Ian Brown Food and Drink
- Food served: Tue–Sat noon–2pm, 5.30–9.30pm, Sun noon–9.30pm. Closed Mon.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 7
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access
- Music on stereo: Unobtrusive selection
- Capacity: 40
- Open since: 2010
Tell us more about this place.
- Average price:
£11 (set lunch)
£19 (evening meal) - House wine: £13.50 per bottle
The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.
Down in distant (for most of us) Giffnock, husband-and-wife team Ian and Sheila Brown run a restaurant that merits a journey from anywhere in Glasgow, and most points beyond. Formerly head chef at the Ubiquitous Chip, Ian produces food that's interesting and creative without straying into the outlandish. Meltingly succulent braised pig's cheek, plump pink pigeon breasts, nuttily-crusted baked cod and superlative triple-cooked chips are staples on a seasonal, moderately-priced à la carte, while a second, weekly changing menu might carry a chicken breast stuffed with skirlie or pork belly with black-pudding stovies. The extraordinarily good value (£11 for two courses) weekly menu is available at all times except Friday and Saturday dinner, and it's clearly a big draw for the locals who pack the 40 covers out most nights, giving the place a friendly, neighbourly atmosphere. Service from people who clearly really enjoy the job is an added pleasure, and the wine list offers a decent choice at fair prices. Giffnock is a fortunate neighbourhood indeed to have this place to call its own.
- High point: Remarkable value for superlative cooking
- Low point: You may need sat-nav to get here
Ubiquitous Chip chef Ian Brown strikes out on his own
New venture always fully booked despite the economic climate
16 Feb 2011
Reviews of Ian Brown Food and Drink (55 Eastwoodmains Road, Glasgow)
- 1. Tony McNeill, Shawlands – 19 September 2011, 1:49pm
Ian Brown Food and DrinkReport -
Having wanted to go for months, my girlfriend and I visited Ian Brown Food and Drink for her birthday on Friday and this place certainly didn't disappoint. We were met and shown to our seats by Mrs Brown, whose warm and welcoming, charming manner set the tone and tipified the atmosphere of the whole restaurant. To start, we enjoyed slow braised pigs cheek that were so moist and tender it has to be experienced to be believed and the polenta that accompanied was flawless. In addition we also enjoyed a crab mouselline that was delightful and a perfect stepping stone to the meaty main. For mains we settled on shin of beef with vegetables and crushed potatoes and herb crusted cod with chargrilled vegetables. The latter was absolutely spectacular with the sweetness, char and robustness of the vegetables which was perfectly balanced with the soft, flakey fish and the sharpness of the lemon dressing which accompanied. The beef was exceptional and so tender it flaked as easily as the cod.
For pudding we settled on a chocolate fondant, served with fresh raspberries and mascarpone quenelle which can only be described as chocolate nirvana!
Food aside this place has it all, friendly, competent staff, an unfussy but beautfilly decorated dining room, two to three young chefs whose enthusiasm could still be seen after 10pm from the hatch that allows the diner to see into the kitchen and an exceptionally experienced and talented head chef at the helm, who even came round at the end of the night to talk to the diners.
I think it's fair to say that restaurants like this are not gotten or given, they are earned, and the evidence as testimony of this is there for all to see. During our visit, Ian Brown Food and Drink took a simple meal and turned into a dining experience and I for one can't wait to return. Exceptional.
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