Nestled within the frost-kissed woodlands of Sutton Park, a dramatic culinary transformation has taken place. The former Toby Carvery, a site familiar to many locals, has undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment and re-emerged as the stylish Browns Brasserie & Bar. Having heard the growing buzz, we embarked on a family winter walk to see if the new establishment lived up to its hype.
The restaurant officially opened its doors on 21 November 2025, marking a fresh chapter for the popular location which had closed back in September 2024. The investment is immediately apparent, offering a complete 'glow-up' from its previous incarnation while retaining the beautiful parkland setting that makes it so unique.
First Impressions and Location
The experience begins before you even step inside. A major advantage for visitors is the free parking, a welcome perk that makes a trip to Browns Brasserie effortlessly accessible. The restaurant's position within the 2,400-acre Sutton Park is its greatest asset.
There is a distinct magic in transitioning from the crisp, open air of the park's sprawling heathland and peaceful walking paths straight into the warm, twinkly embrace of the brasserie. It creates a feeling of a mini-escape, far removed from the hustle of city life, despite being in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham (B74 2YT).
The Food: A Culinary Standout
Once settled in the cosy and polished interior, the service was prompt and the food arrived piping hot. The menu offered a range of appealing options, from classic British fare to seasonal specials.
We started with the chicken skewers and the grilled goats cheese & fig salad. The latter was declared 'perfect' by my husband. For the main course, the fish and chips were a triumph. The batter was exceptionally crisp, complemented by a lovely tartare sauce. A surprising highlight was the pea and mint puree; buttery and flavourful, it was a dish that would make anyone reconsider the humble pea.
The younger members of our party were equally impressed. The kids devoured their festive turkey dinners from the seasonal menu without hesitation, and even the baby was content with a generous bowl of pasta—a relief for any dining family.
Decadent Desserts and Final Verdict
No review would be complete without assessing the dessert offerings, and ours turned into a full group taste test. We sampled the honeycomb ice cream, the Christmas pudding, and the apple and cinnamon crumble.
The Christmas pudding was accompanied by a brandy butter so delicious it was almost criminal. The apple and cinnamon crumble tasted like the very essence of December, and we made sure not a single crumb survived.
With an average meal cost of £30 to £65 per person (covering a starter and main or main and dessert, excluding drinks), Browns Brasserie offers a premium experience. The restaurant fully lived up to the buzz: it was friendly, polished, and provided exactly the kind of comforting, high-quality food you crave after a bracing walk.
This is a significant upgrade for the area—a place we will happily return to. They are currently serving their autumn and festive menus, which are available until 30th December. For anyone planning a visit to Sutton Park, Browns Brasserie is now the definitive destination for a memorable meal.
