Our stories about the long-running success of Browns restaurant have brought plenty of praise for the Oxford Covered Market venue.
We told (Memory Lane, July 1 and 8) how it had been set up by Catherine Brown in 1920 and how, despite changes in owners, it had retained the name ever since.
John Lowe, of Kidlington, recalls visiting the restaurant regularly while working in the city centre as an apprentice electrician in the early 1960s.
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He writes: “The venue of choice was always Browns. As the youngest apprentice, I would be dispatched early to pre-order ‘Browns’ speciality – toast generously spread with dripping on large white enamelled trays kept behind the counter.
“This tactic ensured that when my colleagues arrived, the feast would be ready for immediate consumption.
“The person who appeared to be in charge was a very tall man, always clad in a long white overall coat. He operated from behind the counter where he kept order among the throng of electricians, plumbers and bricklayers.”
Many other past and present customers are full of praise for Browns, with plenty of favourable comments online.
Among them is David Hodges, who writes: “My mum used to take me to Browns for a treat when I was very young in the 1960s. I remember one very cold day having hot buttered toast - still the best toast I have ever had. My wife and I go there quite often now and I still love it, partly as it hasn’t changed much in my lifetime.”
Susan Bruno recalled going to Browns as a schoolgirl - she sat in the corner sharing a drink with four or more of her friends, with no objections from staff. “I also remember them giving us a cake - so lovely.”
Pauline Turner had equally favourable memories, writing: “We used to love going there as a family on a Saturday morning.
“It became a ritual for us - great atmosphere and great memories.”
For Rachel Wilshaw, Browns is “my favourite place to have lunch in Oxford and I’ve introduced it to others”, while April Stephens is also full of praise - “Love this cafe - always has wonderful food”.
Gaye Collett remembered her mum and dad having dates at Browns and love also blossomed there for John Day and his future wife Jennifer.
Mr Day writes: “Browns is by far my favourite cafe in Oxford. There’s a wonderful range of food and the staff are friendly.
“Jennifer and I used to go there when courting - it was the site of our first date. We still love to go there.”
This year the city council, the market landlord, is staging a series of 250th anniversary celebrations for the market.
A party featuring music and dance will take place in the market on Friday, September 13.
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.
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