Harbour and Browns Cargo 2 Harbourside restaurant review
Posted on: 2017-10-20
Our rating:
Harbour & Browns is perfect for: a date you’re wanting to impress, a comforting mid-week treat or anyone that likes an interesting restaurant location by the water!
Sometimes, it is hard to be wowed in Bristol when the standard of food is so high across the city. The competition means brilliant food is obtainable all over, but its atmosphere and experience really sets a restaurant apart.
That’s exactly what we found from the chic and cosy, Harbour & Browns, at their location at Wapping Wharf. Easily managing to find just the right balance between welcoming and ‘cool’ with an exquisite menu to match, the team behind Brace & Browns have come up with another true contender in the Bristol food scene.
Coming up to winter, it’s all about that comfort food to ease you in, and the team at Harbour & Brown have portrayed this wonderfully in their Autumn menu. Offering the best meat (just) South of the River, it’s a brilliant find if you’re craving a mid-week roast.
Starting as all things should, we chose a Passionfruit Martini from the cocktail list to kick the night off. H & B pride themselves on their prosecco bottomless brunches and we feel we will be returning for that! The cocktail was delightful and the shot of prosecco as an extra added treat was a nice touch. Some moreish spiced almonds were provided as nibbles whilst we looked over the menu.
To start, we ordered the Homemade Root Vegetable Crisps and Dips. The beetroot & horseradish dip was my favourite, a really lovely balance in flavour. For me, one of the stand-out dishes across the whole evening was actually the Crab, Thai Mayonnaise and Prawn Cracker starter. The creamy mayo with crunchy prawn cracker and fried crab really left you wanting more and the presentation of the dish was just outstanding.
For our main, we thought it would be rude not to try the Honey & Bourbon Beef Short Rib and we were not disappointed in the slightest. We took the option to share between two and we both felt this was amazingly good value at £16, especially considering the quality of the meat. Falling off the bone, juicy flavour but not too fatty, it was the perfect cut and portion for two. The Honey and Bourbon Dip had a real kick (I literally drank it at one point.)
The other main options also looked tempting and followed on with the comfort food theme, Trio of Burgers, Wild Mushroom Mac and Cheese among others… as a part-time veggie I was ecstatic to see that the vegetarian option was varied and not lacking in flavour. I would particularly recommend the Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Pumpkin Butter & Seeds, Blue Cheese and Sage Side which was a large enough portion for a veggie main course in itself.
To complement our main, we opted for a side of Maple Roasted Root Veg and Oregano & Parmesan Chips. The maple root veg was delectable, I couldn’t stop eating it. The chips were also nice but they played second fiddle to the other dishes (but only because the others were so good!)
As personal favourites of interactive eating Harbour & Browns DIY Donuts (not their official name) were inspired and a really fun way to round off the meal. The guest was given the control and this dessert included syringes of Salted Caramel and Chocolate fillings to squeeze into the donut – if only it was appropriate to squeeze it directly into your mouth. They were the perfect after-dinner treat.
My only gripe was with the restaurant environment itself. It is a little cold and therefore slightly uncomfortable at times. I really am trying to find fault though, as we did, however, choose to sit near the door. Otherwise, the environment really is fantastic. The use of space and feel of the restaurant is cosy and welcoming but simple and understated. When you remember you’re sat in a shipping container you really do marvel at how cleverly the owners have maximised the space available to them with the design and feel of the restaurant.
Overall, it was genuinely one of the best meals I have had in ages. Great value, flawless service and exquisite, much-loved, comfort food. Winning all round.
Harbour & Browns is perfect for: a date you’re wanting to impress, a comforting mid-week treat or anyone that likes an interesting restaurant location by the water!
Harbour & Browns, Unit 13 Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6ZA
Tel. 07586 327658
Email. info@harbourandbrowns.com
Social media : Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Article by:
Nina is a journalist and radio broadcaster hailing from Sheffield beyond the wall. She’s been in Bristol for nearly three years and recently completed her masters in Journalism. Nina’s interested in all things food, music and exploring arts and culture.
