beautifully crisp, arrived with finely grated Parmesan, a sharp lemon aioli, parsley and mint. It was absolutely incredible. The contrast between the delicate artichoke, crisp exterior and wonderfully tangy aioli was irresistible. I could quite happily have ordered another plate and called it lunch. Sometimes it is the simplest-sounding dishes that leave the biggest impression, and this was certainly one of them.

For our main courses, we chose two comforting classics. The chicken schnitzel was made with panko-crumbed chicken, served with lemon aioli, peppery rocket and shaved Parmesan. Generous, crisp and reassuringly familiar, it was exactly the sort of dish that suits the restaurant’s relaxed approach.

The bavette steak frites came with Café de Paris butter and hand-cut chips. A classic pairing that needs little embellishment, with the richly flavoured butter providing that extra touch of indulgence. Alongside, we shared a chopped salad of mixed leaves, avocado and toasted seeds, finished with a sherry vinaigrette, a welcome fresh counterpoint to the richer dishes.

What I particularly liked about the menu was its lack of pretension. There are plenty of interesting flavours and thoughtful combinations, but nothing feels unnecessarily complicated. It is food you actually want to eat, rather than simply admire. Brook & Green also places an emphasis on seasonal British ingredients, with produce sourced from smaller growers, higher-welfare meat and fresh fish from the south coast. It is an approach that feels entirely appropriate for a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant.

The transition from Silver Birch’s more formal fine-dining experience to this accessible, all-day offering feels like a thoughtful evolution. There is still a sense of refinement, but the atmosphere is noticeably more easy-going. And perhaps that is exactly what makes Brook & Green so appealing. With its handsome interiors, genuinely welcoming owner and a menu that combines familiar favourites with a little culinary flair, Brook & Green has all the makings of a much-loved neighbourhood address.

As for me, I already know what I shall be ordering when I return. Those artichokes have rather stayed on my mind.

Address: 142 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 1PU

For more information or to book a table, click here.

Words and food photos by Claire Bloom

Interior photography courtesy of Brook & Green

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Aug 23, 2022

3 min read

August bank holiday is upon us and everybody can breathe a sigh of relief. The scorching summer temperatures have been turned down a notch to perfect, and is set to continue, Carnival is back, for the first time in two years, and August bank holiday weekend feels somewhat…normal?

This is the last official holiday of the summer, and it’s going to be BIG! So grab your friends, put on your glad rags and seize it with both hands. If you’re not attending Carnival this year, we have rounded up some of the hottest events happening across London for you to attend.

West End Drag Brunch at The Folly

Sprinkle a little sparkle on your bank holiday with a West End Brunch at The Folly. Featuring some of the best drag queens from West End shows like Kinky Boots and Priscilla Queen of The Dessert! Sit back and enjoy dazzling performances, spectacular vocals, death drops and ample sequins, feathers and sass!

Guess will enjoy 90 minutes of bubbles and bottomless cocktails alongside an “unlimited” selection of grazing plates, including fiery slow-cooked pork ribs and smoked aubergine & mozzarella arancini.

Sunday 28th August | Tickets from £54.95 | 12pm – 3pm | Book tickets here.

Website: https://www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-folly/whats-on/west-end-drag-brunch

Saint Lucian Rum Bounty hosts Notting Hill Carnival after party

To celebrate the return of the Carnival after two years, Bounty Rum will be hosting after-parties at three renowned local cocktail bars. Held at The Beachcomber Tiki Bar & House of Rhum Agricole, Trailer Happiness and Beach Blanket Babylon.

Let the festivities continue into the night whilst you enjoy rum punch and frozen cocktails, DJs and live performers! The hard part will be picking what after-party you want to join!

Saturday 27th – Monday 29th

Bombay Citron Pressé x Fashion Refresh Masterclass

Get your creative juices flowing with the Bombay Citron Pressé x Fashion Refresh Masterclass on Saturday 28th August. Give your garments a new upgrade, inspired by the refreshing and invigorating flavour of the brand’s NEW 100% naturally lemon flavoured Bombay Citron Pressé.

Root around in your wardrobe and find your best pre-loved items to upgrade, bring along items such as denim jackets, jeans, T-Shirts or tote bags. If you can’t find any pre-loved items, fear not there will be T-shirts provided by UNIQLO available to jazz up.

28th August at 2pm | Tickets can be purchased here.

Seven Dials Market’s Carnival Weekender with Reggae Roast

Seven Dials Market is celebrating the return of Carnival, promising to serve up pure carnival vibes this Bank Holiday weekend! Reggae Roast DJ’s will ensure you are entertained throughout the day and while you are there look out for a parade of feathers, masks, glitter, live calypso sounds and of course rum punch and scrumptious cocktails and food!

www.sevendials.co.uk

Live music sessions at The Nest in partnership with craft spirit, Tidal Rum

Treehouse London has partnered up with Tidal Rum to host live music sessions at rooftop bar The Nest, offering spectacular views of London’s iconic skyline. Sip on a Tidal Rum cocktail, kick back and listen to the sweet tunes of Naná Aldrin-Quaye. It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends or enjoy a romantic date with your loved one. Drink highlights include Grapefruit Spritz, Banana Fizz, Deconstructed Mai Tai and The Rocky Pineapple.

www.treehousehotels.com

House Party In Soho at The Little Scarlet Door

The Little Scarlet Door is partying hard all weekend long with resident DJs to keep you on the dance floor all night long, expertly crafted cocktails and lots of good vibes! It’s the flat party you don’t want to miss out on (if you know, you know…)

Friday 26th – Monday 29th August | from 2pm – 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 4pm – 1am on Sunday & Mondays | Reserve your table here.

www.thelittlescarletdoor.co.uk