Brawn started off life as a pig and natural wine-focused restaurant in a somewhat edgy location on Bethnal Green's Columbia Road. In the years since, both the restaurant and the location have morphed into something much less hipster and much more inviting.
The bright, bijou front dining room hasn't changed much in this time, and neither has the restaurant's focus on understated but brilliant cooking, but over the years chef-patron Ed Wilson has lightened his touch and broadened the restaurant's scope so there is a more Mediterranean feel to its food.
The British and European focused menu is divided neatly into snacks, starters, mains, and dessert and Wilson has a knack of ensuring that practically every dish jumps off the page. The menu reads like it has been written by someone who genuinely loves eating food - as opposed to just cooking it - with no obvious big hitters vying for attention. You will want to eat everything.
With Brawn, Wilson and his wife Josie Stead have created what must be a near perfect neighbourhood restaurant – brilliant food served in bright and convivial surroundings by friendly, engaged staff. The room has a worn but loved feel, like a comfy pair of slippers you can't wait to sink into.
