Where We Eat: Brawn

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of an early dinner at Brawn on Columbia Road.

Brawn is something of an icon on the London dining scene. Like so many of the places we love, it’s stood the test of time and earned that rare, unofficial status of “institution” – the kind of place all good restaurants aspire to become

Very much in the St. John style, but also a proper neighbourhood spot, Brawn holds special memories for us – it’s where Alina and Joel went for dinner after getting married at Hackney Town Hall, just around the corner

This time, it was a little less romantic as we were there to say thank you to Edie, who’s been part of the Wilson’s team since before we even opened the restaurant.  Without her, Wilson’s simply wouldn’t be what it is today.  In fact, Edie was also there when Henry cooked at Oscar’s during a pop-up back in the summer of 2023.  It’s been a long road together, and we’re unbelievably grateful for everything she does.

As for the food – it was spot on.  A perfect celebration of the new season.  The rump of veal with wild garlic and fresh peas was sensational, as was the artichoke with vinaigrette and the Coombeshead Mangalitza ham.  But the standout dish?  Brill with beurre blanc, white artichokes, and clams – a masterclass in simple, product-focused cooking!