Self described as a bar and grill and set on Quay Street in Cardiff's city centre, opposite the main entrance to the Millennium Stadium, Greenwood & Brown rises from the emotional ashes of the closure of the Model Inn.
RAISING THE BAR
I'm rarely pleasantly surprised these days. Most restaurants seem to be clones of a marketing department's drawing board dream and, more often than not, like their marketing people, fail to deliver. So, you can imagine my enthusiasm hearing about Brains' latest foray into branded restaurants.
The Model Inn was one of Cardiff's old pubs - in 1956 Brains purchased it from the local wine merchant, Greenwood and Brown, hence the inspiration for the name. There had been a pub in that particular location for over 120 years but Brains finally called time after steadily dwindling trade. At closing time there was much speculation about whether Brains would sell the pub, refurbish or rebrand. Thankfully for us they chose the latter.
Greenwood & Brown is, quite simply, superb. I really love everything about it. The interior is tastefully designed and feels unique even though some of the features will feel somewhat familiar. It's contemporary without being 'samey'.
Service is truly excellent - the staff made us very welcome without being overly fussy. From the moment we entered, it gave us a strange déjà vu feeling - it felt almost Londonesque, as if we weren't in Cardiff anymore - but still retained that essential warmth and welcoming Welsh quality. It just felt different and we like the difference.
Without going into a morsel by morsel review of our food, I'll just say that it was excellent. We honestly couldn't fault it. I always know when food is good when I start to lose control and the urge to down my cutlery and dive in with bare hands becomes overwhelming. In this case, the urge was extremely strong.
Brains are to be congratulated for Greenwood & Brown. It's an excellent transformation. The success lies in the complete understanding of what it is and delivering it flawlessly to a clientele who it also understands. As a stylish bar and grill, it delivers beautifully. Whoever created the vision for Greenwood & Brown deserves an enthusiastic pat on the back along with all those who realised that vision and, even more so, the staff who have given the concept its human face. Trust me it's a hard thing to pull off but pull it off they have, and quite magnificently.
SUSTAINABILITY
Quality produce Locally sourced
We like Greenwood & Brown's philosophy when it comes to sourcing Welsh produce from suppliers they can trust.
Their premium Welsh beef comes from Celtic Pride, free-range eggs from Gwen and Tony Burgess of Birchgrove eggs and Welsh lamb from quality assured farms. The fish arrives daily through Swansea Fish based in Swansea Marina and Welsh Cheeses from Caws Cenarth. Even the luxurious Welsh ice cream is created by Mario Dallavalle in Carmarthenshire.
Greenwood & Brown have made a serious effort to develop a sustainable approach to their business and it pays off with the excellent taste and superb quality of the produce which is beautifully prepared with passion.
