Jeremy Smith tries out 'the best breakfast in Oxford'

Having learned that Browns on the Woodstock Road is advertising it’s breakfast as ‘the best breakfast in Oxford’ I was intrigued.

After all, it’s a pretty big boast to make in a city where breakfast is still regarded as a civilised necessity.

Though to be fair, the added attraction is the fact that it’s two traditional breakfasts – one meaty and hearty, the other vegetarian – are being priced at 2-4-1. Normally £9 for the meat and £7 for the ‘wilted’ spinach (their words), this seems a pretty good deal.

And indeed it was. At £4.50 for the bacon, sausage and black pudding option, it represented great value.

Likewise, the £7 option with mushrooms and beans was also decent. What concerns me however is what happens when the deal finishes on Sunday, April 13. Do Browns hope, and they surely must, that all those who turned up for the 2-4-1 deal will return in equal numbers, happy to now cough up at the reinstated price?

Personally, I don’t think so. I love Browns and always have – it’s an institution after all – but its breakfasts at full price neither do what they say on the tin nor deliver value for money.

Cote in George Street is heavenly while Portabello in South Parade, Summertown, delivers a knock-out punch, and all for much the same price, served with flair, style and extraordinary attention to detail.

Having said that, I had breakfast in Browns only last year and it was good, so maybe they just need to fine tune their product a little.

Nevertheless, while the offer lasts, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.

The staff are always top-notch, smartly turned out and pleasant, and in terms of ambience it’s hard to beat. But for the record, it certainly is not the ‘best’ breakfast in Oxford. Just a very nice one.

Neither the presentation nor quality of its produce allow it to claim this title – at present – but if it succeeds in attracting a new fan base, you can only salute their effort.

Browns, 5-11 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HA
01865 511 995
Mon to Thu 8am - 11pm
Fri & Sat 8am - 12am
Sun 9am - 10.30pm